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'Anything To Do With Lights?' - Netizens Point Lahore's Lighting For Kharote's Catch Drop

Soumyajit Dutta

Nangeyalia Kharote catch drop [Source: @VinodBro13648/X.com]Nangeyalia Kharote catch drop [Source: @VinodBro13648/X.com]

Afghanistan’s fielding woes at the Gaddafi Stadium took centre stage once again as Nangeyalia Kharote dropped a straightforward catch of Matthew Short during Australia’s chase in the Champions Trophy 2025 clash. 

The incident sparked a heated debate online, with netizens roasting Nangeyalia Kharote for the miss while many raised concerns over Lahore’s poor stadium lighting. Kharote, known for his athletic fielding and spectacular grabs in the past, surprisingly misjudged a relatively easy catch, leaving many questioning if the stadium’s lighting played a role in his error. 

Kharote's Silly Mistake Or Gaddafi To Be Blamed?

The discussion gained further traction as Rashid Khan had earlier dropped a catch of Travis Head, another rare fielding lapse from an otherwise sharp Afghan unit. Hence, the possibility of poor lighting affecting fielding at Gaddafi Stadium cannot be dismissed entirely. 

During the Pakistan Tri-Series last year, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra misjudged a high ball under lights, which struck his forehead and caused heavy bleeding, nearly ruling him out of the Champions Trophy. 

With yet another fielding lapse occurring at the same venue, concerns over visibility at night matches are only growing stronger. While the internet trolled Kharote for the missed opportunity, Gaddafi's stadium lighting can actually be a concern.

Let's take a look at how netizens reacted to Kharote's catch-drop:

"Is it a Dubai like scenario with the lights affecting fielders. Rachin Ravindra's drop was also at Lahore and now Kharote said he couldn't sight it." - @katcric

"Another chance dropped....This time Kharote.... Short survives.... PATHETIC" - @bilateral_bully

"Dropping catches in such a crucial match is not acceptable! I think u have to convert them ! " - @Dr_kidney12

"Bye bye Afghanistan!! You guys have a very poor habbit of dropping catches...then Maxwell now, Head!!! See. U later. Enjoy the rest of champions trophy from home!!! " - @rizvi160

"Where are those who abuse hashmat for dropping catches? Keep the same energy with your beloved rashid and kharoti…." - @alooparanthah

"2nd drop catch, Short gets dropped now by Kharoti. Anything to do with the lights? " - @2ordinaryFans

Australia Opens Strong In Powerplay

Australia, chasing Afghanistan’s total of 273, made a strong start with Travis Head leading the charge. Matthew Short, who was handed a lifeline due to Kharote’s dropped catch, managed to score 20 off 15 balls before falling to Azmatullah Omarzai. 

At the time of writing, Australia are at 96/1 in 11 overs, with Head batting on 52 (35) alongside skipper Steve Smith on 15 (16). Afghanistan will need quick breakthroughs to put Australia under pressure as Afghanistan's chance of a semi-final appearance is fading away.