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In a dramatic turn of events during the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 match between MI Emirates and Gulf Giants, the spirit of cricket was put to the test.
The incident revolved around Tom Curran, who was given out for a run-out by the third umpire but was later called back to bat by the Emirates captain Nicholas Pooran. This remarkable act of s𒆙portsmanship not only showcased the essence of fair play but also highlighted the often-overlooked values that underpin the game of cricket.
The controversial run-out of Tom Curran by Nicholas Pooran
The pivotal moment occurred on the last ball of the 18th over. Mark Adair struck a shot towards long-off, prompting Curran to complete a single. After successfully reaching the striker’s end, Curran mistakenly left his crease, believing that the over had concluded. MI Emirates wicketkeeper Pooran swiftly dislodged the bails and appealed for a run-out. After a review by the third umpire, Curran was declared out, leading him to walk back towards the pavilion amidst visible dissent from Gulf Giants’ coach Andy Flower.
Here’s the video:
And… the drama concludes with a true display of sportsmanship! 🫶🔝
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Also WATCH: Kieron Pollard takes an absolute screamer to dismiss Andre Russell in the ILT🌺20 2025
Pooran’s gesture of fair play
However, in an unexpected twist, Pooran decided to withdraw the appeal after realizing that there had been no call for the end of the over from the umpires. This decision was influenced by Flower’s protests and demonstrated a commitment to upholding the spirit of cricket over strict adherence to rules. The Gulf Giants dugout erupted in applause as Curran returned to his crease, allowing him to continue batting. Pooran later explained his reasoning in the post-match presentation, emphasizing that their team needed to respect both the game and their opponents.
Post-match, Pooran reflected on his team’s performance, acknowledging their lack of discipline throughout the game. His comments highlighted not only his disappointment but also his commitment to learning from this experience and ensuring that they respect both their opponents and the game itself moving forward.
“We weren’t disciplined, paid a price as a team. It was about Spirit of the Game. By the laws out yes. The batter seemed to have heard the call for the over but I certainly didn’t, which is why I appealed,” Pooran stated in the post-match presentation.
MI Emirates lost to Gulf Giants in a close battle
Despite this moment of sportsmanship, MI Emirates ultimately fell short in a nail-biting finish. The Gulf Giants needed 17 runs from the last two overs but faced challenges as they lost key wickets. Curran contributed 16 runs off 13 balls before being dismissed in a tense clash where Muhammad Zuhaib clinched victory with a single off the last ball, s♊ecuring a two-wicket win for his team. This thrilling conclusion underscored how quickly fortunes can change in cricket and how critical every decision can be.
