Not the player but the referee Richira Palliyaguruge retires in Pak vs Eau, graceful of Mohammad Haris

As if the Pakistan vs UAE match wasn’t bizarre enough, a shocking incident happened during the second innings. On-field umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was struck on his head and ear in the 6th over. Before the last ball of the powerplay, Ruchira had turned his head back when fielder Mohammad Haris threw the ball back to bowler Saim Ayub.

Watch ICC umpire retire hurt

Ruchira had no idea the ball was coming to him until the very end. He tried to duck, but the ball hit him on his hat. He winced in pain as the Pakistan physio came to tend him. The throw wasn’t lethal, but since Ruchira was blindsided, it really hurt him.

The physio performed the mandatory concussion test. And Ruchira wasn’t feeling well. Ultimately, the umpire walked to the pavilion, accompanied by the medical staff that came to tend him. Reserve umpire Gazi Sohel took his place and took charge until the match ended.

We’ve seen multiple injury concussion substitutes since the ICC introduced the rule in 2019. But who would have thought that we’d see an umpire get subbed out and that it would be one of the most memorable moments of the Pakistan vs UAE match?