T20 World Cup 2022: Why was India handed three byes after Virat Kohli was bowled off free-hit against Pakistan?

Experts and fans were left wondering after some of the umpire’s decisions on the field during high-pressure India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2022 clash on Sunday at the MCG in Australia. Virat Kohli emerged as India’s hero as he notched up an unbeaten 53-ball 82* to help India complete a 160-run target on the final delivery of the final over.

The final over saw all the drama, a six being hit by Virat Kohli, wickets, no balls, byes, and whatnot. It was a complete package and every player and viewer went through a scary rollercoaster ride. But what became a point of discussion was the byes that the umpire gave on the free-hit delivery. Mohammad Nawaz’s delivery knocked the stumps, but the ball deflected past the short third man, and Kohli and Dinesh Karthik ran three runs.

However, a dispute arose following a conversation between Pakistani players, notably captain Babar Azam, and the umpire about whether the Indian team should be given the runs. As per what the commentators were heard saying during the scene, Babar appeared to want the delivery to be referred to as a "dead ball" because it struck the stumps.

MCC Laws of Cricket support Umpire's call 

But all the controversy was put to rest as the MCC laws of cricket proved that umpire’s decision was correct. Because the striker cannot be out-bowled for a free hit, the ball is still in play and all requirements under the Laws for Byes are met. As a result, the ball is not dead on hitting the stumps.

The MCC Laws of Cricket state that a ball can only be declared dead when "it is finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler", or when "a boundary is scored."

Law 20.1.1 also outlines several methods of declaring a ball dead, including circumstances in which the umpire has the final say. In situations like these when the ball hits the stumps, the umpire has the authority to declare a ball dead when “one or both bails fall from the striker’s wicket before the striker has had the opportunity of playing the ball.”

Since there are only four dismissal methods permitted in free-hit — handling the ball, hitting it twice, blocking the field, and running out — India was given a bye because the ball was still in play. Before the ball was delivered, India required five runs to win off three balls, but the equation changed to two runs off two deliveries. On the subsequent delivery, Dinesh Karthik was stumped out, but Ashwin remained composed and helped India win with a high-angle stroke over mid-off on the final delivery.