"That is Out" – MCC Backs Salman Run-Out Decision Following Controversial Collision in Dhaka

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has stated that the run-out of Salman Agha during the second ODI against Bangladesh was consistent with the Laws of Cricket, while acknowledging that the fielding side could have reconsidered the appeal on Spirit of Cricket grounds.

The incident occurred during Pakistan’s innings in Dhaka when Agha, stationed at the non-striker’s end, became involved in a brief collision with Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The bowler was moving towards the ball after a shot from Mohammad Rizwan when the two players came together near the pitch.

As the ball remained in play, Mehidy quickly gathered it and broke the stumps with Salman Agha outside his crease. The dismissal triggered debate about whether the batter believed the play had effectively stopped following the collision.

MCC Explains Decision Under the Laws

Responding to the discussion, the MCC clarified that the umpires applied the law correctly.

“Under Laws, there is little that either umpire could have done differently,” the MCC said in its statement. “The non-striker was clearly out of his ground when the wicket was broken, and the ball was in play. That is out.”

The statement also noted that a batter attempting to pick up the ball without permission from the fielding side could risk an Obstructing the field dismissal.

“Furthermore, no batter should attempt to pick the ball up without the consent of the fielding side, and had he done so, he would have been at risk of an Obstructing the field dismissal. In retrospect, he would have been better using that time to attempt to regain his ground.”

Debate Over Spirit of Cricket

The MCC also addressed calls for the ball to be declared dead, rejecting that interpretation. It explained that collisions between players do not automatically halt play and that the ball remained active throughout the incident.

“There have been some suggestions that the ball should have been treated as Dead. That is not viable under the Laws; the ball does not become dead when players collide.”

However, the club noted that the Bangladesh side had the option of withdrawing the appeal.

“It certainly would have been possible for Mehidy, as Bangladesh captain, to withdraw his appeal… The Laws allow a withdrawal for incidents where the batter is out in Law, but the fielding side feels that it would be better, within the Spirit of Cricket, to allow them to continue.”