MCC slaps Pakistan over Muneeba Ali’s run-out controversy against India at ICC Women's World Cup 2025

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the official guardian of the game’s laws, finally stepped in to clear the air on Muneeba Ali’s controversial run-out during the high-voltage clash against India at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in Colombo, and their verdict has stunned Pakistan.

The incident unfolded on the last ball of the fourth over of Pakistan's innings, when Indian bowlers were on the hunt for early breakthroughs. Initially, Muneeba survived an LBW appeal off Kranti Gaud. There was an initial loud shout, but the on-field umpire turned it down, and India chose not to review.

Muneeba Ali's run-out controversy in India vs Pakistan clash at ICC Women's World Cup 2025

Just as the tension seemed to ease, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma displayed incredible presence of mind. The Indian all-rounder saw Muneeba outside her crease; making the most of the chance, she swiftly aimed a throw at the stumps and dislodged the bails.

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The Pakistan batter had momentarily grounded her bat inside the crease, but as Deepti’s throw hit the stumps, her bat had lifted into the air. Well, the appeal went upstairs, and after several slow-motion replays, third umpire Kerrin Klaaste ruled Muneeba out for just two runs.

However, the decision has sparked confusion and a heated discussion in the field. Pakistan women's captain Fatima Sana walked up to the fourth umpire, demanding an explanation as Muneeba stood near the boundary rope, clearly frustrated for a long time.

MCC backs third umpire, confirms Muneeba Ali’s run-out was correct

However, the Pakistan player eventually had to make her way back to the pavilion. While Pakistani fans and players questioned the call, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) issued a strong statement the next day, confirming that the dismissal was “entirely correct” and was well within the Laws of Cricket.

The MCC explained that Muneeba’s dismissal didn’t fall under the “bouncing bat” law since her bat was airborne when the ball struck the stumps. Their clarification put an end to the speculation, declaring that there was no error in the third umpire’s decision.

The MCC said in an official statement, “There are a number of pieces of law to consider here. The first, and simplest, is that just because there was a vociferous appeal for LBW, the ball had clearly not become dead. The appeal had not been answered; the ball was not finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper, and Deepti’s act alone is a demonstration that not all the players considered it dead. The ball remains in play.”

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Bouncing bat law not applicable in Muneeba Ali's run-out: MCC

They also stressed that she could not be saved by the bouncing bat law. The custodians of the game pointed out that Muneeba was not moving towards her ground, and she had taken guard from beyond the popping crease.

They also mentioned that the Pakistani batter had not moved back into her ground and simply lifted her bat into the air, so the third umpire’s decision to give her out was fully justified.

The MCC further noted, “This law, which was introduced in 2010 and is sometimes referred to as the ‘bouncing bat law,’ is to protect a batter who inadvertently loses contact with the ground as they move towards the stumps, either with their bat bouncing up or just with both their feet being airborne through the natural process of running. It does not protect a batter who is turning for another run, overbalancing, or who—as in Muneeba’s case—simply lifts their bat into the air. The third umpire was entirely correct to give this out.”