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Controversy swirled around the 33rd IPL 2024 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) . during the first innings. Two on-field umpiring calls didn’t go MI’s way, sparking accusations that their dugout might have been illegally using the Decision Review System (DRS) to signal the batsmen. These actions reportedly angered PBKS captain Sam Curran.
Wide calls spark controversy in IPL Match
Controversy arose during a recent match when a similar incident occurred twice. In the 15th over, Arshdeep Singh bowled a wide yorker that was called a not-wide by the umpire despite Suryakumar Yadav attempting to play the ball and missing it. The MI dugout then urged for a review, which Suryakumar took. Upon review, the decision was overturned and declared a wide.
The drama continued in the 19th over when Curran delivered a ball outside the off-stump to Tim David. Despite David attempting to play the shot, the umpire initially signalled a not-wide. However, David opted for a review, and upon closer inspection, the third umpire, Nitin Menon, deemed it a wide. Notably, replays showed the ball was just within David’s reach.
Former Aussie player Tom Moody speaks out on wide calls
Tom Moody called for specialist third umpires in response to the controversial wide calls in IPL 2024. He believeed some umpires are well-suited for on-field decisions, but the third umpire role requires different skills.
It’s time we considered having specialist 3rd umpires, too many questionable decisions being made.
Some umpires are better suited on field, the 3rd umpire requires experience and a certain skill set. #IPL— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) April 18, 2024
Also READ: IPL 2024: Who is Richard Gleeson? The replacement player for CSK
MI steals victory in last-over thriller against PBKS
Sent in to bat first by PBKS, MI managed to post a total of 192 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Suryakumar’s excellent knock of 78 runs off 53 balls was the cornerstone of their innings. In reply, PBKS suffered a disastrous start, losing four wickets within the first four overs. Despite a valiant effort from Ashutosh Sharma, who scored a quickfire 61 off just 28 deliveries, PBKS were ultimately bowled out for 183 runs, falling short of the target by 9 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was adjudged the Player of the Match for his impressive bowling spell, claiming 3 wickets.
