PSL 2018: A no-ball controversy leaves the officials in a fix

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has suddenly sprung back to life after a series of low-scoring and boring games. The league is now entertaining the fans with some thrilling games and last over finishes. These exciting games have given the league the much-required boost. However, it is a controversial finish in yesterday’s game that is making all headlines.

On Sunday (March 11), in a game that had fans at the edge of their seats, Lahore Qalandar edged past Karachi Kings to win the Super Over thriller at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, a ‘no-ball’ that was bowled in the final over and the batsmen not being awarded runs for a single that was taken has put everyone in confusion.

Lahore Qalandars win a thrilling super-over in the PSL

Yesterday, the Lahore Qalandars ended their six-match losing streak after winning the game in the super over. Set, 163 to win, Qalandars needed 16 in the final over to win the contest. Sohail Akhtar scored 12 runs on the first three balls. However, the next two deliveries haven’t been as productive and the team required three to win off the last ball. The game spiraled into controversy after Akthar was first out caught and then redeemed because it was a no ball. The confusion was around how many runs Qalandars needed to be awarded.

The team was awarded only one run considering the fact that the batsmen didn’t complete the run when the catch was taken. However, they crossed each other and hence the strike had to be rotated. Qalandars ideally should have needed just one off the final delivery. However, the umpires clarified that since the no-ball wasn’t given on the field, the run from the batsmen wouldn’t be counted. Bizarrely, they also allowed a change of strike and let Gulraiz Sadaf face the last ball instead of Akhtar. Sadaf could only manage a single off the ensuing free-hit before he was run out trying to go for the second.

Players, owners, and everyone confused

Sunil Narine went on to defend 11 in the super over giving the Qalandars only their second victory this year. Sameen Rana, the CEO of Qalandars, acknowledged there was plenty of confusion and no clarity on the rule either. “Whatever happened today, I’ll be honest, we didn’t know the law,” he started. “What we thought was since the batsmen crossed. And then there was a no-ball as well, we needed just one run on the final ball. The umpires told us that when they don’t signal the no-ball on the field, and it’s given after a review, the run(s) on the ball aren’t counted.

“Then again, the question was why was Sohail Akhtar asked to go to the other end. And why was Gulraiz Sadaf allowed to take the strike? So there’s this confusion. We’ll also check with the technical committee about it.” Furthermore, both teams’ captains Brendon McCullum and Kumar Sangakkara were not sure about the laws and were left speechless. Also, Rana stressed that a technical error would reflect poorly on the PSL.