The no-ball controversy in DC vs RR

A high drama was witnessed in the final over of Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals match, thanks to no-ball which was not so no-ball according to umpires and RR skipper Sanju Samson!

With 36 runs needed in the last six balls for Delhi Capitals, Rovman Powell hit six of the first two balls of the over to left-arm pacer Obed McCoy. This turned out another nail-biting match. However, things went bad for DC as in the third ball, he again hit a full toss ball for a maximum and that full toss according to Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant and team management was a no-ball. A large section of social media users felt too.

 

Now, one should remember that at this point in time, DC had already brought the equation down to 18 runs off three balls. Had it been a no-ball, it would have been 18 off four balls with a free-hit included.

 

 

But the on-field umpire did not give a no-ball and even refused to consult the third umpire hence Pant threatened to forfeit the match and asked both Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to come out of the field. It got even worse when assistant coach Praveen Amre entered the field to request umpires to go to the third umpire but the on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Nikhil Patwardhan did not budge. Ugly controversy started. This should have been avoided by the DC.

 

 

It should be noted that the on-field umpires cannot refer decisions other than for dismissals to the third umpire. The IPL Playing Conditions state that only dismissals and front foot no balls can be referred to the third umpire by the on-field umpires

 

 

Pant was vocal about the issue even at the post-match presentation ceremony after Delhi Capitals' loss. "I thought the no-ball could have been precious for us. I thought we could have checked that no-ball, but it's not in my control. Yes, disappointed, but can't do much about it. Everyone was frustrated because it was not even close, so I thought it was only a no-ball. Everyone on the ground saw that. I think the third umpire should have intervened in between and said it was a no-ball, but I can't change the rule myself I guess, " said Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant in the post-match presentation ceremony.

 

However, Pant's actions were against the spirit of the game, and asking the umpire to reconsider his decision by walking onto the field was simply not on.

 

But, if a change has to be made, then it should be the IPL rules and regulations because such instances have happened before.