'Oppressed community, wake up’ - R Ashwin after U19 Women’s T20 WC incident triggers non-striker run-out debate

In the inaugural U19 Women's T20 World Cup contest between Pakistan and Rwanda, Women in Green pacer Zaib-un-Nisa ran out the rival team’s batter at the non-striker’s end which sparked off yet another debate of around non-striker run-outs. Meanwhile, veteran India spinner R Ashwin lashed out at the purists who believe that the run-out at the non-striker's end by a bowler must be avoided. 

Reigniting the debate, the custodians of the 'Spirit of Cricket' sprung to action as many members of the cricketing fraternity have called Zaib-un-Nisa's act unethical. Meanwhile, Ashwin who was at the centre of controversies took to Twitter after a user posted a clip of another incident between New Zealand and England Test match wherethe batter plays out the delivery which deflects off his partner’s bat at the non-striker’s end and is caught within the 30-yard circle. 

“Oppressed community called ‘bowlers’ please wake up,” tweeted Ashwin.

Oppressed community called “bowlers” please wake up🙏 https://t.co/ZrreFksyBy

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 16, 2023

The veteran spinner termed the bowlers ‘oppressed’ as he subtly pointed out that the rules have always favoured the batters. On the very same day, Venkatesh Prasad schooled former Australia great Steve Waugh over the U19 Women’s World Cup incident, wherein the latter called the act as the "worst thing".

The worst thing is it seems that teams are using it as a deliberate planned way to get a wicket.👎

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) January 16, 2023

Yes right , Bowlers planning to get a player out by legal means is the worst thing
Batsman wanting to take unfair advantage by not staying back in the crease is the best thing 😃 https://t.co/6BLpyLDiAP

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) January 16, 2023

“The worst thing is it seems that teams are using it as a deliberate planned way to get a wicket,” tweeted Waugh.

“Yes right, Bowlers planning to get a player out by legal means is the worst thing. Batsman wanting to take unfair advantage by not staying back in the crease is the best thing,” responded Prasad.

While the dismissals with regards to the non-striker’s end has been a point of discussion, the rules by the ICC clearly state that the run out at the non-striker’s end is legitimate It appears as though the debate will appear to continue as there are many players backing the move while some others are against it.