Pakistan National Cricket Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema paid a visit to a Dubai hospital on Thursday, September 18, to check on Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, who was injured during the Pakistan-UAE match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
Ruchira Palliyaguruge suffered a head injury during the Group A match between Pakistan and the UAE in Dubai, and the ICC umpire had to leave the field immediately. The incident happened on the second-to-last ball of the sixth over of the UAE’s innings on Wednesday, September 17.
Ruchira Palliyaguruge injured during Pakistan-UAE Asia Cup 2025 clash
A Pakistani fielder lobbed the ball back to the all-rounder Saim Ayub, but it accidentally hit the Sri Lankan umpire’s left ear. Palliyaguruge had attempted to protect the back of his head with his right hand, but the ball hit unexpectedly during the match.
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The umpire was in visible discomfort and had to leave the field after receiving treatment from the physio. As a result, reserve umpire Gazi Sohel stepped in to perform the on-field duties for the remainder of the match, which was won by Pakistan by 41 runs against the UAE.
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.
Warra Aatankvadi team pic.twitter.com/qVXwHGabuQ— paty (@_midwicket) September 17, 2025
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started clearing its image, at least in front of the International Cricket Council (ICC), after their drama over India’s no-handshake stance in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. This move came after the ICC demanded concrete proof on the episode.
The PCB shared a video on its official social media handles, where Naveed Akram Cheema was seen greeting Ruchira Palliyaguruge at the hospital. Cheema presented a bouquet to Palliyaguruge on behalf of the PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.
Palliyaguruge was receiving treatment, including an intravenous cannula in his right hand. Cheema inquired about the umpire’s condition and extended best wishes for a full recovery, showing concern on behalf of the PCB and ACC chairman Naqvi.
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Ruchira Palliyaguruge expresses gratitude to PCB
Reacting to the gesture, the Sri Lankan umpire expressed heartfelt gratitude and praised the support and kindness he received from the PCB. Palliyaguruge said that Pakistan has always welcomed him warmly and treated him with respect both on and off the field.
Palliguruge said, “I have always received love from the team and the people.”
Pakistan team manager went to the hospital to see the umpire’s condition after being hit by a ball yesterday. pic.twitter.com/N46ppMavoa
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) September 18, 2025
Ruchira Palliyaguruge’s journey from Player to Elite Umpire
Notably, Ruchira Palliyaguruge played 124 first-class matches in Sri Lanka from 1989 to 2008. After retiring as a player, he began his umpiring career in August 2011 during Sri Lanka’s home white-ball series. Since then, Palliyaguruge has built an extensive umpiring record.
He has officiated in 233 men’s international matches and also stood in 30 women’s international white-ball games, making him one of the most experienced umpires in the world.
Notably, Pakistan is currently gearing up to take on India in their first Super Four clash on September 21 in Dubai. In their previous clash, the Men in Green were crushed by the Men in Blue by seven wickets at the same venue, and the “no-handshake” drama exploded.
