In the match between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, tensions erupted on the field as England's Jason Roy and Pakistan's Iftikhar Ahmed engaged in a heated discussion.
The incident unfolded during the second innings as Gladiators chased a daunting 186-run target, with Roy at the crease. Amid a DRS appeal by Roy against David Willey, Ahmed initiated a verbal altercation, provoking Roy to confront him mid-pitch, needing intervention from Sultan players, including captain Mohammad Rizwan.
While talking to a local sports channel, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram expressed his dismay, emphasising Roy's obligation to respect Pakistani players and culture.
"Jason Roy must know he is in Pakistan. He has to respect our players and our culture. Why was he angry after getting out? It was his own mistake, and his anger was useless. He does it regularly," he said.
Roy's frustration reached a peak as he failed to utilise the DRS in time, leading to his dismissal and a noticeable display of frustration, throwing his bat and helmet to the ground.
His departure proved crucial as the Sultans capitalised on the momentum, securing a commanding 79-run victory in the final group match of PSL 2024.
Remember, the playoffs schedule of the PSL 9 has also been confirmed. Sultans will now play Peshawar Zalmi in Qualifier 1 on March 14 while Gladiators play Islamabad United in the Eliminator on March 15.
Sultans and Zalmi have two chances of qualifying for the PSL 9 final after finishing at the top two of the points table since the loser of Qualifier 1 will take on the winner of Eliminator on March 16.
PSL 2024 playoffs matches
March 14, 2024, Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium
March 15, 2024, Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium
March 16, 2024, Eliminator Winner v Qualifier Runner-up, National Bank Stadium
March 18, 2024, Final, National Bank Stadium