Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris Accidentally Hits Umpire During Asia Cup Match

In a surprising moment during the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris inadvertently struck umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge on the back of his head with a throw intended for teammate Saim Ayub. The incident, which occurred during the ongoing match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai, raised immediate concern among players and officials alike.

The incident took place in the final over of the powerplay. As Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha turned to Ayub, Haris casually lobbed the ball towards him. Unfortunately, the throw veered off course and struck Palliyaguruge, who was standing nearby. Following the impact, the umpire required medical attention and was escorted off the field to ensure his well-being.

Match Context and Performance Highlights

This unexpected interruption unfolded as Pakistan aimed to solidify their position in the tournament. Earlier in the match, UAE won the toss and opted to field first, putting pressure on Pakistan to set a competitive total. The team managed to score 146 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with Fakhar Zaman making a crucial contribution of 50 runs off just 36 balls.

In response, Pakistani bowlers showcased their skills, with Shaheen Shah Afridi claiming the wicket of Alishan Sharafu, while Abrar Ahmed dismissed Muhammad Waseem and Ayub took down Muhammad Zohaib. Both teams entered the match needing a win to advance to the Super 4 stage, with Pakistan still feeling the effects of recent tensions with the Indian team, which had refused to shake hands following their previous encounter.

The match had already faced delays, starting an hour later than scheduled. This was attributed to a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials and government representatives amid speculation about potential boycotts. Eventually, the Pakistan team received the green light to compete.

As the game progressed, the focus remained on the players and their performances, especially on the health of umpire Palliyaguruge. The incident has served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where even the officials are not immune from unexpected events on the field.