Watch: Spirit of cricket debate reignites as Tom Curran recalled to bat after controversial 'run out' in ILT20

A controversial run-out incident in the ILT20 match between Gulf Giants and MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi reignited the debate on the 'Spirit of Cricket.' Tom Curran, playing for Gulf Giants, was run out after casually walking out of his crease before the ball was dead, but the English batter was called back to bat.

Gulf Giants clinched a dramatic last-ball victory against MI Emirates in the ILT20 match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on January 25. Despite the intense competition, the match was marked by a commendable display of sportsmanship when Nicholas Pooran withdrew an appeal for a controversial 'run out.'

Watch: Tom Curran Called Back to Bat After Being Given 'Run Out'

The incident took place during the last ball of the 18th over in the Gulf Giants' innings. Tom Curran and his partner, Mark Adair, had just completed an easy single. Curran, believing the over had ended, wandered out of his crease without looking at Nicholas Pooran, who had received the throw from Kieron Pollard.

The West Indian removed the bails and appealed as Curran was out of his crease. Following a brief discussion with the on-field umpires, the decision was referred to the third umpire. The third umpire ruled Curran out, as the ball had not yet been declared dead. Curran then started walking back to the dugout.

The controversial run-out incident left Gulf Giants’ coach Andy Flower visibly frustrated, as Curran's action was an unintentional lapse rather than an attempt to gain an unfair advantage. MI Emirates displayed exemplary sportsmanship by withdrawing their appeal and allowing Curran to continue batting.

After a three-and-a-half-minute standoff, Curran was called back to the crease, with opponent Tom Banton signaling him to return. This decision received widespread praise from fans on social media platforms.

Take a look at the video of the incident below:

Captain Pooran appeals ➡️ Run-out given ➡️ Coach Flower not happy ➡️ Tom Curran walks out ➡️Tom Curran walks back!

📹@ILT20Official | #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/3CMJ1WjeTt

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 25, 2025

Tom Curran Bowled by Dan Mousley in the Final Over of the Match

The Gulf Giants chased down a target with 17 runs required off the last two overs. Mark Adair was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi in the penultimate over, and the Giants managed only six runs.

In the final over, Dan Mousley bowled a no-ball, which Aayan Khan smashed for six. Three runs came off the next four balls, leaving Curran with an opportunity to seal the win. However, he was bowled by Mousley after scoring 16 runs off 13 balls. Muhammad Zuhaib secured victory with a single off the last ball.

It Was About Spirit of the Game - Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran revealed his decision to appeal, adding that it was within the rules. Pooran admitted that his team's lack of discipline had cost them the game.

"We weren't disciplined, paid a price as a team. It was about Spirit of the Game. By the laws out yes. The batter seemed to have heard the call for the over but I certainly didn't, which is why I appealed," Pooran said in the post-match presentation.

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