‘Koi sense hai is baat ki?’ Indian cricket fans flood Twitter with rulebook & memes after ‘cheating’ allegations by Pakistan fans

India won a high-intensity cricket match against Pakistan in the 20-20 World Cup on the eve of Diwali. The game which was locked in fine balance for the majority was pulled into India’s favour by a resurgent Virat Kohli who thwarted all challenges to get India one of the most memorable victories.

As is the norm, however, this India- Pakistan match was also marred with controversy. The first major controversy took place on the fourth ball of the last over when Kohli smashed a huge six on the side. As soon as he hit the boundary though, he called for a no-ball and with a slight delay, the umpires signalled a no-ball.

Soon all Pakistan players surrounded the umpire discontent at the decision. The leg umpire however cleared the doubt, that it was above the waist and should be called a no-ball.

Another controversy happened in the very next ball which was a free hit. While playing the shot, Kohli totally missed the line and the ball hit his off-stump. Despite dislodging the bails, however, the ball did not stop and kept moving behind the wicket.

Thinking on their feet, Kohli and Dinesh Karthik completed three runs in the meanwhile. Prior to the previous ball, Pakistan players again huddled with the umpire and asked questions about his decision.

Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan could be seen signalling for a dead ball following the dismissal of bails on a free hit. The umpires however spoke with Pakistan captain Babar Azam and made him understand the rules.

Clear-cut rules

The Governing Body for International Cricket says, that there are only four modes of dismissal on a free hit- hit the ball twice, run out, obstruct the field and handle the ball. India were awarded bye as the ball was still in play despite going backwards.

Soon, however, many on social media started to call this cheating from India and alleged that the Umpires were biased. While that in itself is a huge allegation. The fact that both decisions were given according to the rules laid out by the cricket governing body makes this allegation even more so invalid.

Indian fans on Twitter were quick to remind Pakistan fans of the rules and also mocked them for unsporting behaviour.