Did Pakistan extend the boundary line by shifting the rope? Pakistan Cricket Team is facing the heat of cricket fans after footage showed that the boundary rope was not in its place during PAK vs SL ODI World Cup 2023 clash in Hyderabad. Fans called Babar Azam & Co cheaters. Had the boundary rope been at its original position, Kusal Mendis would have survived Imam Ul Haq’s catch.
Fans noticed a similar incident during Pakistan vs Netherlands match when the boundary was not in its place for close to 30 minutes.
The boundary rope whose cushions have been replaced with advertising on it was at least a foot away. The white line was clearly visible as a result.
Did Pakistan cheat in PAK vs SL?
Questions were raised after Imam Ul Haq took the catch of Kusal Mendis who was going hammer and tongs with 77-ball 122 in the PAK vs SL clash. If the boundary cushion was intentionally pushed away, Imam Ul Haq’s catch might have resulted in a six. After taking the catch, Imam landed on the white line (the original position of the boundary rope).
What does MCC law say?
As per MCC’s Boundary Laws, the cushion which marks the boundary line should be returned to the original position if moved. In this case, it’s unclear whether the boundary rope was moved in PAK vs SL clash.
“The object shall be returned to its original position as soon as is practicable; if play is taking place, this shall be as soon as the ball is dead.”
But as the boundary cushion was not returned to the original position, Kusal Mendis would have got a lifeline. Instead of the wicket, it should have been given a six had the TV umpire intervened as the MCC law states, “the boundary shall be considered to be in its original position.”
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