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DUBAI: Pakistan cricket team manager Naveed Akram Cheema on Thursday called on Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge at a Dubai hospital after the official was struck by a ball during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash.
Ruchira, hailing from Sri Lanka, was struck on the head during the Pakistan-UAE clash on Wednesday, September 17.
The incident happened on the last ball of the sixth over of UAE’s innings when Pakistan’s Saim Ayub threw the ball back to the bowler, unfortunately, it hit one of the on-field umpires, Richard Palliyaguruge.
Following this, the umpire looked in utter discomfort and walked off the field after the physio’s attention.
Naveed Akram Cheema presented a bouquet to the Sri Lankan umpire on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Mohsin Naqvi.
During his visit, the team manager inquired about the well-being of umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge and expressed his best wishes for his recovery.
On this occasion, Palliguruge expressed his gratitude and praised the Pakistan team and people.
“Pakistan has always received love from the team and the people,” he said.
For context, Pakistan outplayed UAE in the 10th fixture of the Asia Cup 2025. Green Shirts secured a 41-run victory, which advanced them to the Super Fours of the continental tournament.
Pakistan will once again face arch-rivals India on Sunday, September 21, having previously played them in the group stage fixture.
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