Umpire’s Memorable “You Can’t See Me” Gesture Takes Center Stage in CPL 2023 Qualifier

In a thrilling encounter between Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in Qualifier 1 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023, it wasn’t just the cricketing action that grabbed everyone’s attention. The iconic “You Can’t See Me” gesture, famously associated with wrestling superstar John Cena, was playfully executed by the umpire, adding a touch of humour and entertainment to the game. This incident quickly became a viral sensation on social media. 

The Unforgettable Moment 

During the fifth over of TKR’s innings, left-handed batsman Mark Deyal attempted a slog sweep against Imran Tahir‘s bowling. Unfortunately, he missed the ball, and it struck his pads. This prompted a passionate LBW (leg before wicket) appeal from the GAW players. However, the on-field umpire’s response was unexpected. 

The Umpire’s “You Can’t See Me” Gesture 

In a spontaneous and humorous move, the umpire signalled that he had lost sight of the ball and was unable to make a decision. It was at this point that the umpire, not Imran Tahir, delighted the crowd by pulling off the famous “You Can’t See Me” gesture, a gesture made famous by John Cena in professional wrestling. The stadium erupted in cheers, and the video of this lighthearted moment quickly went viral on various social media platforms. 

The drama didn’t end with the playful gesture. Recognizing the significance of the situation, Imran Tahir decided to use the Decision Review System (DRS). The DRS review ultimately favored Tahir and the GAW team, with ball-tracking confirming that the ball would have hit the stumps. The LBW decision was subsequently awarded in their favor, highlighting Tahir’s cricketing acumen. 

Imran Tahir’s CPL 2023 Performance 

Throughout CPL 2023, Imran Tahir showcased remarkable form, consistently making impactful contributions for his team. With a total of 13 wickets from 11 matches in the tournament, Tahir proved his worth as a seasoned campaigner.

In terms of the match’s outcome, GAW batted first and posted a total of 166/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Saim Ayub’s 49 off 39 balls and Azam Khan’s 36 off 27 deliveries were noteworthy performances. However, TKR demonstrated their prowess by successfully chasing down the target in 18.1 overs. Chadwick Walton played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten on 80 off 57 deliveries, while Nicholas Pooran (33 off 24) and Kieron Pollard (23 off 15) also made valuable contributions. 

With this victory, Trinbago Knight Riders secured their place in the CPL 2023 final. They will face the winner of Qualifier 2, which is scheduled between Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors. Cricket enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the summit clash, set for Sunday, with a start time of 4:30 AM (Monday) as per Indian Standard Time.

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