Pakistan National Cricket Team manager Naved Akram Cheema visited a Dubai Hospital on Thursday, 18 September, investigating Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Paliyaguruga, who was injured during the Pakistan-UAE match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
Ruchira Paliaguruga suffered a head injury during a match between Pakistan and the UAE during Group A, and the ICC umpire immediately had to leave the field. The incident took place on Wednesday, 17 September on the second-eye ball of the sixth over of the UAE innings.
Ruchira Paliaguruga injured during Pakistan-UAE Asia Cup 2025 Clash
A Pakistani fielder looted the ball back to all-rounder Sam Ayub, but accidentally hit the left ear of the Sri Lankan umpire. Palliaguruga tried to protect the back of his head with his right hand, but hit the ball unexpectedly during the match.
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The umpire was in appearance discomfort and had to leave the ground after receiving treatment from physio. As a result, reserve umpire Gazi Sohail stepped into to perform on-field duties for the remaining match, which Pakistan won by 41 runs against the United Arab Emirates.
For Pakistan, the umpire that was giving wrong decisions since India vs. Pak match was killed by a Pakistani fielder and exiting the ground.
War Terrorwadi Team pic.twitter.com/qvxwhgabuq– paty (@_midwicket) September 17, 2025
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started cleaning its image in front of the International Cricket Council (ICC), after its play on India’s No-Handshek Tare in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The step came after the ICC demanded concrete evidence on the episode.
The PCB shared a video on its official social media handle, where Naved Akram Cheema was seen welcoming Ruchira Paliaguruges at the hospital. Cheema presented a bouquet to Palliaguruga on behalf of PCB President and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.
Palliaguruj was receiving treatment, including an intravenous entrancei in his right hand. Cheema inquired about the status of the umpire and wished for a complete recovery, showing concern on behalf of PCB and ACC President Naqvi.
Also read: Virat Kohli harasses India by Pakistan
Ruchira Paliaguruga expresses gratitude to PCB
Reacting at the behest, the Sri Lankan umpire expressed his heartfelt gratitude and praised the support and kindness received from the PCB. Palliaguruga said that Pakistan has always welcomed him warmly and has respected both on the field and outside.
Palliguruga said, “I have always got love from the team and the people.”
The Pakistan team manager went to the hospital to see the status of the umpire after hitting a ball yesterday. pic.twitter.com/n46ppmavoa
– Sherry. (@Callmesheri1_) September 18, 2025
Ruchira Palliyagurugh traveling from player to elite umpire
In particular, Ruchira Paliaguruga played 124 first -class matches in Sri Lanka from 1989 to 2008. After retiring as a player, he started his umpiring career during the Sri Lankan Home White-Ball series in August 2011. Since then, Palliaguruj has set a broad umpiring record.
He has worked in 233 men’s international matches and also stands in the 30 -female international white ball sports, making him one of the most experienced umpires in the world.
In particular, Pakistan is currently ready to take India in its first Super Four Clash in Dubai on 21 September. In his previous clash, green men were crushed by a seven wickets at the same site by blue men, and the drama “No-Handshek” exploded.
