IND Vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Final Umpire; Ahmed Shah Pakteen Afghanistan Refugee Camp Interview of the umpire of India-Pakistan Asia Cup final: He handled the Abhishek-Rauf controversy by saying ‘talk to the bat and the ball’, more pressure in India-Pak matches

International umpire Ahmed Shah Paktin also used to umpire in street cricket in his childhood.

‘There is more pressure on India-Pakistan matches. But, umpiring repeatedly in high-profile matches like IND-PAK is a matter of pride for any umpire.

This is what Ahmed Shah Paktin, who umpired in the Asia Cup final, has to say. Afghanistan’s international umpire talked to Dainik Bhaskar about Abhishek-Rauf debate, trophy controversy and his journey.

Ahmed Shah told how his journey, which started from childhood tennis-ball matches, has today reached big series and tournaments.

Full interview of Ahmed Shah in question and answer

Question: When and why did you go to the refugee camp? Ahmed Shah: We went to the refugee camp in 1982 after Russia attacked Afghanistan. I was 5–6 years old then.

Question: How were you introduced to cricket there? Ahmed Shah: Earlier we lived in Peshawar. That’s where I started playing cricket. Interest in this game increased after watching it on TV. I was in second class. I remember, initially I used to go to play football with my cousin, but people around me used to play a lot of cricket, so I also left football and started playing cricket.

Question: When you used to play cricket, did you think that you will become an umpire in future? Ahmed Shah: At that time there was no cricket structure in Afghanistan. When cricket started after 2001, considering my age it seemed that it would be difficult to become a player. Therefore, to stay connected to the ground, I chose umpiring and set a target to become the first Afghan international umpire and that is what happened.

Question: How did you get big matches in the beginning? Ahmed Shah: Achieved through hard work, dedication and continuous learning. Got work in Test, ODI, T-20 and League. It is a matter of pride for me that Afghan umpiring has earned a big name.

Question: Have you heard that there used to be an umpire even in your childhood? Ahmed Shah: Yes, when there were tennis-ball matches in the locality, I used to be the umpire. If I was batting, someone else would stand in, otherwise I would conduct the entire match.

Question: How did you learn English for international level? Ahmed Shah: I studied in school, but after 2000 I specifically did English courses because all the communication and rules for umpires are in English only.

Question: Your international debut was in India. How was your Noida experience? Ahmed Shah: ODI debut took place in Greater Noida. I like Noida very much, it is a quiet, clean and comfortable place.

Question: When there was tension between Abhishek and Rauf during the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, how did you handle the situation? Ahmed Shah: The atmosphere of the match was hot, but we were prepared. I told both the teams, “Talk through bat and ball, not through mouth.” Some Pakistani players knew Pashto, so conversation was easy.

During India’s innings in the Super-4 match of Asia Cup 2025, there was an argument between Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma and Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf. Both were seen talking angrily to each other in the field. After which the field umpire intervened and separated the two and handled the matter.

Question: How much was the umpiring pressure in the India-Pakistan final? Ahmed Shah: There is pressure in every match, but there was more in this one. We prepared ourselves a lot mentally. Kept 100% focus throughout the match. Thank Allah that the match ended without any controversy.

Question: How did you feel after the finals were over? Ahmed Shah: There was only focus on work on the field. Later, when I saw the clip on TV, I understood how much pressure there was. This was a proud moment in my career.

Question: What would you say about the controversy that happened after the final (not getting the trophy)? Ahmed Shah: We had left early after the match. Later it was revealed that there was a dispute over the trophy. But, our responsibility was to finish the match properly and we did that.

Question: How does it feel to umpire in matches like India-Pakistan? Ahmed Shah: This is every umpire’s dream. There is definitely pressure, but it can be handled with hard work and focus.

Question: What is the next target? Ahmed Shah: I would like to get a chance in more big matches. Officiating repeatedly in high-profile matches like India-Pakistan is a matter of pride for any umpire.

There were many controversies during the India-Pak match in Asia Cup.