India captain Suryakumar Yadav faces heat from Pakistan legend Wasim Akram for 'unnecessary' call

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav sparked controversy in the Asia Cup 2025 final by calling for an 'obstruction on the field' check against Pakistan's Salman Agha, which Wasim Akram criticised as unnecessary. The third umpire dismissed the appeal. Despite this, India dominated, bowling Pakistan out for 146, with Kuldeep Yadav starring.

Suryakumar Yadav (AP Photo)

Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond his batting in the Asia Cup 2025 final, as Pakistan legend Wasim Akram questioned his decision to call for an ‘obstruction on the field’ check during Pakistan ’s innings in Dubai on Sunday. The flashpoint came in the 16th over when Salman Agha pushed Axar Patel towards extra cover and scampered back for two. Suryakumar, patrolling the infield, dived, fumbled, and hurled the ball back.

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His throw struck Agha as the batter completed the second run. SKY immediately asked the umpires to check for obstruction, telling them, “You check it.” The replays, however, showed that Agha had run straight, with no change in direction. The third umpire quickly dismissed any chance of foul play, ruling in favour of the batter. Commentating on the incident, Wasim Akram did not hold back. “It was completely unnecessary,” he said, suggesting that SKY’s appeal was not needed at the moment. His words sparked instant debate among fans and pundits alike — was it gamesmanship, overzealousness, or simply a captain wanting to explore every option? Beyond the controversy, the final tilted heavily India’s way. After a promising start at 84 without loss, Pakistan collapsed spectacularly, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs. Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) were the only two to make notable contributions as Pakistan folded for 146 in 19.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav once again starred with the ball, claiming 4/30, while Bumrah, Chakravarthy and Axar picked two wickets apiece. The collapse underlined India’s grip on the contest, but SKY’s appeal remained a talking point.

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