LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars’ veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza clarified that he was not involved in changing the position of the ball during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match against arch-rivals Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Controversy erupted before the final over of the Kings’ run chase when the on-field umpires gathered to analyze the ball and deemed it to have been changed, resulting in a five-run penalty for the Callanders.
Instead of 14 for Kings, a penalty reduced the equation to 9, and Abbas Afridi’s back-to-back fours off the second and third balls guided the 2020 champions to a stunning four-wicket victory.
Raza, who briefly engaged with on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Afridi while assessing the position of the ball, immediately denied changing its position, insisting the match officials had a better say on the controversy.
He further shared that the field umpires instructed the fielders to step aside during this process.
“I think the correct information was not given yet. The umpires asked us to step aside as they were talking to the other umpire. When we asked for the reasons, they asked us to step aside for now,” Raza said at the post-match press conference.
“The right answer can be given better by the umpires or other umpires who have a walkie-talkie,” he added.
He added that he did not try to change the position of the ball before confirming that the investigation was not called.
“I think I can only speak for myself. I mean, there was no attempt from my side to change the position of the ball or even try,” Raza clarified.
“For as long as I can remember, I was fielding at long-on and there was a bit of snow. We were told not to try to keep the ball dry under the shirt, so I started doing it with the sleeves.
“Until we see evidence of any player they’re asking or accusing, that’s a big decision.
“I just went to the changing room and I assure you I’ve been called in for questioning so I think I’m safe.”
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