SMAT20: BCCI issues statement after debacle in the Hyderabad-Karnataka fixture

The fixture between Karnataka and Hyderabad in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was marred by an untoward incident that unfolded mid-way between the tie. The incident happened when Karnataka opener Karun Nair flicked a delivery off Mohammed Siraj over the mid-wicket. Opposition fielder Mehdi Hassan ran towards the ball and picked it up before it could cross the ropes.

However, replays clearly showed that Hassan had stepped on the boundary, but umpire Ulhas Gandhe didn’t bother to go upstairs for a video replay, with Karnataka ending two runs short of their deserved total on 203/5. When Karnataka came out to bowl, skipper Vinay Kumar walked up to the umpire and two runs were added to the target, which was changed to 206 from 204. As fate would have it, Hyderabad lost the tie by two runs as they folded up scoring 203/9 at the end of their 20 overs.

In the end, Karnataka edged Hyderabad out by 2 runs but the match was marred by an umpiring incident which saw ugly exchanges between both sides at the half-way mark.

Speaking about the disheartening incident, BCCI took to Twitter to acknowledge the matter and issued a statement. The Board is awaiting the official report of the match referee before taking any action. The statement issued by the Indian board read, “The BCCI has taken cognizance of the events that unfolded during and after the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match today between Hyderabad and Karnataka. An official report by the match referee is awaited, following which appropriate action as per BCCI’s Code of Conduct will be taken.”

You can see the Tweet below

The BCCI has taken cognizance of the events that unfolded during and after the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2018 match today between Hyderabad-Karnataka. An official report by the Match Referee is awaited, following which appropriate action as per BCCI’s Code of Conduct will be taken

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2018

Hyderabad skipper Ambati Rayudu demands a super over

The decision to add runs once after a target has been set irked Hyderabad captain Ambati Rayudu. At the end of the game, Rayudu and his teammates stood in the field demanding a “super over” even as the officials adjudged Karnataka as the winners. The Hyderabad skipper said the match should not have been halted after the target was declared. The team maintained its position and went about the chase with a target of 204 in mind.