The recent T20 match between Nepal and the USA on October 18 sparked controversy as fans accused umpires of turning a blind eye to multiple rule violations. Despite clear breaches of cricket’s laws, especially around the banned use of saliva on the ball, no action was taken against the player involved. The incident has triggered an uproar among fans, particularly those supporting Nepal, who are demanding answers on social media.
Rule Violation on the Field
The match, which took place during Nepal’s tour of the USA, was supposed to be a straightforward contest. However, in the second over of Nepal’s batting, USA bowler Ali Khan repeatedly applied saliva to the ball – not once, but three times. This act is a direct violation of the current cricket rules.
To clarify, the use of saliva to shine the ball was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially a temporary measure to prevent the spread of the virus, it later became a permanent rule. Under current laws, using saliva on the ball is considered “unfair,” and bowlers who do so are usually warned or face penalties. Yet, in this match, no warnings were issued, and the incident went unpunished.
Fans Call Out Umpires for Inaction
What angered fans the most was not just the violation but the lack of action by the umpires. Cricket matches are overseen by two on-field umpires, along with a third umpire, a fourth umpire, and a match referee. These officials are responsible for ensuring the game is played according to the rules and that any breaches are dealt with swiftly.
In this case, despite Ali Khan’s repeated use of saliva, none of the umpires took any visible action. Even after the match, there was no investigation or statement from the match referee. Fans took to social media to express their frustration, sharing videos and images of the incident as proof. Many questioned the integrity of the officials for allowing such a blatant violation to go unpunished.
What Are the Saliva Rules?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was common practice for bowlers to use both saliva and sweat to shine the ball. This practice helps maintain the shine on one side of the ball, aiding swing and making it harder for the batsman to play. However, with concerns about the virus spreading through saliva, the ICC initially introduced a temporary ban, which has since become a permanent rule.
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is responsible for the laws of cricket, applying saliva to the ball is now prohibited and considered “unfair.” Players who break this rule are typically warned or face stricter penalties if the offense is repeated. This makes the inaction by the umpires in the Nepal-USA match all the more puzzling.
Nepal Triumphs Over USA
Despite the controversy, the game itself was an exciting contest. Batting first, Nepal posted a respectable total of 164 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Indian-origin bowler Saurabh Netrawalkar impressed for the USA, taking 2 wickets for 35 runs, while Ali Khan took 1 wicket for 31 runs in his 4 overs.
Chasing the target, the USA team struggled to build momentum and ended up falling short, scoring just 147 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Nepal emerged victorious by 17 runs, with Deependra Singh Airee being the standout performer for Nepal. Along with his 28-run contribution off 17 balls, Airee also took 3 crucial wickets to seal the win for his team.
Fans may be celebrating Nepal’s victory, but the controversy over the ignored rule breaches has left a sour note, with many calling for a review of the umpires’ conduct during the match.
