Interaction with umpire of India-Pakistan Asia Cup final:Ahmad Shah reveals he calmed Abhishek-Rauf row with ‘let the bat and ball talk’

‘There is more pressure on India-Pakistan matches. However, repeatedly umpiring in high-profile matches like IND-PAK is a matter of pride for any umpire.’ This is what Ahmed Shah Pakteen, who umpired in the Asia Cup final, has to say. The international umpire from Afghanistan spoke to the Bhaskar group about the Abhishek-Rauf debate, trophy controversy and his journey. Ahmed Shah shared how his journey, which started from childhood tennis-ball matches, has now reached major series and tournaments. Complete interview with Ahmad Shah Pakteen When and why did you go to the refugee camp? We went to the refugee camp in 1982 after Russia’s attack on Afghanistan. I was 5-6 years old then. How were you introduced to cricket there? Initially, we lived in Peshawar. That’s where I started playing cricket. My interest in the game grew by watching it on TV. I was in second class. I remember, in the beginning, I used to go play football with my cousin. But since people around played a lot of cricket, I also left football and started playing cricket. When you played cricket, did you think you would become an umpire in the future? At that time there was no cricket structure in Afghanistan. After 2001 when cricket started, considering my age, I felt becoming a player would be difficult. So I chose umpiring to stay connected with the ground and set a target to become the first Afghan international umpire, and that’s what happened. How did you get big matches right from the beginning? I got them due to hard work, dedication and continuous learning. Got work in Tests, ODIs, T20s and leagues. It’s a matter of pride for me that Afghan umpiring has earned a big name. Is it true that you were an umpire even in childhood?
Yes, when tennis-ball matches were played in the neighborhood, I used to be the umpire. If I was batting, someone else would stand, otherwise I would conduct the entire match. How did you learn English for the international level? I studied it in school, but after 2000, I took special English courses. Because all communication and rules for umpiring are in English only. Your international debut was in India. How was your experience in Noida? My ODI debut was in Greater Noida. I really like Noida, it’s a quiet, clean and comfortable place. During the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, when there was tension between Abhishek-Rauf, how did you handle the situation? The match atmosphere was heated, but we were prepared. I told both teams, “Talk with bat and ball, not with your mouth.” Some Pakistani players knew Pashto, so communication was easier. How much umpiring pressure was there in the India-Pakistan final? There is pressure in every match, but it was more in this one. We prepared ourselves mentally very well. Maintained 100% focus throughout the match. Thanks to Allah that the match ended without any controversy. How did you feel after the final was over? On the field, I was just focused on the job. Later, when I watched the clips on TV, I realised how much pressure there was. This was a proud moment in my career. What would you say about the controversy (not getting the trophy) after the final? We left quickly after the match. Later, we learned about the controversy regarding the trophy. But our responsibility was to end the match properly, and we did that. How does it feel to umpire in matches like India-Pakistan? This is every umpire’s dream. There is definitely pressure, but it can be handled with hard work and focus. What is your next target? I would like to get opportunities in more big matches. Umpiring repeatedly in high-profile matches like India-Pakistan is a matter of pride for any umpire. Several controversies occurred during India-Pakistan match in Asia Cup The Indian team won the Asia Cup trophy by defeating Pakistan in the final on September 28. After the victory, the team had refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi’s hands. India took this stand in protest of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. After this, Mohsin Naqvi returned to the Dubai hotel with the trophy. Then, before going to Pakistan, he left the trophy at the ACC office in Dubai. Indian players had not even shaken hands with Pakistani players throughout the tournament before this. On the other hand, Pakistani players had repeatedly made 6-0 gestures. They were repeating Pakistan’s false claim that Pakistan had shot down 6 Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor.