The U19 Cricket World Cup has been stung by controversy during England's win over Zimbabwe after Hamza Shaikh's controversial dismissal.
The match was a dead rubber affair with both England and Zimbabwe unable to progress from the Super Six stage.
But England put in a strong display to record an emphatic 146-run victory over the African side.
However, the match was marred by a controversial decision from the third umpire to dismiss Shaikh in the 17th over.
Hamza Shaikh was punished for picking up the stationary ball
SKYSPORTS
A tricky delivery from Ryan Simbi caught the inside edge of Shaikh's bat with the ball dropping just in front of the stumps.
The England star then seemingly assumed the ball was dead and instinctively picked up the stationary ball to throw it back to wicketkeeper Ryan Kamwemba.
Zimbabwe players immediately launched an appeal, which the Sky Sports commentators felt "wouldn't be entertained".
However, the two on-field umpires began to confer on the pitch with Zimbabwe players beginning to celebrate in the background.
Law 37.4 of cricket reads: "Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he/she uses the bat or any part of his/her person to return the ball to any fielder."
The third umpire ultimately decided Shaikh had "obstructed the field" before signalling the England star was out.
The 17-year-old looked incredulous as he was informed of the umpire's decision as he stormed off the field.
And he wasn't the only one unimpressed by the decision with former England players weighing in.
Stuart Broad, who retired from professional cricket last summer, wrote on X: "Oh get a grip.
Zimbabwe were successful with their appeal
SKYSPORTS
"He's passing a stationary ball back to the fielder? Doing him a favour! Can't get that out."
Steve Harmison agreed, indicating there was a lack of common sense in the decision-making process.
“If you are getting given out for that, that’s it, the game’s gone,” he said.
“It really has. How can an umpire give that out?”
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"Hamza Sheikh is probably going to be absolutely livid!" 😠
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 3, 2024
Should England's Hamza Sheikh have been ruled out in this Under-19 Cricket World Cup Zimbabwe clash? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nVbMlFaQQm
More viewers expressed their anger at the decision on social media.
One person wrote: "Zimbabwe should be embarrassed."
Another said: "Walk the team off. Pointless playing if you are going to play that way."
A third posted: "Cricket always finds a way to make itself look ridiculous."
