Rachin Ravindra sustained a forehead injury during the first ODI of the tri-series against Pakistan, sparking criticism of PCB’s hosting conditions.
February 10, 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faced heavy criticism on Sunday after New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra suffered a forehead laceration during the first ODI of the tri-series against Pakistan in Lahore. The freak injury, caused by poor visibility under floodlights, led to significant bleeding, forcing Ravindra to leave the field immediately.
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The Incident
The injury occurred in the 37th over of Pakistan’s innings when Ravindra attempted to take a catch off Khushdil Shah’s slog-sweep toward deep square leg. The ball, traveling flat, was lost amidst the brightness of the LED floodlights and struck Ravindra on the forehead.
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Spectators watched in stunned silence as Ravindra, dazed and bleeding, knelt on the ground. Medical teams from both New Zealand and Pakistan rushed to his aid. Ravindra was treated on the field before being escorted out, his face covered in a towel. He received a warm round of applause from the packed Gaddafi Stadium as he left.
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Social Media Backlash
The incident triggered outrage on social media, with fans and analysts blaming PCB’s inadequate hosting infrastructure. Many pointed fingers at the LED lights in the stadium, which former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif described as problematic. “The glow in these lights is higher, and when the ball travels flat, players often lose sight of it,” Latif explained during his show, Caught Behind.
This is literally a shame for Pakistan, they can do anything to harm other players and they did the same by adjusting the LED lights not properly !! 😤😤@ICC @JayShah #INDvsENG #ChampionsTrophy2025 #SLvAUS #BabarAzam #Gaddafistadium #PAKvsNZ #NZvsPAK #3Nations1Trophy https://t.co/WLCYdY25w3 pic.twitter.com/TZQibh66U6
— Aaliya 🇦🇫🇮🇳 (@Aaliyaarehman) February 9, 2025
Critics also called for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider Pakistan as the host for the upcoming Champions Trophy, suggesting the tournament be shifted to Dubai.
According to Dr. Nauman Niaz and Rashid Latif, the adjustment of the LED lights at Gaddafi Stadium was not done properly before scheduling the match. As a result, the incident involving Rachin Ravindra occurred.#PAKvNZpic.twitter.com/9XTNdqk463
— Bemba Nation (@BembaNation) February 9, 2025
New Zealand Cricket’s Update
New Zealand Cricket assured fans that Ravindra is “well” and will be monitored under HIA (Head Injury Assessment) protocols before their next game against South Africa on Monday. A statement confirmed that the forehead laceration was treated at the ground.
How did @ICC allowed Pakistan's ground to host international matches??
— KohliForever (@KohliForever0) February 8, 2025
ICC should ensure players safety and if Pakistan can't provide shift CHAMPIONS TROPHY to Dubai.
Prayers for Rachin Ravindra 🙏🏻#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/77bvA7uqjv
Calls for Change
While Ravindra’s injury was not life-threatening, it has reignited debates about the safety standards at international cricket venues. With the Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan, the PCB may face increased scrutiny to address infrastructure issues and improve safety measures.
its clear lights are not up to the Mark, can't even match the club level cricket .
— Nitesh (🇮🇳) (@nitesh77836) February 9, 2025
Tags:
- Rachin Ravindra Injury
- PCB Hosting Criticism
- Champions Trophy Debate
- Cricket Safety Concerns
- New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI
- LED Floodlight Issues