Mumbai Indians' Rare No-Ball Incident in IPL Match Against Delhi Capitals
Unusual No-Ball Incident at Wankhede Stadium
During a pivotal match between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at Wankhede Stadium last night, an unusual event unfolded. The home team was penalized with a no-ball due to a significant miscalculation in their field arrangement.
This incident occurred on the third delivery of the fifth over during DC's batting innings. MI's all-rounder Will Jacks was introduced to counter the left-handed batsmen of DC. As he bowled the third ball, the umpires quickly identified a fielding error made by MI's captain, Hardik Pandya. The Mumbai Indians had positioned only three fielders on the off-side, all within the 30-yard circle, while placing six fielders on the leg-side, which breached the fielding regulations.
Understanding the No-Ball Decision
According to IPL regulations, a maximum of five fielders can be stationed on the leg-side. Additionally, only two fielders (excluding the wicketkeeper) are permitted to stand behind the popping crease on the on-side at the moment the ball is bowled.
As outlined in section 28.4 of the IPL playing conditions:
" At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than 5 fielders on the on side," states section 28.4.1.
"At the instant of the bowler’s delivery, there shall not be more than two fielders, other than the wicketkeeper, behind the popping crease on the on side. A fielder will be considered to be behind the popping crease unless the whole of his person, whether grounded or in the air, is in front of this line," according to section 28.4.2.
The umpires took these regulations into account when making their decision. They promptly ruled the delivery as a no-ball, which resulted in MI conceding runs, as Vipraj Nigam capitalized on the free-hit by hitting a six and following it up with two more boundaries.
Despite this setback, the Mumbai Indians managed to secure a comfortable victory, winning by 50 runs with 10 balls remaining. This win marked their qualification for the IPL 2025 playoffs, making them the fourth team to achieve this, as they now aim for a top-two finish with one match left in the season.