Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood criticized the ball-tracking technology used during his controversial dismissal against South Africa, arguing that Hawkeye inaccurately depicted the delivery’s movement. He expressed frustration over the on-field decision’s reversal and emphasized the need for technology to provide an accurate representation of plays to maintain fairness in cricket.
Pakistan’s cricket captain, Shan Masood, has expressed his concerns regarding the controversial dismissal he faced during the second innings of the final Test against South Africa. Masood was batting at a commendable score of 145 when he was adjudged out by the on-field umpire, Nitin Menon, after the South African team opted for the Decision Review System (DRS). The trajectory shown by the ball-tracking technology, Hawkeye, led to the decision being overturned, which Masood believes inaccurately represented the delivery’s movement. He stated, “If you see the ball that I was beaten by, it jagged away a long way. I was beaten on the outside edge, and it was shown as an inswinger. I was baffled by that to be very honest.”
Masood’s extended innings lasted nearly six hours over two days, during which he faced minimal challenges. The delivery that resulted in his dismissal was characterized by a low bounce, which caught him unprepared, striking his back pad rather than where the technology depicted. He articulated his frustration, noting, “With the naked eye, you could see it felt like it was outside the line as well. I just felt it was a different picture.” After being declared out, Masood’s emotions were visible, displaying his anger and disbelief at the decision, which he communicated through gestures as he left the field.
He added, “It’s up to the administrators to see if that’s a fair decision or not, but I certainly felt that technology didn’t show the trajectory of how that ball was.” Ma-ood’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate regarding the reliance on technology in crucial match decisions.
The use of technology in cricket, particularly through systems like DRS and ball-tracking technology such as Hawkeye, has become an integral part of the game. These innovations aim to provide accurate assessments of borderline decisions to ensure fairness. However, instances of perceived inaccuracies have sparked debates among players, officials, and fans. Shan Masood’s recent comments reflect these ongoing discussions, particularly within high-stakes matches such as Test cricket, where every decision can significantly impact the game’s outcome.
In conclusion, Shan Masood’s dismissal in the final Test against South Africa has raised important questions regarding the accuracy of technological aids in cricket. His assertion that the ball-tracking data failed to represent the actual trajectory of the delivery highlights concerns that players have regarding the limitations of such technologies. As Masood admitted, it is essential for cricket administrators to reassess the reliability of these systems to uphold the integrity of the sport.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
