The match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, became the center of a major controversy. The run-out decision against Pakistan's opening batter Muneeba Ali stirred up a storm both on the field and across social media.
Sports News: A major controversy erupted during the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 when Pakistan's opener Muneeba Ali was given run-out by the third umpire. This decision became a talking point among both players on the field and fans. Notably, Pakistani captain Fatima Sana appeared extremely displeased with the decision and was seen protesting it to the fourth umpire while standing on the boundary line.
The incident occurred at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where this thrilling group-stage encounter between the women's teams of India and Pakistan was played. During the match, however, this run-out decision started trending on social media, with many questioning whether the third umpire's decision was correct according to the rules of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club).
What happened on the field?
It was the last ball of Pakistan's fourth over, bowled by Indian bowler Kranti Gaur. The ball hit Muneeba Ali's pads and went straight towards the slips. During this, Kranti Gaur appealed for an LBW. However, Deepti Sharma, fielding on the other side, showed alertness, quickly picked up the ball, and threw it towards the stumps.
Video replays showed that Muneeba Ali had initially placed her bat inside the popping crease, but as soon as the ball hit the wicket, she had lifted her bat, and no part of her was grounded behind the crease. This was the reason the third umpire declared her run out. The Pakistani team felt the decision was hasty and that the batter should have been given the benefit of the doubt, but according to MCC rules, the decision was entirely correct.
What does “Out of Ground” mean according to MCC rules?
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the body that creates the Laws of Cricket, the rules related to run-outs are clear.
1. Law 30.1 — When is a batter considered “out of ground”?
According to MCC Law 30.1, if no part of the batter's body or bat is grounded (i.e., connected to the ground) behind the popping crease at that end, they shall be considered “out of ground.” In other words, if the batter's bat or foot is not touching the ground behind the crease, and at that very moment the wicket is put down, then the batter can be given out.
2. Law 30.2 — Exception (Running or Diving)
Law 30.2 also states that if a batter is crossing the crease while running or diving, and was previously grounded, and in that process, the bat or body temporarily loses contact with the ground, they shall not be considered “out of ground.” However, if the batter is standing still, neither running nor diving, this exception does not apply. This was the situation observed with Muneeba Ali; she was stationary at that moment, and her bat was not touching the ground inside the crease.
Deepti Sharma displayed excellent presence of mind on the field. She observed that Muneeba Ali had lifted her bat into the air after making contact with the ball, while the ball was still “in play.” She immediately aimed and threw, dislodging the stumps.
After reviewing the replays, the third umpire found that when the bails fell, Muneeba's bat was not inside the crease — meaning, according to the rules, she was “out of ground.”
