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A moment of high drama and subsequent confusion unfolded during the Super Over of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium last night, centering around a crucial no-ball call against DC bowler Mitchell Starc.
Why Was Mitchell Starc’s delivery in the Super Over given a no-ball?
The incident, which occurred under intense pressure, ultimately did not derail DC’s path to victory but ignited discussions regarding the specific rules governing bowler foot placement.
The nerve-wracking Super Over saw Australian paceman Starc tasked with defending DC’s total. Having already conceded a boundary to Shimron Hetmyer earlier in the over, the pressure mounted. On the fourth delivery, Starc bowled a low full toss outside the off-stump to RR’s Riyan Parag. Parag successfully sliced the ball away for a four, seemingly keeping RR firmly in the contest.
However, celebrations were cut short as the stadium siren blared, and the on-field umpire signalled a no-ball. This decision immediately granted RR a free hit, significantly altering the complexion of the over and leaving many, including players and spectators, seeking clarification.
Replays displayed on the stadium’s giant screen soon shed light on the umpire’s call. They showed that Starc’s back foot, during his delivery stride, was in contact with the return crease – the white line running parallel to the pitch on either side of the stumps. Starc himself was observed engaging in a discussion with the umpire shortly after the replay was shown, seemingly seeking understanding regarding the infringement.
NO BALL!
It's not for FRONT FOOT! It's BACK FOOT NO BALL!
STARC Can't Believe It!
— Cricket Addiction (@CricketAdd1ct)
The incident prompted a closer look at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws of Cricket, which govern the game globally. According to Law 21.5, the delivery is indeed deemed illegal if the bowler’s back foot touches or crosses the return crease during the delivery stride. The rule explicitly states: “The bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery.” This phrasing confirms that merely touching the line, as Starc’s foot appeared to do, constitutes an illegal delivery. Therefore, the third umpire, upon reviewing the evidence, made the correct decision based on the established laws of the game.
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DC captain Axar Patel heaps praises for Mitchell Starc
Despite this momentary setback in the Super Over, Starc’s overall performance drew high praise, particularly from DC captain Axar Patel. Starc, who was named Player of the Match, earlier delivered a commendable spell in the main innings, finishing with figures of 1 for 36 in his four overs, including the vital wicket of a well-set Nitish Rana (51 off 28 balls).
Furthermore, Starc showcased immense composure by successfully defending nine runs in the tense final over of regulation play, forcing the match into the Super Over eliminator. Patel lauded the Australian bowler’s ability to execute under duress, especially highlighting his proficiency with yorkers during both the 20th over and the subsequent Super Over.
“I thought that if Starc could execute, he could bring us back in the game,” Axar commented during the post-match presentation. “He bowled the 20th over and the Super Over. So to bowl 12 yorkers in 12 balls, that’s why he’s an Australian legend.” Axar expressed his unwavering faith in Starc’s capacity to deliver in critical moments.
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