Hasan Ali’s dubious catch in practice match against Kent sparks debate - Watch

Hasan Ali was at the centre of controversy after he claimed a catch despite apparently dropping the ball in their opening tour match against Kent.

Pakistan bowler Hasan Ali was at the centre of controversy after he claimed a catch despite apparently dropping the ball in their opening tour match against Kent.

Hasan Ali fielding during the 2nd T20I cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan. (AP)

The tourists comfortably beat the county side by 100 runs after amassing 358 for seven in their 50 overs on Saturday.

Kent were 176-3 in reply in the 30th over when Alex Blake, on 89, skied a return catch to Ali, who was bowling.

Video footage emerged on Monday that showed the seamer appeared to floor the catch.

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But Ali continued his celebration as the ball lay on the ground and the batsman was not given a reprieve by the umpire.

The laws of cricket state that a catch is completed only when “a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement”.

The image of Pakistani cricket was damaged by a spot-fixing controversy that blighted their England tour in 2010, with three players handed bans from the game.

“The PCB will not be making any further comments and fully expects all concerned to respect Shoaib’s privacy,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

Pakistan are playing one Twenty20 match and five one-day internationals against England before the start of the World Cup in late May.