Watch: Massive Controversy in WPL as Delhi Capitals survive 3 run-out calls vs Mumbai Indians; owners involved

Mumbai Indians (MI) fans were left fuming after controversial umpiring decisions in their Women’s Premier League (WPL 2025) opener against the Delhi Capitals (DC). Three controversial run-out decisions proved crucial in Delhi’s dramatic last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians, overshadowing the thrilling contest.

The Capitals secured a two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Saturday, February 15. Mumbai Indians were bowled out for 164 runs in 19.1 overs after being put into bat. In response, DC faced some turbulence but managed to chase down the target vs Mumbai Indians in the final over.

Watch: Third Umpire Under Fire as Three Run-Out Calls Go Against Mumbai Indians

However, the match ended in controversy with three run-out decisions in the final three overs. TV umpire Gayathri Venugopalan ruled all three as ‘not out,’ raising questions about the rules surrounding LED bails. Her decisions seemed to be based on the LED lights, not at the point when the wickets were broken.

Shikha Pandey (in the 18th over), Radha Yadav (19th over), and Arundhati Reddy (on the final ball) were involved in controversial run-out decisions. Former India captain Mithali Raj, who was commentating on the match, stated that at least two of the close calls should have gone in favor of the Mumbai team.

You can watch the clip of the run-outs below:

pic.twitter.com/C1XfOSlj5I

— Lolzzz (@CricketerMasked) February 15, 2025

The Bat Was Never in the Crease - Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj stated that Shikha Pandey’s bat was on the crease line when she was given not out. She also added that Radha Yadav’s dismissal should have been given out, as her bat was in the air and never grounded inside the crease when the LED stumps lit up.

"Pandey was given not out while the batter had the bat on the line," Raj said while speaking on JioHotstar after the match, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

"When you dive and your bat first hits the ground [inside the crease] and then it [bounces up] because you have to dive full stretch, then it is not out. [But] with Radha Yadav, we can see the blade of the bat up. It is nowhere touching any part of the ground [inside] the crease [when the LED stumps light up]. That means she is out. The bat was never in the crease. That is pretty much out," she said.

What Does the Rule Say?

The WPL 2025 playing conditions, according to Appendix D, mention how run-out decisions should be judged when LED stumps are used.

The rule states: "Where LED Wickets are used (as provided for in paragraph 3.8.1.5), the moment at which the wicket has been put down (as per clause 29.1) shall be deemed to be the first frame in which the LED lights are illuminated and subsequent frames show the bail permanently removed from the top of the stumps."

After the match, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal praised the third umpire for staying composed while making tough decisions during the match vs Mumbai Indians.

"Irrespective of the result in the ongoing WPL i must applaud the 3rd umpire who is absolutely world-class - to make that kind of decision and to take the replay so many frames back under so much pressure is world-class," Jindal wrote.

Irrespective of the result in the ongoing WPL i must applaud the 3rd umpire who is absolutely world class - to make that kind of decision and to take the replay so many frames back under so much pressure is world class @wplt20 @DelhiCapitals

— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) February 15, 2025

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Steve Smith told to do Babar Azam-style experiment with his batting position