A controversial incident during the ILT20 match between Gulf Giants and MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi has reignited the debate on the ‘spirit of cricket’. Tom Curran, playing for the Gulf Giants, was out after casually leaving his crease before the ball was dead, but the English batter was called back into bat.
Gulf Giants achieved a dramatic last-ball victory against MI Emirates in the ILT20 match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on January 25. Despite the intense competition, the match was marked by a commendable display of sportsmanship when Nicholas Pooran withdrew his appeal for a controversial ‘run’. out.’
Watch: Tom Curran recalled to Bat after being ‘burned out’
The incident took place on the last ball of the Gulf Giants’ 18th inning. Tom Curran and his partner, Mark Adair, had just made an easy single. Curran, believing the end was over, walked out of his crease without looking at Nicholas Pooran, who had received Kieron Pollard’s throw.
The West Indian withdrew bails and appealed while Curran was out of his territory. After a brief discussion with the on-field umpires, the decision was referred to the third umpire. The third official sent Curran off, as the ball had not yet been declared dead. Curran then began to return to the dugout.
The controversial burnout incident left Gulf Giants coach Andy Flower visibly frustrated as Curran’s action was an unintentional mistake rather than an attempt to gain an unfair advantage. MI Emirates showed exemplary sportsmanship in withdrawing their appeal and allowing Curran to continue batting.
After a three-and-a-half minute stalemate, Curran was called back into the territory, with his opponent Tom Banton waving him back. The move received widespread praise from fans on social media platforms.
Take a look at the video of the incident below:
Captain Pooran appeals ➡️ Run-out given ➡️ Coach Flower not happy ➡️ Tom Curran out ➡️Tom Curran returns!
📹@ILT20Official | #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/3CMJ1WjeTt
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 25, 2025
Tom Curran played by Dan Mousley during the final match
Gulf Giants chased down a target with 17 runs required in the last two overs. Mark Adair was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi in the penultimate over and the Giants managed just six runs.
In the final over, Dan Mousley bowled a no-ball, which Aayan Khan smashed for six. Three runs came off the next four balls, giving Curran the opportunity to seal the victory. However, he was bowled by Mousley after scoring 16 runs off 13 balls. Muhammad Zuhaib won with a single on the last ball.
It was about the spirit of the game – Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran revealed his decision to appeal, adding that it was within the rules. Pooran admitted that his team’s lack of discipline cost them the game.
“We weren’t disciplined, we paid a price as a team. It was a question of spirit of the game. According to the laws, yes. The batter seemed to have heard the call for the end, but I certainly didn’t hear it, that’s why I appealed,” Pooran said during the post-match presentation.
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