BAN vs PAK 2026: Pakistan lodge complaint after controversial review in third ODI

The ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been marked by several on-field controversies, with the third ODI witnessing a dramatic moment involving an LBW review that sparked confusion and complaints from the Pakistan camp.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Pakistan lodged an official complaint with match referee Neeyamur Rashid regarding the decision taken by on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena. The Pakistan management believes Bangladesh opted for the review only after a replay of the delivery appeared on the stadium’s big screen, which could have influenced their decision.

The controversial moment came late in the match when Pakistan required 12 runs from the final two deliveries. Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain bowled a flighted delivery down the leg side to Shaheen Afridi. The ball appeared to spin further away from the batter and was immediately called a wide by the umpire. However, after a brief discussion among the Bangladesh players, the fielding side decided to take a review for LBW, despite the ball seemingly missing Afridi’s legs and body.

Under standard protocols, a team must decide whether to review before any replay is shown on the big screen, as replays could influence the decision. Pakistan’s complaint is based on the belief that the replay showing the ball passing the bat had already been displayed, potentially giving Bangladesh additional information that encouraged them to review the call.

Pakistan were also reportedly frustrated about the 15-second limit within which a team must request a review. Since no timer appeared on the television broadcast, it could not be independently verified whether Bangladesh made the decision within the permitted time frame.

The situation became clearer once the Decision Review System (DRS) moved to Hawk-Eye, which revealed a spike on UltraEdge as the ball passed the bottom of Afridi’s bat. The spike indicated that the ball had made contact with the toe end of the bat, meaning it could not be given as a wide. Although Bangladesh ultimately lost the review, the wide call was overturned, leaving Pakistan needing 12 runs from the final ball.

Afridi attempted a big shot off the last delivery but was stumped, expressing his frustration by swinging his bat over the stumps. The wicket sealed an 11-run victory for Bangladesh and secured a 2-1 series win.

It remains unclear what specific action the Pakistan Cricket Board is seeking from the match referee, though reports suggest they expect at least a public acknowledgement if an error occurred.

Tensions had already been high earlier in the series. In the second ODI, Salman Ali Agha was controversially run out after stepping out of his crease while attempting to hand the ball to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a moment that also drew frustration from the Pakistan side.