Younis philosophical after umpiring howler

E-Paper | March 04, 2026

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Younis Khan walks off after being wrongly adjudged out. -Photo by Reuters

The Pakistan-New Zealand series has become an advert for the benefits of the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) after Pakistan’s Younis Khan became the latest victim of an umpiring error.

The third day of the second test at Wellington was marred by a hint of controversy with Khan given out caught in close by Jesse Ryder for 73 off Daniel Vettori on the final ball before the tea break.

Television replays showed the ball had ballooned off the batsman's pad, without touching his bat, to Ryder at forward short leg.

It was the seventh decision in the match that could have potentially been overturned by the UDRS, which is not in use in the series, though Khan remained philosophical.

“It was a good partnership with the captain, we were a little bit unlucky because it was 150 runs partnership and we could have gone on,” he said.

“It's the nature of the game, the umpires are human. You can't blame anyone for the decision.

“In future we need it (UDRS) regularly in the test game and one-dayers, and also Twenty20 as well.”

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Nabil

Jan 17, 2011 01:39pm

Why is it that virtually every error in test matches usually go against Pakistan? And more importantly why don't any of the Pakistanis ever say something? They're so willing and able to embroil themselves in controversy, why not try to stop the umpiring bias against them? Even the lovely late Bob Woolmer spoke out when he was coaching Pakistan, saying umpires made 30 umpiring mistakes. This is the one issue that deserves to be made a controversy. Let's get real, the decision to give Younis out was a massive mistake, that would never happen to the likes of England or Australia.

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on the trot

Jan 17, 2011 03:07pm

nabil, it is magic that's why, both good one and bad one must change the law that a ball hitting the bat then pad is not considered a chance for out. very simple gloves is the part of the bat but the pads or rest of body initially not in contact with bat is not .. very simple.

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Munib

Jan 17, 2011 03:23pm

Anyone who plays and watches the game of cricket knows that some decisions go in your favor and some against. I dont see you complaining about Taufeeq Umar not being given out off a massive edge to the keeper in his innings of 70. Younis is right, umpires are human and the decisions do have a way of balancing themselves out, but UDRS is something that definitely needs to be incorporated uniformly into all formats of the game.

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Enter your name...Ha

Jan 17, 2011 05:44pm

Hey I'm just glad they made 370 lol

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abdullah

Jan 17, 2011 09:58pm

yeah.... yonus is an open hearted,content player with great patience.whenever he goes duck never says a word against any one and now when he had 70 runs he is not saying a word against anyone. Nowonder he is a great person

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Fahad - Toronto, Can

Jan 17, 2011 09:39pm

We should take advantage of technology where ever it is useful and possible. Umpire decisions (right or wrong, deliberate or un-intentional) is part of the game. Nothing much as a player you can do, but management should do the needful.

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Imran

Jan 18, 2011 01:36am

Younis is a wise man. He rather do what he can do, and that is to keep his focus in the game and not controversy.

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Nabil Anwer

Jan 18, 2011 04:58am

It's very simple. If there was no umpring bias, in the long run, over many matches, the mistakes would even out. 50-50. This is basic math and statistics. But the fact far more mistakes occur against Pakistan over a very long period, MAKES IT A STATISCAL FACT, that there is an umpring bias against Pak. Seriously, its not an opinion, its a FACT.

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majically

Jan 18, 2011 12:01pm

nabil, how is 274 for a target

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M Khaleeq

Jan 18, 2011 12:37pm

I agree with Younis. On average over a period of decesion in favour or against even out even the crucial ones. It does hurt if a wrong decesion affects the result of the match. UDRS are being introduced with time in many grounds. They are very expensive but as technology is becoming cheaper we will see more of it. The controversies always create interest otherwise life would be boring.

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Obaid

Jan 18, 2011 02:16pm

I think its about time we should have some statistics, there has to be a study where dubious decisions should be counted for each player (Nation) and Umpire. I am sure the revelaitons will be very interesting.

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Aneela

Jan 18, 2011 03:03pm

I think younis khan is a great player, but he needs to speak up about these kinds of things because they can be the difference to pakistan winning or losing the match/series

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Caleb

Jan 18, 2011 04:08pm

I am an Indian and I like many of the cricketing greats of Pakistan ... I think Younis is one of the greatest cricketers Pakistan ever produced ... if there is one person in Pakistan cricket team that deserves captiaincy it is Younis Khan ... it is a shame that Pakistan Board does not recognise his ability. Having said that, in correct decisions are part of life and should be overlooked sometimes ... Younis showed his big heart by not cribbing and taking it in the right spirit. I wish Pakistan cricket team and Younis Khan to all the best.

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