In a thrilling moment that took the cricketing world by surprise, Umpire Nigel Duguid, known for his authoritative decisions on the cricket field, made headlines for an entirely unexpected reason during the first qualifier of CPL 2023. The incident in question involved none other than WWE superstar John Cena’s iconic “You Can’t See Me” gesture, which was replicated by Umpire Duguid, catapulting him to instant social media stardom.
It all unfolded during the intense face-off between the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) and the Guyana Amazon Warriors. In a crucial moment of the game, bowler Imran Tahir appealed passionately for the dismissal of the batsman, Joshua Deyal. What happened next was nothing short of remarkable. Umpire Duguid, usually known for his composed demeanor, couldn’t resist the urge to entertain the crowd and millions watching around the world.
In a flash of spontaneity, Umpire Duguid, with a cheeky grin, performed WWE star John Cena’s famous “You Can’t See Me” hand gesture. The crowd erupted with laughter and cheers, and the video of this unprecedented moment quickly spread across various social media platforms, including X, where it gained viral status within hours.
While the gesture was undoubtedly entertaining, it had a deeper impact on the game. Imran Tahir, who also happened to be the captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in CPL 2023, was convinced that he had a legitimate case for dismissing Deyal. The umpire’s theatrical response to the appeal left Tahir with no choice but to take the review.
As the tense moments passed, the decision was ultimately ruled in favor of the bowler, much to the dismay of Deyal and the delight of the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Despite Tahir’s economical spell, the Guyana Amazon Warriors faced an uphill battle and ultimately lost the game, marking the end of their CPL 2023 journey.
Now, let’s shift our focus to the cricketing aspect of Qualifier 1 between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinbago Knight Riders. The Guyana Amazon Warriors, after being asked to bat first by TKR, posted a competitive total of 166/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Umpire Nigel Duguid’s Iconic “You Can’t See Me” Gesture Takes CPL 2023 By Storm
Saim Ayub emerged as the top scorer for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, playing a crucial knock of 49 runs. Other notable contributions came from Azam Khan, who scored 36 runs, Dwayne Pretorius with 15 runs, and Romario Shepherd, who also chipped in with 15 runs.
In the world of sports, it’s these unexpected moments of spontaneity and entertainment that truly make the game memorable. Umpire Nigel Duguid’s playful homage to WWE star John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” gesture added a unique touch of drama and humour to the CPL 2023 Qualifier 1.
While the game itself showcased the skills and determination of both teams, it’s the viral sensation created by Umpire Duguid’s gesture that will remain etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide. As for John Cena, it seems his iconic gesture has transcended the world of wrestling and found its place on the cricket field, if only for a brief and unforgettable moment.
Imran Tahir appeals for the LBW.
Umpire does John Cena’s ‘You can’t see me’ gesture as he couldn’t see what happened.pic.twitter.com/7mk3UTIJzn
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 22, 2023
