The Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed a dramatic and worrying moment when on-field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was struck on the ear by an accidental throw. The unexpected incident forced the match officials to halt play temporarily, creating concern among players and spectators alike.
The incident occurred during the final over of the powerplay, when Saim Ayub was delivering his fifth ball. A routine return throw from a fielder went off target and unfortunately struck Palliyaguruge on his left ear. The umpire was seen in discomfort immediately after the impact, prompting medical staff and nearby Pakistan players to rush to his aid without delay.
Play came to a standstill as Palliyaguruge received on-field treatment. Despite the throw not being excessively forceful, it was enough to cause concern for his well-being. The seriousness with which the medical team and players responded reflected the importance of umpire safety in high-intensity matches.
The umpire who had been giving wrong decisions since the India vs Pak match for Pakistan was hit by a Pakistani fielder and left the ground.
— paty (@_midwicket) September 17, 2025
Warra Aatankvadi teamðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/qVXwHGabuQ
Soon after, the reserve official, Gazi Sohel, was called in as a substitute umpire. Palliyaguruge, meanwhile, was escorted off the ground for further medical evaluation to ensure there were no lingering issues from the blow. The swift decision underscored the organizers’ commitment to prioritizing health over the flow of the game.
Although the scare caused temporary anxiety, the match resumed shortly after the substitution. Fortunately, the situation did not escalate further, but the moment served as a stark reminder of the risks umpires face on the field, often standing close to the action where even an unintended throw can turn dangerous.