A dramatic moment in the India A vs Pakistan Shaheens clash at the ACC Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 on Sunday left players and fans scratching their heads. A brilliant-looking relay catch at the boundary involving Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir was overturned by the third umpire, and the batter was eventually declared not out—all due to a new rule many viewers are hearing about for the first time.
A Game-Changing Moment in the 10th Over
Chasing 137, Pakistan Shaheens were cruising thanks to a blistering half-century from Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed a 31-ball 50. But the real twist came on the first ball of the 10th over, when Suyash Sharma forced a mis-hit that sailed toward long-on.
Wadhera sprinted to stop the ball and leapt beyond the ropes. While airborne, he flicked it back into play, where Naman Dhir collected it cleanly. It looked like a legal relay catch, and Sadaqat even started walking off.
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But then came the shocker: NOT OUT flashed on the big screen.
Indian players were stunned. Captain Jitesh Sharma immediately walked up to the umpires demanding clarity. Social media exploded with clips and questions, with many calling it one of the most confusing moments of the tournament so far.
So, Why Was It Not Out? The New MCC Boundary Rule
This decision wasn’t a mistake—it came down to a law change by the MCC in June 2025. The earlier version of the rule stated that only the first fielder’s position mattered. As long as the first touch was airborne and legal, multiple airborne flicks outside the ropes were allowed.
The updated rule changed everything.
Under Sub-Clause 19.5.2.1, if a fielder:
- Touches the ball while airborne outside the boundary, and
- Later lands outside the field of play…
The ball is immediately considered a boundary.
The new law also states that all fielders involved in a relay must satisfy valid in-play grounding conditions, not just the first player.
In this case, Wadhera was airborne outside the rope when he first touched the ball, and did not land inside the field before the ball became dead. That means the ball should have been declared a six.
Yet, here’s the strange part—neither six runs nor a run was awarded, because the batters didn’t cross. This added to the confusion and controversy.
Impact on the Match
Pakistan Shaheens rode the momentum, and Sadaqat continued his aggressive chase. The Shaheens eventually won by eight wickets, sealing a semi-final berth.
For India A, the moment will sting. They produced an outstanding piece of fielding, only to be undone by a less-known but valid rule update.
Fans Want Clearer Communication
Many fans argued that players, commentators, and supporters need clearer awareness of new boundary laws, especially those affecting spectacular catches.
Some reactions online:
“If this is the rule, fine—just tell everyone. Nobody on the field looked like they knew what happened.”
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“Amazing catch ruined by technicality… feels against the spirit.”
“Broadcasters should show rule explanations in real time. Confusing moment.”
With cricket evolving rapidly, these moments show how important it is for rule changes to be communicated widely—not just to players, but to fans who love the spectacle of athletic boundary catches.
Final Scorecard Snapshot
India A: 136/9
Pakistan Shaheens: 137/2 (win by 8 wickets)
