The Asia Cup T20 2025 Super Four match between India and Pakistan has ignited a major controversy after Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman was given out in a decision that has been widely criticized. The incident occurred when Fakhar, who had been promoted to open the batting, was dismissed for 15 runs off 9 balls, with the team's total at 21.

The dismissal, credited to Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, came after the on-field umpires referred the appeal to the third umpire. Replays showed the ball appearing to touch the ground before Sanju Samson, the Indian wicket-keeper, completed the catch. Despite the apparent evidence, the third umpire declared Fakhar out, leaving the batsman visibly surprised and sparking outrage among former cricketers and fans.

Former Pakistani players have been vocal in their criticism of the decision. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir stated on social media, "Fakhar Zaman was not out". Similarly, former batsman Fawad Alam expressed frustration, suggesting that Pakistan was playing against "14 players instead of 11". Waqar Younis, on commentary, also expressed his uncertainty about whether the catch was clean. "I'm not sure whether the ball carried to Samson. I would want to see another replay," Waqar said.

Shoaib Akhtar has yet to comment on this specific incident, but he has previously weighed in on controversial dismissals involving Fakhar Zaman. In 2021, Akhtar addressed a run-out controversy involving Fakhar and South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock. In that instance, De Kock gestured as if the throw was going to the non-striker's end, leading Fakhar to slow down before being run out. Akhtar stated that while he wouldn't call it cheating, it was not in the "good spirit of the game". He also expressed disappointment that penalty runs weren't awarded to Pakistan, which could have changed the outcome of the game.

The current controversy surrounding Fakhar's dismissal has fueled debates about the consistency and accountability of third-umpire reviews. The decision has added another chapter to the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan.

Fakhar himself was visibly upset with the decision, appearing to make a verbal gesture as he left the pitch. Visuals showed him expressing his disapproval to head coach Mike Hesson before returning to the dressing room.

This incident isn't the first time Shoaib Akhtar has spoken about Fakhar Zaman. In December 2024, Akhtar urged Fakhar and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resolve their differences after Fakhar was dropped from the squad. Akhtar attributed Fakhar's exclusion to "ego battles" and advised him to focus on his performances.

The disputed dismissal of Fakhar Zaman has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire of the India-Pakistan rivalry. Whether or not the decision was correct, it has sparked widespread debate and raised questions about the standards of umpiring in high-stakes matches.