Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi launched a scathing attack on the umpire who gave out to Fakhar Zaman against the bowling of Hardik Pandya in Sunday’s Super-four match of the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Zaman was given out caught behind on the bowling of Hardik Pandya. The decision was initially made by the on-field umpire and then referred to the third umpire for review.

Afridi suggested on a Pakistani TV channel that the umpire was biased towards India, implying the umpire had aspirations to officiate in the Indian Premier League.

The caught-behind decision was reviewed by the third umpire, who checked a few slow-motion replays before upholding the call in India’s favour. After returning to the dressing room, Zaman expressed his displeasure at the third umpire’s decision. Afridi, sharing his view, stated that he believed the Pakistan opener was not out.

“He has to umpire in the IPL too,” Afridi said on Samma TV, suggesting that the umpire was biased towards India.

Former Pakistan batter Mohamamd Yusuf, who was also a part of the panel discussion, echoed Afridi’s sentiments.

“They didn’t even check many angles. Fakhar had hit three fours and handled Bumrah with ease in the first over. His wicket was crucial for India,” Yusuf asserted.

Earlier, even Pakistan pace great Shoaib Akhtar had termed the third umpire’s call to give Fakhar out, the ‘wrong’ one.

“Fakhar wasn’t out. With 26 cameras available, why did the third umpire only check two angles? If Fakhar had stayed, the match might have turned,” he had said.