Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has come out in support of the PCB amid the floodlight controversy of Rachin Ravindra. He said that it was the fault of the New Zealand National Cricket Team player as his leg slipped and the ball hit him.
New Zealand National Cricket Team player Rachin Ravindra coped with a career-threatening blow on the face during the first game of the tri-series against Pakistan National Cricket Team. The match took place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday (8th February).
Rachin Ravindra got hit in the face as he attempted to take the catch
During the game, Rachin Ravindra got hit in the face as he attempted to take the catch. The Kiwi player couldn’t spot the ball, which struck him flush on his head, causing heavy bleeding. He then had to leave the field and was also ruled out of the next game against the South Africa National Cricket Team.
As Rachin Ravindra got hit, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) came under massive scanner. This was because many were of the opinion that the poor floodlights in the stadium were the reason why the New Zealand National Cricket Team batter didn’t spot the ball and got injured badly.
When New Zealand players hit sixes off deliveries bowled at close to 150 kph, were the lights not working then? – Salman Butt
Salman Butt, however, lashed out at the critics, questioning them about the floodlights when New Zealand batters were hitting sixes on balls close to 150 kph. He pointed out that Rachin Ravindra slipped, and hence, the ball hit him. Speaking to a local news channel, he said:
“There’s no point trying to make people understand when they don’t want to. It’s irrelevant. These are some of the latest LED lights that have been installed, so these are fine. When New Zealand players hit sixes off deliveries bowled at close to 150 kph, were the lights not working then?
“A player who was standing 70 meters away failed to take the catch because of his misjudgement. He is a fine fielder, but perhaps his leg slipped, and he got hurt.”
‘What do you have to say about what happened in Barabati Stadium – Pakistan news anchor silences critics
Another Pakistan news anchor was on the same page as Salman Butt, saying that it’s a narrative of the people to spoil the image of Pakistan. He pointed out how the floodlight issue happened during the second ODI between India and England. He added:
“Like some of the prior campaigns that stated Pakistan cannot host a tournament as big as the Champions Trophy because the stadiums are not ready, I want to ask the same people, ‘What do you have to say about what happened in Barabati Stadium?
“That is an established stadium.’ So, I want to say that these things happen. These are not big issues. Just because Rachin was hit in the face doesn’t mean that PCB is to be blamed for it.”
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