Hawk-Eye apologizes to PCB for error in Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators match

Hawk-Eye, the ball-tracking technology, has issued an apology to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after acknowledging an error during Islamabad United’s recent match against Quetta Gladiators, ESPNcricinfo has learned.

The incident unfolded during the 11th over of Quetta Gladiators’ innings. Gladiators captain Rilee Rossouw attempted a sweep off Salman Ali Agha’s delivery, but missed, prompting an enthusiastic appeal from Islamabad United. Umpire Aleem Dar upheld the appeal, leading Gladiators to review the decision.

Hawk-Eye’s analysis revealed that the ball had struck Rossouw outside the line of the stumps and would have missed the off stump. However, the slow-motion replay displayed a discrepancy, suggesting the ball had straightened instead of gripping and turning as expected.

In a letter addressed to PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer and the Production Department, Hawk-Eye acknowledged that the ball tracking did not accurately reflect the trajectory of the actual delivery under review. The cause of the error remains unclear.

Following the match, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan expressed his frustration during an on-screen interview, highlighting the impact of the erroneous decision on the game’s outcome.

The match was finely poised, with Quetta Gladiators staging a comeback after losing early wickets. Rossouw and Sherfane Rutherford formed a crucial partnership, steering Gladiators towards victory. Rossouw remained unbeaten on 34 as Gladiators sealed a three-wicket win, leaving Islamabad United lamenting the missed opportunity to break the partnership and turn the game in their favor.