MCC on Salman Ali Agha Controversial Run Out: A big controversy was seen during the recently played ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh. During the second ODI match, Salman Aga was not happy with the way he was run out. In fact, in the 39th over of Pakistan’s innings, Mohammad Rizwan played the ball of Mehdi Hasan straight towards the bowler with light hands. Then Mehdi Hasan Miraj tried to stop the ball, during which non-striker Salman Aga was out of the crease. Agha tried to pick it up thinking it was a dead ball and collided with Mehdi. Mehidi quickly picked up the ball and hit it on the stumps, due to which Agha was run out. The third umpire ruled on the appeal and declared Aga out. This incident sparked a debate on sportsmanship, as Agha had considered the ball dead and tried to return it. In such a situation, now Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is the guardian of the rules of cricket, has given a big statement on this incident.
What did MCC say on Salman Aga run out controversy?
Salman Aga’s run out may have been full of controversy, but Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has made it clear that this decision was completely correct as per the rules. MCC said in its statement that the umpires had no other option. The non-striker was out of the crease, the ball was in play and the wicket was knocked down, hence it is run out. MCC further said that Agha had left the crease while the ball was in play and had started trying to return when he collided with Mehdi. Also, a batsman should not pick up the ball without the permission of the fielding team, otherwise there is a risk of obstructing the field. MCC believes that Agha should have tried to return to the crease instead of picking up the ball.
Why was it not considered a dead ball when players collided?
Apart from this, MCC also rejected suggestions to declare the ball dead. He said that the ball does not become dead due to collision of players, unless there is serious injury or there is no clear indication of stopping the game, the ball cannot be considered dead. Here Mehdi did not consider the ball dead and tried to run it out, whereas Agha considered it dead. The ball was on the ground, so it did not settle in the hands of the bowler or the wicketkeeper.
MCC also said that under the new rules coming into effect from October, umpires can consider the ball as settled when it becomes stable. But in such a case, where the fielder is trying to run out the non-striker and the batsman is out of the crease, then it is difficult to consider the ball as settled.