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Women’s WC: Crowd attendance in IND-SL match breaks records

**Women’s WC: Crowd Attendance in IND-SL Match Breaks Records**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 01, 2025, 09:26 am*

The opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between India and Sri Lanka has set a new milestone in women’s cricket. Held at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium on September 30, the game attracted an unprecedented crowd of 22,843 fans. This marks the highest attendance ever recorded for any group stage match in the history of the Women’s World Cup, surpassing the previous record of 15,935 during the India-Pakistan clash in 2024.

**Endorsements and Praise**

ICC Hall of Famer Sachin Tendulkar has applauded the impressive progress made by women’s cricket in recent years. He credited the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a transformative platform, providing much-needed visibility and financial security to women cricketers.

Tendulkar also expressed gratitude towards Jay Shah, former BCCI secretary, for his advocacy of equal match fees for men and women and for laying the foundation of the WPL. According to Tendulkar, these developments have been game-changers for the sport.

**Recognition for ICC’s Initiatives**

In addition, Tendulkar lauded the ICC for announcing record prize money for the Women’s World Cup, which even exceeds the amount offered for the men’s World Cup in 2023. He highlighted that such administrative measures not only change lives but also send a powerful message that women’s cricket deserves equal respect.

The former Indian cricketer emphasized that initiatives like these inspire aspiring young girls by showing them that their passion is valued equally on the global stage.

**Match Highlights**

In a rain-curtailed encounter, India emerged victorious over Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS method). India batted first and posted a competitive total of 269/8 in 47 overs. Crucial half-centuries from Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma helped stabilize the innings after a shaky start.

Sri Lanka’s innings faltered with a middle-order collapse, and they were eventually bowled out for 211 runs. Deepti Sharma delivered a standout performance with both bat and ball, taking three wickets for 54 runs (3/54). With this feat, she became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in women’s ODI cricket, surpassing former spinner Neetu David.

The match not only set new attendance records but also showcased the growing competitiveness and popularity of women’s cricket worldwide.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ind-sl-women-s-wc-encounter-sets-benchmark-with-22-843-fans/story

Women’s World Cup: India beat Sri Lanka in tournament opener

**India Innings: Amanjot, Deepti Power Indian Batting Effort**

Batting first, India started well and were comfortably placed at 81/1 at one stage, thanks to solid contributions from Pratika Rawal (37) and Harleen Deol (48). However, left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera’s magical spell triggered a dramatic collapse, reducing the hosts to 124/6.

At this crucial juncture, Amanjot came to the crease to join Deepti, and the duo batted with great intent, steering India to a competitive total of 269/8 in their allotted 47 overs.

—

### Amanjot Joins Vastrakar with Maiden Fifty

Amanjot played a crucial innings, scoring 57 runs off 56 balls, which included five fours and a maximum. She became only the second Indian batter to register a 50-plus score from No. 8 or lower in Women’s ODIs, joining Pooja Vastrakar, who has four such scores to her name.

This was Amanjot’s maiden fifty in the format, taking her career runs to 155 at an average of 19.37. She later contributed with the ball as well, picking up 1/37 from six overs.

—

### Deepti Registers Her 16th WODI Fifty

Deepti made a composed, run-a-ball 53, hitting three boundaries during her knock. This was her 16th fifty in WODIs, and she now has amassed 2,577 runs at an average of 37.89.

Notably, Deepti has scored 341 runs against Sri Lanka at an average of 42.62, including three fifties. This innings marked her third World Cup fifty.

—

### Sensational Year for Deepti in 2025

Deepti continues to enjoy a dream run with the bat in 2025. Having played 15 WODIs this year, she has already accumulated 434 runs at an outstanding average of 72.33. The fifty against Sri Lanka was her fourth in the calendar year, underscoring her consistent form.

—

### Record Partnership

According to ESPNcricinfo, Deepti and Amanjot forged the second-highest seventh-wicket partnership in Women’s World Cup history. Their unbeaten 103-run stand is only behind their compatriots Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar’s 122-run partnership against Pakistan in the 2022 edition.

No other Indian pair has recorded a 100-plus stand for the seventh wicket or lower in Women’s ODIs, highlighting the significance of this partnership.

—

### Other Indian Batters’ Contributions

Opener Pratika Rawal played a gritty innings, scoring 37 off 59 balls, which included three fours and a six. Pratika shared a 67-run opening stand with Harleen Deol, who narrowly missed out on her fifth WODI fifty with 48 runs off 64 balls, hitting six boundaries.

Sneh Rana provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on an explosive 28 from just 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes. The spinner also contributed with the ball, taking 2/32 from 10 overs.

—

### Inoka Ranaweera’s Spin Magic

Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera was the standout bowler for her side, claiming four wickets for 46 runs from nine overs. Her spell included three wickets in a single over and was her third four-wicket haul in WODIs, with her best figures being 4/39.

Ranaweera has now taken 84 WODI wickets at an average of 32.84 and an economy rate of 4.55. This was her second four-wicket haul against India. In Women’s ODI World Cups, she has picked up 13 wickets from 12 matches at an average of 30.15.

—

### Sri Lanka Innings: Indian Spinners Dominate

Chasing a revised target of 271 in 47 overs, Sri Lanka started well, reaching 82/1 before suffering a severe collapse. Indian spinners Deepti (3/54), Sneh Rana (2/32), and Shree Charani (2/37) were instrumental in strangling the Sri Lankan middle order.

No Sri Lankan batter could reach a half-century, and the team was bowled out for 211 in 45.4 overs.

—

### Sri Lankan Batters Throw Away Starts

Sri Lanka’s skipper, Chamari Athapaththu, looked in great touch, smashing four boundaries and three sixes during her 43-run innings off 47 balls. However, her dismissal triggered the collapse.

Athapaththu had shared a 52-run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama, who also failed to convert her start, scoring 29 off 45 balls with three boundaries.

Nilakshi de Silva provided some late resistance with a fiery 35 off 29 balls, which included four fours and a six.

—

### Deepti Becomes India’s Second-Highest Wicket-Taker in WODIs

With her three wickets in this match, Deepti passed Neetu David to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODI cricket. She now has 143 wickets at an average of 28.19, with an economy rate of 4.29.

The 28-year-old spinner’s tally includes two four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls. She currently trails only the legendary Jhulan Goswami, who has taken 255 wickets.

—

India’s impressive all-round performance, led by Amanjot and Deepti, helped set a challenging target and ensured a dominant bowling display, powering India to a notable victory in this encounter.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/women-s-world-cup-india-vs-sri-lanka-key-stats/story

South Africa-West Indies T20I series shortened to three matches: Here’s why

**South Africa-West Indies T20I Series Shortened to Three Matches**

*By Parth Dhall | September 30, 2025, 03:47 PM*

South Africa’s upcoming home international T20I series against the West Indies has been shortened from five matches to three. The reduction is due to a scheduling conflict with the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which necessitates concluding the series earlier than initially planned.

Originally, the five T20Is were scheduled to take place between January 27 and February 6, 2026. However, the series will now wrap up by January 31, marking the start of the support period for the T20 World Cup.

**Venue Changes**

As a result of the revised schedule, two venues have been dropped from the original lineup. Cape Town’s Newlands and Buffalo Park in East London, which were set to host two matches, will no longer be part of the series.

Instead, the three T20Is will be played at Boland Park in Paarl, Centurion’s SuperSport Park, and the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. These matches are slated for January 27, 29, and 31 respectively.

**Special ‘Pink Day’ T20I in Paarl**

With no ODI cricket planned in South Africa for the 2025/26 season, the final T20I of the series will carry special significance. The match held at Boland Park in Paarl will be observed as “Pink Day,” an annual event where the South African team dons pink jerseys.

Pink Day is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for breast cancer treatment and remains a key highlight in South Africa’s home season calendar.

**South Africa’s Packed International Schedule Ahead**

South Africa’s busy international calendar continues to shape their scheduling decisions. The Proteas are currently on an overseas tour that runs until December 19, 2025.

Next month, they will begin their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title defense with a series against Pakistan, which includes Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Following that, South Africa will embark on an all-format tour to India featuring two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.

Looking ahead, South Africa is also set to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, adding further excitement to their international cricket commitments.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/south-africa-to-play-three-t20is-against-west-indies/story

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub hits record low in T20I cricket: Key stats

**Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets Unwanted Record**

*By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm*

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a challenging tournament in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. Despite being regarded as one of the most talented openers, Ayub struggled with the bat, managing an average of just 5.28 throughout the competition. This unfortunate performance marks the second-lowest batting average for a top-order player (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz. His dismal run included four ducks during the event.

### A Difficult Asia Cup for Ayub

Ayub’s underwhelming form significantly impacted Pakistan’s top order. Across seven innings, he scored only 37 runs, averaging a mere 5.28. Cricbuzz notes that this is the second-lowest average recorded by any top-order batter in a T20I series between Full Member nations. The only player with a worse average is Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged 5 during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Starting the tournament as an opener, Ayub was eventually moved down the batting order as his struggles continued. His scores included three consecutive ducks against Oman, India, and the UAE, followed by another duck against Bangladesh. The only respite came in two matches against India, where he scored 21 and 14 runs respectively.

### Strength with the Ball

Although Ayub found runs hard to come by, he proved effective with his off-spin bowling. He took eight wickets in seven matches during the Asia Cup, maintaining an impressive average of 16.00 and an economy rate of 6.40. His bowling efforts were a bright spot amid his batting woes.

### Career Overview

Since making his T20I debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 matches, accumulating 853 runs at an average of 19.38. He boasts a strike rate of 134.11 and has scored four half-centuries in this format so far. Despite the recent setback in the Asia Cup, Ayub remains a promising talent for Pakistan’s cricket future.

—

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the Asia Cup and international cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub hits record low in T20I cricket: Key stats

Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets an Unwanted Record

By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm

What’s the story?

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a disappointing run in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup. Despite being regarded as one of the most talented openers, Ayub averaged just 5.28 with the bat throughout the tournament. This marks the second-lowest batting average for a top-order batter (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz. His struggles included four ducks during the competition.

Underperformance: Second-Lowest Average by a Top-Order Player

Ayub’s poor form significantly affected Pakistan’s top order. In seven innings, he managed to score only 37 runs, resulting in an average of 5.28. As per Cricbuzz statistics, this is the second-lowest average ever recorded by a top-order player in a T20I series contested between Full Member nations.

The only player with a lower average is Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged 5 during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Performance Breakdown: His Asia Cup 2025 Journey

Throughout the Asia Cup 2025, Ayub’s batting troubles continued unabated. He started the tournament opening the innings but was eventually demoted down the order in an attempt to find form. Unfortunately, these changes did not pay off.

His scores included three consecutive ducks in matches against Oman, India, and UAE, with an additional duck against Bangladesh. The only relatively better performances were scores of 21 and 14 in the other two games against India.

Effective with the Ball

While Ayub’s batting was below par, his contributions with the ball were noteworthy. The off-spinner took 8 wickets in 7 matches at an impressive average of 16.00 during the Asia Cup. Additionally, his economy rate was a commendable 6.40, adding valuable support to Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Overall T20I Career So Far

Since making his debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 T20I matches. In this span, he has accumulated 853 runs at an average of 19.38. His strike rate stands at a healthy 134.11, and he has recorded four half-centuries in T20I cricket.

Despite his struggles in the 2025 Asia Cup, Ayub remains a promising talent with all-round capabilities to bounce back in future tournaments.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub hits record low in T20I cricket: Key stats

Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets Unwanted Record

By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm

What’s the story?

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a difficult tournament in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. Despite being one of the most talented batsmen in the lineup, Ayub struggled with the bat, averaging just 5.28 throughout the series. This unfortunate performance has now placed him with the second-lowest average for a top-order batter (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz.

Underperformance: Second-Lowest Average by a Top-Order Player

Ayub’s poor run with the bat was a significant concern for Pakistan’s top order. Over seven innings, he managed only 37 runs, resulting in a dismal average of 5.28. Cricbuzz notes that this is the second-lowest average by any top-order player in a T20I series between Full Member nations. The only lower average was registered by Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged five during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Performance Breakdown: Ayub’s Journey Through Asia Cup 2025

Throughout the Asia Cup 2025, Ayub’s form steadily declined. He started the tournament opening the innings but was later demoted down the order in an attempt to revive his performance. Unfortunately, these changes did not help. His batting included four ducks, with three consecutive zeroes against Oman, India, and UAE, followed by another duck versus Bangladesh. His only notable scores were 21 and 14 in two separate matches against India.

Effective with the Ball

Though Ayub struggled with the bat, he was surprisingly effective as a bowler during the tournament. The off-spinner claimed eight wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 16.00. Additionally, he maintained a tight economy rate of 6.40, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s bowling efforts.

Ayub’s Overall T20I Record

Since making his international T20 debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 T20I matches, accumulating 853 runs at an average of 19.38. He holds a strike rate of 134.11 and has registered four half-centuries in the format so far.

While Ayub’s recent performance at the Asia Cup was disappointing, his overall career shows promise. Fans and experts alike will be hoping he can bounce back stronger in upcoming series.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

’11-0 Number Of Pakistani Bases Destroyed’: Fans Decode Tilak Varma’s ‘V’ Celebration After India’s Asia Cup 2025 Triumph

Tilak Varma’s post-match celebration became one of the most talked-about moments after India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan at the Dubai Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28.

Moments after sealing the hard-fought victory, Varma saluted the crowd and formed a ‘V’ symbol with his fingers — a gesture fans quickly began decoding. While the ‘V’ traditionally stands for “victory,” social media users drew a deeper connection, suggesting it referenced the symbolic ’11-0′ scoreline in the context of Operation Sindoor, where 11 Pakistani air bases were reportedly targeted.

### Fans Decode Tilak Varma’s ‘V’ Sign Celebration

The gesture sparked widespread discussion among fans, who interpreted the ‘V’ sign as more than just a symbol of triumph, linking it to the recent military operation. This post-match celebration added an extra layer of intrigue to an already historic win for India.

### Suryakumar Yadav Lashes Out at ACC for Denying Trophy

Having defeated Pakistan for the third time in just two weeks to win the Asia Cup, Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team notably refused to accept the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board chief and the country’s ‘Interior Minister,’ is known for his vocal anti-India stance.

As a result, the presentation ceremony concluded with Naqvi leaving the dais and taking the trophy with him on Sunday night, without handing it over to the champions.

Lashing out at the ACC, Yadav said, “I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing and following cricket — that a champion team is denied a trophy. I mean that too a hard-earned one. It’s not like it happened easily. It was a hard-earned tournament win.”

Despite the controversy, the Indian captain tried to imitate Rohit Sharma’s iconic walk from the T20 World Cup 2024 final. The Indian players then performed a shadow-lift of the trophy following the presentation ceremony of the Asia Cup 2025 final, symbolizing their triumph in a dignified manner.

### Tilak Varma’s Match-Winning Knock

Earlier in the match, Tilak Varma starred with the bat for the Men in Blue, anchoring the chase with a composed 69* off 53 balls. His innings included three fours and four sixes, the most crucial of which came in the final over against Haris Rauf.

With India needing eight runs off the last six balls, Varma launched Rauf’s delivery over the ropes to bring the equation down to two runs off four balls.

Rinku Singh, who was facing his first delivery of the match — and of the tournament — then struck a six, sealing the victory with two balls remaining, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and fans alike.

### Key Contributions from Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav

Shivam Dube also played a vital role in the successful chase, scoring a brisk 33 runs off 22 balls. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance with the ball had put India firmly in control during Pakistan’s innings, setting the stage for a memorable win.

—

India’s thrilling victory in the Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered not just for the cricketing excellence displayed, but also for the passionate celebrations, meaningful gestures, and the spirited response to off-field controversies.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/11-0-number-of-pakistani-bases-destroyed-fans-decode-tilak-varmas-v-celebration-after-indias-asia-cup-2025-triumph

’11-0 Number Of Pakistani Bases Destroyed’: Fans Decode Tilak Varma’s ‘V’ Celebration After India’s Asia Cup 2025 Triumph

Moments after sealing the hard-fought victory, Varma saluted the crowd and formed a ‘V’ symbol with his fingers—a gesture fans quickly began decoding. While the ‘V’ traditionally stands for “victory,” social media users drew a deeper connection, suggesting it referenced the symbolic ’11-0′ scoreline in the context of Operation Sindoor, where 11 Pakistani air bases were reportedly targeted.

### Fans Decode Tilak Varma’s V Sign Celebration

The celebration sparked widespread discussion across platforms, with many fans interpreting Varma’s ‘V’ sign as more than just a victory symbol. The reference to Operation Sindoor added a layer of patriotic significance, making his gesture a memorable moment from the final.

### Suryakumar Yadav Lashes Out at ACC for Being Denied Trophy

Having won the Asia Cup by beating Pakistan for the third time in just two weeks, Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team made headlines off the field as well. The team refused to take the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board chief and, more notably, Pakistan’s Interior Minister known for his vocal anti-India stance.

Since the Indian team chose not to accept the trophy from Naqvi, the presentation ceremony concluded with him leaving the dais and taking the trophy with him on Sunday night.

Expressing his frustration with the ACC, Surya said,
“I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing and following cricket—that a champion team is denied a trophy. I mean, that too a hard-earned one. It’s not like it happened easily. It was a hard-earned tournament win.”

Despite the unusual ceremony, Surya attempted to lighten the mood by mimicking Rohit Sharma’s walk from the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Indian players then gave a symbolic shadow-lift of the trophy following the Asia Cup 2025 final presentation.

### Tilak Varma’s Stellar Performance

Earlier in the match, Tilak Varma starred with the bat for the Men in Blue, anchoring the chase with a composed 69* off 53 balls. His innings featured three fours and four sixes, with the most crucial six coming in the final over against Haris Rauf.

With India needing eight runs off the last six balls, Tilak launched Rauf over the boundary, reducing the equation to two runs off four balls. Rinku Singh, facing his first delivery of the match and the tournament, then struck a towering six to seal the victory with two balls remaining, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and fans alike.

### Contributions from Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav

Shivam Dube also played a vital role in the chase, scoring a quickfire 33 off 22 balls. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance with the ball had put India in control during Pakistan’s innings, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

—

India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph will be remembered not only for the intense cricket but also for the passionate moments on and off the field, encapsulating the spirit of competitive cricket and national pride.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/11-0-number-of-pakistani-bases-destroyed-fans-decode-tilak-varmas-v-celebration-after-indias-asia-cup-2025-triumph

IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025 Final: Salman Ali Agha Casually Tosses Cheque Of $75000 Before Speaking To Simon Doull After 3rd Consecutive Loss To Team India; Video

**Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha Caught Tossing Aside $75,000 Runners-Up Cheque After Asia Cup 2025 Final**

In a surprising moment following the Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha appeared to casually toss aside the $75,000 runners-up cheque presented to his team. The incident occurred shortly after Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi handed over the cheque. A video of the moment has since gone viral on social media, drawing considerable attention.

Pakistan faced India in the final, suffering their third consecutive loss to their arch-rivals in the multi-nation tournament. The Men in Green experienced a dramatic collapse, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs and setting a modest total of 147 to defend. Despite a valiant effort with the ball and a thrilling contest, India emerged victorious.

Tilak Varma played a crucial role for India, scoring a masterful 69 off 53 balls, supported by valuable contributions from Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson. India chased down the target comfortably, winning by five wickets with two balls to spare.

### Salman Ali Agha Reflects on Pakistan’s Collapse

After the match, Salman Ali Agha addressed Pakistan’s surprising batting collapse, explaining what went wrong. The team went from a strong position at 113/1 to being all out for 146 in just 19.1 overs. Only three Pakistani batters—Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman—managed to reach double figures.

Agha commented during the post-game presentation,
“Yeah, it is a tough pill to swallow right now. But I think we did not finish well with the bat. And bowling, I think we were outstanding. We gave everything. But yeah, if we could have finished well, it could have been a different story.”

He added,
“I think we couldn’t rotate the strike properly. And then we, I think, lost too many wickets at times. So I think that was the reason we couldn’t score what we wanted. But yeah, we’re going to sort out our batting very, very soon.”

### Final Thoughts

While Pakistan’s bowlers put in a commendable effort, the batting failure ultimately cost them the title. With lessons learned from this defeat, the Men in Green will be looking to bounce back stronger in upcoming tournaments.

—

*Watch the moment Salman Ali Agha seemingly disrespected the runners-up cheque and hear his full post-match comments below:*
[Embed video or provide link]
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ind-vs-pak-asia-cup-2025-final-salman-ali-agha-throws-away-75-million-cheque-before-speaking-to-simon-doull-after-3rd-consecutive-loss-to-team-india-video

Is it a bird? No, it’s Dickie Bird

Watching most of these men up close and personal must have been special for you, allowing you to pick an eleven of the finest.

I’m thinking, in the years when you went out to umpire, there was a relative simplicity to the game—no DRS, no third umpires, no reviews, and no replays. When you gave a batsman out, that was it. He was out, no one questioned it, and he just walked. I imagine you would have been appalled to have a third person take the final decision for you.

It’s funny—you were most famous for diffusing tense situations with self-deprecating humour and jest. So, I have a question: with all the sledging and non-shaking of hands that’s been going on between us and the Pakistanis, do you feel it was in the spirit of the game? Once two teams have agreed to play, would you have insisted that they conduct themselves amicably, or would you have had something to say?

Last Tuesday’s match was like a gun battle shrouded in a game of cricket. The umpires watched benignly as players let go of their cricket gear for imaginary guns; skilled players became soldiers. How would you have handled it?

More importantly, we meet the Pakistanis tonight in the final of the Asia Cup. Things have gone from bad to worse. In the first encounter, hands weren’t shaken. In the second, planes fell out of the sky—it was nasty stuff. What would you have done then, and what would you do tonight if you were one of the two umpires?

I’m guessing you’d gather all 22 players on the 22 yards and have a wee chat.

“How do, lads? How’s the scene tonight?” you’d joke, about wanting good, clean, competitive cricket—nothing more—in your endearing Yorkshire accent.

Back in the day, you looked over some really colourful characters. Sunny and Imran were both in your greatest Test eleven. Gavaskar, one of your top openers, and Imran, your skipper. Our relations as two cricketing nations were tense, but somehow politics stayed out of the equation. Imran even convinced Sunny to delay his retirement.

One could argue that everything has become more complex and complicated. Umpires now head out to the middle armed to the teeth, yet the modern on-field umpire has the safety net of an air-conditioned third opinion, aided by technology and tracking systems. The stress on his correct or incorrect decision-making is much less.

You, Harold Dennis Bird, just had your two eyes, an instinct and feel for the game, balancing the rule book versus the conditions. An understanding of human beings, the geniality of a gentleman coupled with solid firmness.

Six hours a day of complete focus—picking out no-balls, hearing nicks to the keeper, allowing no nonsense between players, getting those LBW decisions correct in a nanosecond. The massive repercussions between an appeal and your finger going up—and you controlled some of the most volatile folks in the game: Ambrose, Warne, Lillee.

Nudges onto the pads when LBW decisions were demanded, and the sheer knowledge of the game—you had no second chances. There were no instant replays. Just you, having to take an instant decision.

You always knew a batsman was out when the great Dickie Bird raised his finger and said so—like Brian Lara.

Rest well, dear Dickie. The giant cricket stadium in the heavens awaits you.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/is-it-a-bird-no-its-dickie-bird-23596149