Rachin Ravindra got injured during New Zealand’s ODI match against Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and it created much debate ahead of the Champions Trophy. Ravindra received a serious head injury as he failed to track the ball due to the glare from the stadium’s floodlights, and this resulted in being bloodied on the field. While some figures in Pakistan cricket acknowledged the floodlight issue, others placed the blame on Ravindra for not judging the ball correctly.
Salman Butt Defends PCB’s LED Lights Amid Controversy
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt brushed aside the controversy surrounding the incident, defending the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) LED lights. He said that there was no need for any corrections as the lights were working perfectly fine as shown by sixes hit by New Zealand players at high speeds. Butt believed that Ravindra’s misjudgment and possibly a slip led to his injury, calling it a rare mistake by a talented fielder.
Downplaying the Incident: Pakistan News Anchor Speaks Out
A Pakistan news anchor downplayed the incident similarly, saying that technical failures, such as a floodlight failure in a previous India vs. England match, are common in large events. He criticized those questioning Pakistan’s readiness to host the Champions Trophy, pointing out that mishaps like Ravindra’s injury were not indicative of major flaws.
Shoaib Mohammad Raises Concerns About Floodlight Placement
However, voices like Shoaib Mohammad, whose father Hanif Mohammad was also a legend, are already giving the alarmist signals against placement of flood lights and the corresponding effect on viewing. In that context, his own piece featuring New Zealand’s all-rounder Daryl Mitchell who “could barely pick the ball for much of Sunday’s first game” could interest cricket enthusiasts too. He pointed out that Mitchell’s difficulties before Ravindra’s injury suggested a potential flaw in the floodlight arrangement, particularly the glare from the lights that could cause players to lose track of the ball.
While some argue that the incident was an isolated one caused by a player’s misjudgment, others believe the placement of the floodlights at Gaddafi Stadium needs review to prevent such injuries in the future.
