Controversy has once again stirred the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly during the nail-biting clash between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This thrilling match, which ultimately required a Super Over to determine the winner, saw Mitchell Starc shine with his impressive yorkers, earning him the Player of the Match award.
However, a stirring debate erupted when a no-ball was called against Starc on the fourth delivery of the Super Over due to his back foot crossing the line.
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Fans quickly drew comparisons to Mumbai Indians (MI) spinner Vignesh Puthur, who had a similar incident earlier in the season but was not penalized.
According to cricket laws, specifically Law 21.5 regarding fair delivery, a bowler’s back foot must land within and not touch the return crease during the delivery stride. If the bowler fails to meet these criteria, the umpire is obligated to call a no-ball.
In reviewing footage of Vignesh Puthur’s deliveries, it becomes evident that he landed on his toes before his heel crossed the back-foot crease. This nuance is critical because it adheres to the stipulated regulations. As stated in the laws of cricket, the front foot must also fulfill specific conditions, ensuring that all parameters for a fair delivery are met.
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Thus, while the incident with Starc raised eyebrows, Vignesh Puthur’s bowling actions remained within the rules of the game. This differentiation in adjudication has fueled discussions among fans and experts alike, spotlighting the complexities of umpiring standards in the IPL.
Ultimately, Vignesh Puthur’s seemingly controversial deliveries were legal, highlighting the important nuances of cricket’s intricate laws.