MCC backs Miraz run-out, says decision ‘fully within the Laws’

Bangla Press Desk:   The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) ruled that the controversial run-out between Pakistan batter Salman Agha and Bangladesh ODI skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz during the second ODI at Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium was legally correct, while noting that Bangladesh could have withdrawn the appeal on Spirit-of-Cricket grounds.

The custodians of the Laws of Cricket said the on-field umpires had no option but to give Agha out, as the batter was clearly outside his crease when the wicket was broken, and the ball was still in play, MCC released a statement on Monday.The incident occurred at the non-striker’s end following a collision between bowler Miraz and Agha, as the Bangladesh captain moved across the pitch to field a shot from Mohammad Rizwan.

As the ball trickled loose, Agha bent down, seemingly believing the ball to be dead and attempting to pick it up to assist the fielding side. Miraz, however, reacted swiftly, gathered the ball and flicked it onto the stumps with Agha still out of his ground.

“Under the Laws, there is little that either umpire could have done differently,” the MCC stated. “The non-striker was clearly out of his ground when the wicket was broken, and the ball was in play. That is out.”

The MCC also warned that Agha had placed himself at risk of an even more serious offence.

“No batter should attempt to pick up the ball without the consent of the fielding side,” the statement said. “Had he done so, he would have been at risk of an ‘obstructing the field’ dismissal. In retrospect, he would have been better off using that time to regain his ground.”

Addressing claims that the ball should have been declared dead, the MCC dismissed the argument outright, saying collisions do not automatically stop play.

“The ball does not become dead when players collide,” the MCC noted. “If it did, it would incentivise players to seek out collisions. There was no serious injury, the ball had not settled, and at least one fielder clearly believed it was still live.”

The MCC added that even under the new dead-ball law, set to come into force in October, the dismissal would still stand, as the ball could not be considered “finally settled” while an active run-out attempt was underway.

However, the MCC acknowledged the emotional and ethical debate surrounding the incident.

“It certainly would have been possible for Mehidy, as Bangladesh captain, to withdraw his appeal,” the statement said. “The Laws allow an appeal to be withdrawn where the batter is out in Law, but the fielding side feels that allowing play to continue would better reflect the Spirit of Cricket.”

Agha had earlier voiced his disappointment after the match, saying he would have acted differently and opted for sportsmanship had he been in the fielder’s position.Source: daily Sun

BP/SP