Disputes over the Decision Review System (DRS) have become commonplace in cricket matches, but the recent controversy in Hyderabad took it to new heights. Heinrich Klassen of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) couldn’t contain his frustration and unleashed a verbal tirade against the umpires after a no-ball decision was overturned following a review by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Sunrisers Hyderabad had a solid finish to their first innings against Lucknow Super Giants, amassing an impressive total of 182/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Heinrich Klassen played a crucial role in the death overs, smashing a flamboyant 47 off just 29 deliveries, including three boundaries and as many sixes. Throughout his innings, the South African batter displayed an aggressive intent, punishing every loose delivery. Unfortunately, the intensity of his performance spilled over beyond the boundary line and culminated in a heated confrontation with the umpires.
In the 19th over, Abdul Samad faced Avesh Khan and belted the second ball for a massive six. However, he was subsequently struck by a ferocious beamer, which hit him on the gloves as he attempted a pull shot. The square leg umpire wasted no time in signaling a no-ball, and with only a few balls remaining in the innings, SRH decided to use their remaining review in hopes of overturning the decision. Replays showed that the ball had struck Samad above the waist, but the slight bend in his back knee raised doubts in the umpire’s mind. Moreover, the trajectory of the Kookaburra ball indicated that it would pass well above the stumps. In a controversial decision, the umpires shocked the SRH batsmen by denying them the no-ball.
Klassen immediately erupted in protest, storming towards the square leg umpire in a fit of anger. The point-of-view camera mounted on the umpire’s cap captured Klassen getting up close and personal, launching into a furious outburst. Moments later, when the big screens displayed another replay of the no-ball incident, Klassen’s frustration was once again evident on his face. However, the focus soon shifted to an instance of crowd violence, drawing attention away from the fuming umpires.
Heinrich Klassen fuming on the umpire after the controversial no-ball call.
Horrendous umpiring continues this IPL. pic.twitter.com/ZttQMhDL2K— Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) May 13, 2023
nothing special, just two fair deliveries #SRHvsLSG #NoBall pic.twitter.com/Xga2UInUmO
— hyder (@hyde3r) May 13, 2023
When 3rd umpire not give no Ball
le inner me Ganjha Ganjha#SRHvLSG pic.twitter.com/SY1XJkeAtz— Manish (@MrExcel07) May 13, 2023
No No-ball, No wide. Man got frustrated#SRHvsLSG pic.twitter.com/Tx3WJDMYtS
— Shyam (@ShyXmtweets) May 13, 2023
Klassen Be Like pic.twitter.com/j0HNpjUkRY
— Cricket With Me (CWM) (@Cricketwithme15) May 13, 2023
