The T20 World Cup match between India-Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw a thrilling finish with India sealing the win by four wickets. Virat Kohli starred in India’s run chase of 160 runs with an unbeaten 82 off 53 deliveries. He was adjudged the player of the match. But the match had its share of controversies too.
The Controversial No Ball
In over #20, Virat Kohli smashed a full toss for a six over mid-wicket. The umpires, to the displeasure of the Pakistan players, signaled a no-ball and India needed just 6 runs off 3 deliveries. Despite Babar Azam’s appeals, the umpires stood by their decision. Why?
Wait…There’s More
Virat Kohli was bowled off the free hit but the Indian batters collected three runs as the ball ricocheted off the stumps to the third-man boundary. Pakistan appealed for a dead ball to be declared, but the three runs stood. India was able to see the game out as Ashwin lofted the last ball off the over past mid-off for four runs.
Brad Hogg and Shaoib Akhtar Raises Concerned
Former Australia cricketer Brad Hogg criticized the decision by the umpires. “Why was no ball not reviewed, then how can it not be a dead ball when Kohli was bowled on a free hit?” he tweeted.
Why was no ball not reviewed, then how can it not be a dead ball when Kohli was bowled on a free hit. #INDvPAK #T20worldcup22 pic.twitter.com/ZCti75oEbd
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) October 23, 2022
The pace icon Shoaib Akhtar also questioned the umpire’s decision, which completely changed the complexion of the game.
Tough luck. This was a hard fought match for sure. These nail biters make this the biggest sports rivalry in the world.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 23, 2022
According to International Cricket Council (ICC)
As per the ICC rules, “If the batsman is caught out on a free hit, then the runs taken by him will count till the fielder has caught the ball…. after that, the dead ball becomes dead. Whereas if a batsman gets bowled on a free hit delivery, the ball becomes dead immediately & the batsman isn’t eligible to run.”
Netizens are quite unhappy as they were considering that the umpires were in favor of the Indian team.
Any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is to be deemed to be unfair. (41.7)
1. Kohli well outside popping crease!
2. As it would have passed him the ball would not be waist high! pic.twitter.com/sOWAQ6V9dV— Taimur Khan Jhagra (@Jhagra) October 23, 2022
Umpires + India vs Pakistan.
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) October 23, 2022
The umpiring has been very much in the favour of India against Pakistan. There were numerous controversial occasions where umpires gave decision in the favour of India. #INDvPAK
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) October 23, 2022
It wasn't a no ball, umpires are so biased. This is so unfair
— Ramiya 2.0 (@yehtuhogaaa) October 23, 2022
