IPL 2022 | Heated scenes in GT-RCB fixture, courtesy of controversial no-ball decision

You just cannot take away controversy from the cash-cow of the Board of Control for Cricket in India - The Indian Premier League (IPL). Saturday's (April 30) afternoon game threw another testament to the same fact as controversial scenes erupted in the match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

The Titans looked on course to chase the target of 171 runs, courtesy of a steady start provided their openers, Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill. While the wicketkeeper's stay at the crease ended for 29 runs, Gill and GT had a tinge of luck going their way as a debateable no-ball call by the umpire handed them an extra run and a free-hit.

The incident happened in the ninth over of GT's innings. Bowling the fourth delivery of his second over, Shahbaz Ahmed made Gill reach for a wide-ball, with the batter aiming to employ the late-cut shot.

The Punjab-born failed miserably in his execution and eventually as the ball landed to the hands of RCB's stand-in wicketkeeper, Anuj Rawat. Gill straightaway went for the review, that clearly showed no spike at the time of the ball passing the bat.

Adding wounds to the injury, the replay showed that Rawat's gloves were in line of the stumps before the batter finished his shot. 

This is clearly against the 27.3.1 Law of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) that states:- 

The wicket-keeper shall remain wholly behind the stumps at the striker’s end from the moment the ball comes into play until a ball delivered by the bowler-

touches the bat or person of the striker or

passes the wicket at the striker’s end or

the striker attempts a run.

27.3.2 Law of the MCC - In the event of the wicket-keeper contravening this Law, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal No ball as soon as applicable after the delivery of the ball.

After the call, Virat Kohli along with few other RCB players, indluged in a conversation with the on-field umpires.

In another incident, the ball, after a hit coming from the bat of Mahipal Lomror, struck the cables. Although Lomror was caught, the dead ball was called and Gujarat Titans were deprived of a possible wicket.

Few deliveries after, Lomror, ultimately, was caught again and finished the day with a quick-fire 16-run knock.