World Cup 2023: Harbhajan Singh hits out at ICC over bad umpiring in SA vs PAK

Harbhajan Singh has slammed International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport's governing body, for the bad umpiring during Pakistan's defeat against South Africa in the World Cup on Friday. The former India spinner was incensed with the lack of clarity over DRS on questionable decisions.

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The point of contention came in the closing stages of South Africa's thrilling 1-wicket win when Tabraiz Shamsi was given not out for a leg before appeal by the on-field umpire. Pakistan decided to question it by asking for a review. On inspection by the video umpire, it became clear that the ball was hitting the leg stump but less than the 50 percent. As a result, it was given as umpire's decision and the South Africa batter remained alive. Pakistan, meanwhile, were left disappointed with the call.

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As things transpired, South Africa went on to clinch the win and significantly hurt Pakistan's chances of making the semi-finals. The Proteas, meanwhile, jumped to top of the table with five wins in six matches.

Harbhajan was furious at the bizarre rule and slammed the ICC for not being clear on whether they want to employ technology fully or stick with human decision-making. The veteran argued that when the ball is hitting the stumps, the decision should go in favour of the bowler.

"Bad umpiring and bad rules cost Pakistan this game.. @ICC should change this rule .. if the ball is hitting the stump that’s out whether umpire gave out or not out doesn’t matter.. otherwise what is the use of technology???" posted Harbhajan on X, formerly Twitter.

Graeme Smith, former South Africa captain, argued that Rassie van der Dussen was also given out to a umpire's call. In reply 'Bhajji' posted, "He was not out according to me .. but tech was there to give him out as umpire gave him out.. otherwise umpire would hv looked bad for wrong decision.. they saved the umpire there not the player who could have won the game easily for SA."

In reply to a user who shared a clip of Nasser Hussain explaining the margin of error kept in DRS, Harbhajan suggested it is better to use either technology or umpires fully. "Ok if the tech is right go with tech y do u need umpires to stick to the their own decisions ? Utterly nonsense .. use 1 tech or umpire .. don’t make people fool who love this game blindly," he posted.

Gautam Gambhir, part of the broadcasting team, said, “I am not saying this because Pakistan lost the game. This happened with South Africa as well and the ICC should make the rule clean. The batter should be declared out if the ball clips the bails,” he said.