Check out how ‘wide’ law modification may have aided Virat Kohli’s century in ODI World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh

The Indian cricket team registered their 4th consecutive victory in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 by defeating Bangladesh in the 17th match of the tournament on October 19 in Pune. The Men in Blue are currently standing at the no. 2 spot in the points table. New Zealand are the table topper with the same points but a better run rate.

Meanwhile, during the 42nd over of India’s chase against Bangladesh, the match appeared to be all but decided, with India needing a mere two runs for victory. However, the spotlight was on Virat Kohli, who was on the cusp of a remarkable century, standing at an impressive 97 runs. However, a decision by the umpire, Richard Kettleborough, raised eyebrows and became the subject of intense debate.

The first delivery of that crucial over, sent down by Bangladesh’s Nasum Ahmed to down the leg-side, a typical indication of a wide ball. To the surprise of many, the umpire chose not to signal it as wide, and intriguingly, he sported a sly smirk as his arms remained firmly by his side. 

Speculation was rife that the umpire might have given Kohli an extended opportunity to reach his century, deliberately refraining from a decision that could have diminished that possibility. This choice by the umpire elicited a mix of praise and criticism from cricket enthusiasts and pundits.

Check out these laws of cricket introduced by MCC

However, it’s noteworthy that a pivotal rule change introduced in the Laws of Cricket by the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) in 2022 might have inadvertently played a role in this intriguing episode. The law says, “If the bowler bowls a ball, not being a No ball, the umpire shall adjudge it a Wide if, according to the definition in 22.1.2, the ball passes wide of where the striker is standing and which also would have passed wide of the striker standing in a normal guard position.”

Before the rule modification, Clause 22.1.1 in the MCC’s Laws of Cricket says, “In the modern game, batters are, more than ever, moving laterally around the crease before the ball is bowled. It was felt unfair that a delivery might be called ‘Wide’ if it passes where the batter had stood as the bowler entered his/her delivery stride.

However, the MCC announced a new Code of Laws set to be effective from October 1, 2022. This change aimed to address the evolving dynamics of the game, particularly the lateral movement of batters before the ball is bowled. “Therefore, Law 22.1 has been amended so that a Wide will apply to where the batter is standing, where the striker has stood at any point since the bowler began their run-up, and which would also have passed wide of the striker in a normal batting position.”