‘Shepherd’s umpiring cost Pakistan the final’

KARACHI: Pakistani cricket officials and experts criticised English umpire David Shepherd on Sunday after the national team’s defeat at the hands of world champions Australia in the Netherlands triangular one-day series final.

Pakistan’s chief selector called for the 63-year-old Shepherd to retire after he judged captain Inzamam-ul-Haq caught behind and Yousuf Youhana caught bat-pad during the 17-run defeat.

"Shepherd’s umpiring decisions were like target killing and cost Pakistan the final. It’s time for the inaccurate Shepherd to retire," Wasim Bari said. "His (Shepherd’s) decisions were not only doubtful but disgraceful and Pakistan team management must mention with protest in their match reports," the former Pakistan captain added.

Pakistan, chasing 193 for victory, were on course but after Yousuf Youhana went for 43 their innings fell away and they were bowled out for 175.

Veteran cricket columnist Omer Kureishi also lashed out at Shepherd’s ‘poor’ judgment. "Shepherd has crossed his retiring age and I have always advocated that all umpires standing at international level must go through medical tests," said Omer. "He (Shepherd) is an old man and his judgment in the final was very poor," Omer added.

The match was the first time the teams had met since Australia began their victorious World Cup campaign in South Africa last year with an 82-run win against Pakistan. They face each other again next Saturday at Lord’s in another warm-up match for the Champions Trophy which starts on September 10.