A controversial moment marred the India A vs Pakistan Shaheens clash in the Asia Cup Rising Stars on Sunday, when a relay catch between Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir was overturned by the third umpire and ruled not out.
Following a major batting collapse, India A had set a modest target of 137 runs. With a superb fifty off 31 balls, opener Maaz Sadaqat led the Pakistan run chase.
The pivotal moment came when Suyash Sharma forced Sadaqat to loft a shot towards deep field on the opening ball of the tenth over.
The controversial moment occurred when Nehal Wadhera chased the shot to the boundary and flicked the ball back into play while in the air outside the rope, and Naman Dhir made what looked to be a legitimate relay catch inside the field.
Assuming he was dismissed, Maaz Sadaqat had already begun to go back. He was ordered to wait for the third umpire's ruling, though, by the on-field umpires.
The Indian players were taken aback by the ruling that was shown as "Not out" on the screen. Captain Jitesh Sharma asked the on-field umpires to explain the decision right away.
The MCC had announced a major boundary fielding rule adjustment in June 2025, which served as the basis for the decision.
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Confusion over airborne relay attempts and repeated touches outside the field of play was resolved by the revision to Law 19.5.2.
The position and grounding of the first fielder were the only factors taken into account under the prior rule. Multiple airborne relay touches outside the boundary were made possible as a result.
All fielders who come into contact with the ball are now required by the amended law to adhere to certain grounding standards. A fielder must land inside the field and stay there until the ball is dead, but they may touch the ball once while it is in the air outside the boundary.
Sub-Clause 19.5.2.1 states that the ball is immediately deemed a boundary when a fielder touches it while it is in the air outside the rope and subsequently lands outside.
In this instance, the dismissal was rejected since Wadhera's initial contact with the ball took place outside the boundary line.
As no batter crossed the crease and Pakistan Shaheens were not given a six or a run on the pitch. But on Tuesday, former international umpire Anil Chaudhary shared a video on Instagram asking if it was a fair catch or not.
Chaudhary said, “I believe it was 100% OUT. A fielder jumping from inside the rope can relay the ball to a teammate before landing outside. The umpires made an error.”
Sadaqat led Pakistan Shaheens to a commanding eight-wicket victory by capitalizing on the decision. Pakistan Shaheens advanced to the semifinals because of this victory.
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