Follow UsIndia and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’s mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is not happy with the bowler being punished for a wicketkeeper’s mistake. The 33-year-old was referring to a controversial "no-ball" call during Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 17 (Thursday).
A bizarre incident occurred during the second innings in Mumbai, with MI batter Ryan Rickelton’s caught-out dismissal being reversed because wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen brought his gloves ahead of the stumps.
It was the fifth ball of the seventh over, and Zeeshan Ansari bowled a rank long hop to Rickelton, who backed away to slash it across the off side. However, the ball didn’t go in the gap or get the needed elevation to clear the inner ring. Pat Cummins took a very good catch diving to his right.
However, the SRH celebrations had to be interjected abruptly as the umpires found the delivery was a no-ball as Klaasen’s gloves were in front of the stumps when Rickelton hit that delivery.
"If the keeper's gloves come in front of the stumps, it should be a dead ball and a warning to the keeper so that he doesn't do that again!!! Not a no-ball and a free hit!! What did the bowler do? Thinking out loud!! What do you all think???" Chakaravarthy wrote on X.
According to clause 27.3.1 of MCC Laws of Cricket, “the wicket-keeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker’s end from the moment the ball comes into play until a ball delivered by the bowler 1) touches the bat or person of the striker or 2) passes the wicket at the striker’s end or 3) the striker attempts a run.”
The law further adds that, “In the event of the wicket-keeper contravening this Law, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal No ball as soon as applicable after the delivery of the ball.”