The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has clarified that the controversial run-out during the Bangladesh vs Pakistan match was correctly given out under the Laws of Cricket.
In a statement, the MCC said the non-striker was clearly out of his ground when the wicket was broken while the ball was still in play, leaving the umpires with little option but to give the batter out.
The clarification came after debate surrounding the dismissal, which occurred after a collision between Pakistan’s Agha and Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz while the ball was still in play.
According to the MCC, the non-striker had already left his ground and was attempting to regain it when the collision occurred. The statement also noted that a batter should not attempt to pick up the ball without the consent of the fielding side, as doing so could risk a dismissal for obstructing the field.
The MCC rejected suggestions that the ball should have been treated as dead, explaining that under the current laws the ball does not become dead when players collide, unless there is a serious injury or the umpire clearly determines that play has ceased.
It added that the ball could not be considered finally settled, as it was still on the ground and the nearest fielder was actively attempting to run the non-striker out.
The MCC said that under updated Laws of Cricket due to come into effect in October, an umpire may consider the ball dead if it is stationary on the ground and finally settled, though that would still be difficult to apply in situations where a fielder is attempting a run-out.
While the dismissal was correct under the Laws, the MCC said Bangladesh captain Mehidy could have withdrawn the appeal if he felt it was appropriate under the Spirit of Cricket, as the rules allow fielding teams to withdraw an appeal in such circumstances.
The club said there was therefore no case to argue that the dismissal should have been ruled not out under the Laws of Cricket. (Newswire)