Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: A controversial moment during Australia’s T20I series loss to Pakistan has sparked anger among cricket fans after replays revealed a clear rule breach that went unnoticed by the umpires. Pakistan cruised to a 111-run win in the third match to complete a 3-0 whitewash, but the focus later shifted to a controversial dismissal involving Australian batter Cooper Connolly.
Connolly was dismissed for a duck while trying to get back into his crease, appearing to be stumped by Pakistan wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay. At first glance, it looked straightforward, and the on-field umpire gave him out without consulting the third umpire. However, slow-motion replays later showed Connolly was unfairly dismissed.Watch:The footage revealed that Nafay broke the stumps using his left glove, while the ball was still in his right hand. Under cricket laws, a wicketkeeper can only remove the bails using the hand or glove that is holding the ball. In this case, the ball was never transferred before the stumps were broken.The ICC laws are clear on the matter. Clause 29.2.1 states: “The wicket is broken fairly if a bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps or a stump is struck out of the ground – by a fielder with his hand or arm, providing that the ball is held in the hand or hands so used, or in the hand of the arm so used.”Despite this, Nafay did not acknowledge the mistake and continued with the appeal, which appeared to convince the umpire that the dismissal was legal. Fans were left stunned that the error wasn’t spotted in real time or reviewed.The incident has drawn heavy criticism online, with many questioning why the appeal wasn’t withdrawn, especially with Pakistan already dominating the match. While the result wouldn’t have changed, the moment has raised concerns over sportsmanship and umpiring standards ahead of the World Cup.
