Former Pakistan Star Junaid Khan Sparks Controversy with IPL Dismissal Remark
In a dramatic turn of events during the IPL 2025 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI), a contentious dismissal of SRH batter Ishan Kishan has ignited a firestorm of debate, intensified by a provocative comment from former Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan.
The incident occurred when Kishan, in a surprising move, walked off the field after attempting to glance a leg-side delivery from MI pacer Deepak Chahar. Notably, neither wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton nor the bowler appealed for a dismissal. On-field umpire Vinod Seshan appeared ready to signal a wide but raised his finger only after Kishan began his premature exit. A viral video clip of the moment revealed no spike on UltraEdge technology, suggesting the ball missed both bat and pad, leaving fans and experts puzzled over Kishan’s decision to walk.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Junaid Khan took to social media with a cryptic tweet, quoting the viral footage and writing, “Daal mai kuch kaala hai” (a Hindi idiom implying something suspicious). Khan’s remark has sparked widespread speculation and debate online, with many interpreting it as an insinuation of foul play or questionable decision-making in the high-stakes tournament. Known for his fiery spells during Pakistan’s encounters against India in the early 2010s, Khan’s comment carries weight, given his reputation as an outspoken figure in cricket circles.
The dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match. SRH, who were already struggling, slumped to a precarious 35/5 following Kishan’s exit. Despite a late recovery, they could only manage a below-par total of 143/8 in their 20 overs. Mumbai Indians, powered by a blistering 76 off 46 balls from captain Rohit Sharma, chased down the target with ease in just 15.4 overs, securing a commanding 7-wicket victory. MI’s left-arm seamer Trent Boult stole the show with a match-defining spell of 4-0-26-4, earning the Player of the Match award.
This incident raises broader questions about the role of technology and player conduct in modern cricket. Kishan’s decision to walk without an appeal, combined with the umpire’s delayed call, highlights potential gaps in communication and protocol during IPL matches. According to ICC playing conditions, a batter is not obliged to walk unless they are certain of an edge, and umpires are expected to make decisions based on evidence or appeals. With over 1.5 million views on the viral clip within hours, fans have expressed frustration over inconsistent decision-making, while some speculate if Kishan misjudged a faint edge due to stadium noise or distraction.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, this controversy is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Junaid Khan’s pointed remark has only amplified the scrutiny on the incident, with calls for greater transparency in umpiring decisions growing louder. Will this spark a change in how dismissals are handled in the IPL? Only time will tell, but for now, the cricketing world remains divided on whether there truly is “something fishy” in this dismissal saga.