Home
Fatima Sana-led Pakistan were outclassed by India in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 clash in Colombo on October 5. Despite the comprehensive 88-run loss, Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali’s run-out controversy took centrestage. Skipper Sana had a long debate just outside the ropes with third umpire. On social media, there was debate around spirit of cricket even though the law clearly deems her out. Now, the custodian of cricket laws, the MCC have given a fitting reply to all doubting the legitimacy of dismissal.
"A batter shall not be considered to be out of his/her ground if, in running or diving towards his/her ground and beyond, and having grounded some part of his/her person or bat beyond the popping crease, there is subsequent loss of contact," MCC said in a statement.
"This Law means that if you are running or diving towards the end that the stumps are broken, and you ground your bat or person behind the line, you are not out if you then lose contact with the ground and the wicket is subsequently broken. Muneeba had grounded her bat beyond the popping crease after being hit on the pads, and her bat subsequently lifted. Isn't this exactly what the Law covers?"
"The answer to that is no – the Law specifically only covers a player who is running or diving - and Muneeba was not moving towards her ground.
“She had taken guard from beyond the popping crease and at no time did her feet move back into her ground."
The run-out law not recent, introduced in 2010
The change to the run-out laws was made 15 years ago. Under this law, if the batters’ bat bounces after reaching the crease and the ball hits the stumps, then the batter is given not out. In Muneeba’s case, she merely lifted her bat, lacking game awareness.
"This Law, which was introduced in 2010 and is sometimes referred to as the 'bouncing bat Law', is to protect a batter who inadvertently loses contact with the ground as they move towards the stumps, either with their bat bouncing up or just with both their feet being airborne through the natural process of running.
"It does not protect a batter who is turning for another run, overbalancing, or who – as in Muneeba's case – simply lifts their bat into the air. The third umpire was entirely correct to give this Out," MCC further explained.
Not attempting a run but ball was not dead
MCC understands that Muneeba had no intention to take a run. They further backed the umpires for making the right call under pressure at R.Premadasa Stadium.
"It's a Run out – although she was not attempting a run, and it was not a No ball, the wicket was not broken by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another fielder – it was instead a fielder who threw it. So the decision, correctly given by the umpires, is Out, Run out," MCC concluded.
ADVERTISEMENT
