Ryan Burl apologizes to dismiss Myburgh for controversial boundary catch

Zimbabwean cricketer Ryan Burl recently saw himself in an awkward position during the second ODI against Netherlands at Amstelveen. His catch to dismiss the Dutch opener Stephan Myburg drew a lot of criticism on the social media. In the game, Myburg was taking a heavy toll on the Zimbabwe bowers. He had raced to 77 off mere 70 deliveries en route a brilliant 143-run opening stand.

It was just then when Myburg hit on down the ground towards the long on. Ryan Burl, the fielder at the position, got hold of the ball, juggled it and completed the catch. There were doubts over the clarity of the catch since the boundaries ropes were disturbed in the entire scene. The players and the umpires could not take the matters to the third umpire since there was no third umpire for the game.

Due to Netherlands being relegated from their ODI status, all their matches have been put in the List A category. Hence, there are no third umpires. In this case, the players decided to go with the words of the fielder. Burl claimed a clean catch and Myburg had to walk back on 77 with 13 fours and a six to his name.

Later, photographs taken by CricketEurope photographer Sander Tholen showed that Burl had clearly stepped on the ropes during the episode. This drew a lot of flak and criticism towards him. Ryan Burl found it ideal to take to the social media and apologize the batsman as well as the Dutch fans.

The Apology

“I would like to sincerely apologize again to Stephan who I spoke to after the game, all the Netherlands players and supporters. I have seen the pictures and it clearly shows a six. At the time and speed at which it happened I was unaware whether I had released the ball in time or not. I thought at the time that I had caught it fine,” wrote Ryan Burl.

“I then turned around and asked the ball boy and family behind me if it was a clean catch or not to make sure and they said it was clean. I would never intentionally claim something that I did not think was out. Apologies again,” he added further.

@dutchiepdb @StephanMyburgh @KNCBcricket pic.twitter.com/y0chrebYSu

— Ryan Burl (@ryanburl3) June 23, 2017

The Dutch skipper Peter Borren was quick to accept the apology and appreciated the gesture. He wrote, “Appreciate this. Here is to another good contest tomorrow.”