IPL 2022: Here's why the full-toss bowled by RR against DC was not referred to third umpire

The final over of the northern derby between the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals on April 22 witnessed some dramatic scenes where the match had to be halted for a while as DC skipper Rishabh Pant and Pravin Amre protested against the on-field umpire’s decision for not signaling a full toss as no-ball for height.

While there were many who criticized the umpires for their poor decision after Delhi went on to lose the match by 15 runs, the on-field umpires were indeed following the rules of the game by sticking to the rule book. As per the IPL Playing Conditions, the on-field umpires can only refer a decision regarding a dismissal and front foot no balls to the third umpire and no other referrals can be made apart from these. Therefore, it can be said that since the delivery that was bowled to Rovman Powell was hit for a six, the umpires were correct in not referring the decision to the third umpire.

The Player Review laws state that:

3.1 Circumstances in which a Player Review may be requested

3.1.1 A player may request a review of any decision taken by the on-field umpires concerning whether
or not a batter is dismissed, with the exception of ‘Timed Out’ (Player Review).

3.1.2 No other decisions made by the umpires are eligible for a Player Review with the exception of Fair
Catch/Bump Ball (even after the third umpire has been consulted and the decision
communicated).

3.1.3 Only the batter involved in a dismissal may request a Player Review of an Out decision and only
the captain (or acting captain) of the fielding team may request a Player Review of a Not out
decision.

3.1.4 A decision concerning whether or not a batter is dismissed that could have been the subject of a
Umpire Review under paragraph 2 is eligible for a Player Review as soon as it is clear that the onfield umpire has chosen not to initiate the Umpire Review.

However, Pant and Amre were not convinced with the decision and they reacted aggressively. While the stumper was seen arguing with the match officials, and RR player Jos Buttler, he also asked the batters to leave the ground. Pravin Amre, on the other hand, stomped onto the field in order to have a chat with the umpires.

The duo did not get away with their actions and were heavily penalized for breaching the Code of Conduct. Both were fined their entire match fees and the DC assistant coach has also been handed a one-match ban.