WATCH: MI Emirates Captain Nicholas Pooran withdraws appeal after Tom Curran's controversial run out

The season for T20 franchise leagues are already steaming in full blow as one of the leagues garnering immense limelight is the International League T20 (ILT20 2025). During the current season, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi recently witnessed some great performances in the match between Gulf Giants (GG) and the Nicholas Pooran-led, MI Emirates (MIE). 

Notably, in Match 19 of the ILT20, Giants won the toss and elected to bowl first and restricted Emirates to a score of 151 in the first innings. While defending the target, Emirates bowlers gave their best to defend the total as the game down to the last over. However, it did not stop Giants from edging out their opponent by two wickets.

This was one of the thrilling matches of the tournament where both teams were in the game and it also had its fair share of drama. One of the dramatic moments came in the 18th over of the match when Giants' all-rounder Tom Curran casually left his crease while the ball was still in play. MIE Skipper Nicholas Pooran appealed for a runout after a gun throw from Kieron Pollard found a way into his gloves.

In the aftermath of the events, the umpire had to eventually take it to the third umpire and Curran was given out on the big screen. However, as the English all-rounder was dejectedly walking back to the pavilion with a fuming Giants Head Coach, Andy Flower, Curran was eventually called back as the appeal from Pooran was taken back in the end. This decision was applauded by the entire dugout of the batting side. 

Check out the viral Nicholas Pooran-Tom Curran moment here:

Tom Curran was clearly out. Everything that followed was against the spirit of the game. pic.twitter.com/A6uhmaBstm

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) January 26, 2025

Giants are pushing hard to improve their standing in ILT20 points table

Speaking of both the team's positions in the ILT20 points table, the MI Emirates are currently placed second with three wins and four losses from the seven matches they have played so far. Currently, they have collected six points.

Also Check: DP World ILT20 2025, Match 18: Desert Vipers cruise to eight-wicket win as Hales and Curran shine against Sharjah Warriorz

On the other hand, this might have been a great victory for Giants but they still need more results to go their way since they are reeling in the fifth position with four points to their name. They have won only two games and lost four so far in the six games they have played.