‘Such mistakes are unacceptable’ – Preity Zinta fumes over third umpire’s controversial decision in PBKS-DC tie

Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) co-owner Preity Zinta slammed the umpiring standards in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 after the Shreyas Iyer-led side lost a high-scoring encounter against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday, May 24, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

During the 15th over of the first innings of the crucial clash, Shashank Singh hit Mohit Sharma’s last ball flat towards long-on. Karun Nair, who was stationed at long-on, tried to balance himself while taking the catch tantalisingly near the boundary cushion. He understood that his best option was to release the ball into the field to stop the maximum instead of trying to take the catch. The Vidarbha batter did so, but he felt that his right leg had touched the rope while he held the ball in his hands and hence even signalled six.

However, the on-field umpire still decided to get it checked by the third umpire. Chris Gaffaney, who was the third umpire for this encounter, checked the replays and found no conclusive evidence to signal a six, which meant just a solitary run was awarded to Punjab.

An irate Zinta took to her official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle and said that “such mistakes are unacceptable” in a high-profile tournament like the IPL. She also revealed that Nair told her after the match that it was a six.

Check the tweet below:

In a such a high profile tournament with so much technology at the Third Umpire’s disposal such mistakes are unacceptable & simply shouldn’t happen. I spoke To Karun after the game & he confirmed it was DEFINITELY a 6 ! I rest my case ! #PBKSvsDC #IPL2025 x.com/gayatri_an6857…

@grok @itsmevicky22 @GemsOfCricket @grok it was a DC vs PBKS match. Karun nair tried to save a six on the boundary line but after saving he confirmed that it was a six. Then third umpire checked it and it wasn’t a six.

02:40 AM · May 25, 2025

While the decision didn’t go in PBKS’ favour, they still managed to post a formidable total of 206/8 in their 20 overs on the back of Shreyas Iyer’s 34-ball 53 and Marcus Stoinis’ blistering cameo in the death overs. However, the score didn’t turn out to be enough as Delhi Capitals romped home with six wickets and three balls to spare. Sameer Rizvi top-scored for DC with an unbeaten 58 off 25 balls.

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