The spirit of cricket debate reignited when Tom Curran was called to bat after a controversial ‘run out’ in the ILT20
The controversial run-out case in the ILT20 match between Gulf Giants and MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi has reignited the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ debate. Tom Curran, playing for the Gulf Giants, was dismissed after casually walking out of his crease before the ball was dead, but the England batsman was called back to bat.
Gulf Giants pulled off a dramatic last-ball victory against MI Emirates in an ILT20 match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on January 25. Despite the intense competition, the game was marked by commendable sportsmanship when Nicholas Pooran withdrew an appeal for a controversial ‘run’ out.’
Watch: Tom Curran called back to Bat after being given a ‘Run Out’
The incident took place during the last ball of the 18th over of the Gulf Giants’ innings. Tom Curran and his partner Mark Adair have just recorded a light single. Curran, believing the over was over, wandered out of his crease without looking at Nicholas Pooran, who had received the toss from Kieron Pollard.
The West Indian removed the bail and appealed as Curran was outside his crease. After a short discussion with the referees on the field, the decision was passed to the third referee. The third umpire ruled out Curran because the ball had not yet been declared dead. Curran then headed back to the dugout.
The controversial run-out incident left Gulf Giants coach Andy Flower visibly frustrated, as Curran’s action was an inadvertent lapse rather than an attempt to gain an unfair advantage. MI Emirates showed exemplary sportsmanship by withdrawing their appeal and allowing Curran to continue batting.
After three and a half minutes of stoppage time, Curran was called back to the crease and was signaled to return by opponent Tom Banton. This decision received a lot of praise from fans on social media platforms.
Watch the video of the incident below:
Captain Pooran complains ➡️ Run-out is given ➡️ Coach Flower is not happy ➡️ Tom Curran leaves ➡️Tom Curran returns!
📹@ILT20 Officially | #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/3CMJ1WjeTt
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 25, 2025
Tom Curran bowled Dan Mousley in the final over of the match
Gulf Giants were chasing the target with 17 runs needed after the last two overs. Mark Adair was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi in the penultimate over and the Giants managed just six runs.
In the final over, Dan Mousley bowled a no-ball, which was smashed by Aayan Khan for a six. Three runs came off the next four balls, leaving Curran with a chance to seal the win. However, Mousley brought him down after scoring 16 runs off 13 balls. Muhammad Zuhaib secured the win with one off the last ball.
It was about the spirit of the game – Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran revealed his decision on the appeal, adding that it was in line with the rules. Pooran admitted that his team’s lack of discipline cost them the game.
“We were not disciplined, we paid the price as a team. It was about the spirit of the game. According to the laws, yes. The batsman seemed to have heard the over call, but I certainly didn’t, which is why I appealed,” Pooran said in a presentation after matches.
Also read: ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 announced, Smriti Mandhana among 3 Indian women.
