The ICC rules which exist today show that Cooper Connolly should not have received an out decision during the third T20I match against Pakistan because the umpire ruled him out through stumping. The run chase by Australia faced its first major obstacle at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium when Australia lost the match to Pakistan.

Slow-motion footage exposes flaw in Connolly’s stumping decision

Australia started their run after they needed to achieve 208 runs, but they suffered a major collapse when Connolly entered at 82 for 6. The left-hander faced his second ball when he attempted to hit a shot against Mohammad Nawaz, but he completely missed the ball which turned away to the leg side. Pakistan wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay appeared to complete a straightforward stumping, with Connolly well out of his crease. The on-field umpire reduced Australia to 82 for 7 when he raised his finger to signal the out decision.

The match proceeded, but slow-motion replays showed an important detail which had escaped notice during the game. Nafay dislodged the bails with his left hand while he secured the ball inside his right glove. The act which he performed according to ICC regulations makes the dismissal invalid.

Watch the video:

13.5 overs AUS vs PAK: Ball in right hand, stumping with left hand 🤡 Connolly robbed in daylight. New rule unlocked by Pakistan player Khawaja Nafay? Poor umpiring, even poorer eyes.#PakvsAus #WorldCup2026 #INDvsPAK #ranbir
Video Courtesy @sportstv pic.twitter.com/3zpkKqVIBS

— Sagar jaiswal (@SagarKu88946146) February 2, 2026

Anyone can enlighten? Is this out or not. Or umpires miss the trick?@faizanlakhani @MazherArshad @krick3r @iRashidLatif68 @bazidkhan81 pic.twitter.com/WtUXPm5Yjp

— Hamza Arshad (@Hamzaarshadch9) February 2, 2026

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What do the ICC laws say?

According to ICC men's T20 playing conditions Clause 29.2.1 a fielder must break the stumps while holding the ball with the same hand that he used to remove the bails or uproot the stumps in order to achieve a "broken wicket" status. The batter in Connolly's case should have been ruled out according to the rule because the error was not identified.

Australia did not submit a formal complaint because the game officials did not assess the situation. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha later stressed that judging bowling or keeping actions falls solely under the purview of umpires and match officials.

Australia lost the match against England by 111 runs after their batting order collapsed to 96 runs which became their most significant defeat in T20I history. The match result itself showed clear dominance but the Connolly stumping decision created ongoing disputes which harmed Pakistan's complete 3-0 series victory.

The defending champions, Rangpur Riders, have officially confirmed their squad for the upcoming 2025 Guyana Global Super League (GSL), to be held from July 10 to 18 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. A major highlight of their announcement is the inclusion of three Pakistan cricketers, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay, all set to make their GSL debuts.

Veteran all-rounder Iftikhar, known for his powerful finishing and utility with the ball, brings valuable T20 experience from leagues like the BPL and LPL. Left-arm pacer Akif Javed, another LPL product, adds firepower to the bowling department. Meanwhile, middle-order batter Khawaja Nafay enters his second overseas league after two promising BPL stints.

Rangpur target second GSL title as Pakistan players join squad

Rangpur has retained its leadership core from last season’s dramatic title run. Nurul Hasan continues as captain, with Soumya Sarkar the top scorer in GSL 2024, returning to anchor the batting lineup. Pace spearhead Kamrul Islam Rabbi, instrumental in their bowling success last year, is also part of the squad. Rangpur’s 2024 campaign was one to remember after starting with three straight losses, the Riders rallied with three consecutive wins to lift the trophy. Their blend of attacking flair, discipline, and leadership proved decisive.

The franchise, already a heavyweight in the Bangladesh Premier League with a title in 2017 and consistent playoff finishes since, now looks to extend its dominance to the GSL stage once again. The announcement coincides with a wider update from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 13 players for overseas T20 leagues. Among those approved is Khawaja Nafay, while clearances for Iftikhar and Akif are expected shortly.

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Other Pakistan players set to appear in the GSL include Saud Shakeel (Guyana Amazon Warriors), Mohammad Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan (both signed by the Hobart Hurricanes). NOCs for Nawaz and Nafay are already confirmed, while Saud and Farhan await final approvals.

Rangpur Riders squad for GSL 2025:

Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim Sheikh, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for GSL 2025:

Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Ramanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo.

Hobart Hurricanes squad for GSL 2025:

Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammed Nawaz, Mohammed Nabi, Odean Smith.