After four years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw an super over. Courtesy of Mitchell Starc’s incredible 20th over against Rajasthan Royals (RR), the Delhi Capitals (DC) had an chance to still win the match and move to the top of the IPL 2025 point table.
As if the super over in itself wasn’t entertaining enough, we also saw an major controversy. Bowling first, Starc had given 10 runs in 4 balls. However, while going back to his mark, the buzzer went off. The third umpire has called a no-ball. But fascinatingly enough, it wasn’t a front foot no-ball.
No-ball controversy in DC vs RR Super Over
Bowling from round the wicket to Riyan Parag, Starc’s back leg had touched the side line. A free hit was coming up and the pacer wasn’t pleased. A huge stir up was caused online. Former New Zealand cricketer rurned commentator Simon Doull was stated that it wasn’t a back foot no-ball on air. So was it a no-ball?
According to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws, it was a no-ball. In MCC’s 21.5 clause, it clearly states a bowler’s back foot can’t touch the crease.
21.5 Fair delivery – the feet
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride
21.5.1 the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery.
Doull had released that he made the mistake and corrected himself after Starc’s over came to an end. Luckily for DC, the no-ball didn’t change the course of the match. They went on to win the super over with two balls to spare. Owing to some poor running from Parag, Shimron Hetmyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal combined with some great hitting by KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs.
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