Pakistan’s defeat against Australia in the second test is attributed by Mohammad Hafeez to “inconsistent umpiring and the technology curse”

Australia defeated Pakistan by 79 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday in the second Test. With one match remaining, the outcome saw the visitors lose the series as well. Director of the Pakistan cricket team Mohammad Hafeez says the squad lost the match because of the “inconsistent umpiring and technology curse”. It is noteworthy that after Mohammad Rizwan was caught behind, Pakistan needed 98 runs to chase down 317 with five wickets remaining. After the ball struck Rizwan’s glove’s wristband, Alex Carey made the catch behind the wickets.

Although Australia chose to walk upstairs, ground umpire Michael Gough was not persuaded by the plea. Third umpire Richard Illingworth believed there was sufficient evidence from Hotspot and Real-Time Snicko during the DRS review to conclude that the ball had touched Rizwan’s wristband. As a result, Rizwan was declared out and the ground umpire’s judgment was reversed.

Pakistan lost their last five wickets for eighteen runs, including the departure of Rizwan, in a dismal loss.

“We made some mistakes as a team, we will take that, we will address those things, but at the same time I believe inconsistent umpiring and technology curse (has) really given us the result which should have been different,” Hafeez stated during the news conference after the match.

These, in my opinion, are the areas that need attention. (Rizwan) is a very honest individual, based on our conversation. He said that he was not even aware of it touching the gloves in any way. And based on what we saw, there ought to be sufficient proof to overturn the umpire’s ruling. I am aware of it. There was insufficient evidence to support the umpire’s ruling, and the decision does not need to be overturned.

“I support technology, but only if it benefits me or my business.” However, no one should take it if it’s casting doubt on the game or introducing a curse. Technology, in my opinion, is detracting from the game’s instincts.”