Irfan Pathan Calls for Major ICC Rule Change After Shubman Gill’s Review Dilemma

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a strong appeal to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging them to revise an existing rule. His call comes in the wake of a particular incident involving star batter and Team India vice-captain, Shubman Gill, during the fourth T20I against Australia.

This contentious moment, which saw a successful review by Gill still result in a dot ball, has sparked a significant debate among cricket experts and fans alike.

The Controversial Incident: Gill’s Review and the Dot Ball Dilemma

The incident that caught Irfan Pathan’s eye unfolded in the 14th over of the match. Shubman Gill was attempting a flick off Marcus Stoinis when he was adjudged LBW by the umpire.

Confident in his stance, Gill immediately opted for a review. Replays clearly showed a pronounced inside edge before the ball struck his pads, leading to the decision being overturned.

However, despite the successful review, the delivery was still recorded as a dot ball. This seemingly minor detail is what has fueled Pathan’s impassioned plea for a rule change.

Pathan’s Strong Plea to the ICC

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan articulated his concerns, highlighting the potential implications of this rule in high-stakes encounters.

“If you appeal and the umpire gives it out and a batter takes a review and if it goes outside leg stump, it’s not out. The ball takes the pad and goes away but you miss that run and you have to come back on strike because a review is taken,” Pathan explained.

He emphasized that such instances could dramatically alter outcomes in critical games, such as a World Cup final.

• Lost Runs: A successful review that takes runs off the scoreboard essentially punishes the batting side.
• Impact on Strike: The batter is forced to return to strike, potentially disrupting momentum.
• Crucial Match Implications: In close contests, a single run or change in strike could be the difference between victory and defeat.

“You keep the game on and the run won’t be missed. Otherwise, every team will miss the run. Just imagine, it’s a World Cup final and you lose by a run and this could be that run. ICC needs to change this rule. It will be a problem if it’s not changed,” Pathan strongly urged.

Beyond the Controversy: India’s Dominance and Gill’s Form

While the review rule sparked debate, the Indian team showcased a dominant performance, securing a resounding 48-run victory at the Gold Coast.

Irfan Pathan lauded the team’s all-round effort, praising their resilience and collective strength. “The Indian team is like if you doubt them even a bit, they will crush it and move forward. It was a fantastic victory at the Gold Coast,” he stated, acknowledging contributions from players like Washington Sundar and Axar Patel.

Shubman Gill’s Resilience Backed by Shane Watson

Amidst a lean patch of form in recent games, Shubman Gill’s innings of 46 runs off 39 balls was a welcome sight for Indian fans. This knock stood in sharp contrast to his previous scores of 5 and 15.

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson also weighed in, backing Gill to overcome his struggles. Watson described Gill as “ridiculously talented” and highlighted his exceptional technique, expressing confidence in his ability to make necessary adjustments and bounce back strongly.

What’s Next? Series Decider on the Horizon

As the series heads into its final T20I, India will be looking to seal the series against Australia. The highly anticipated decider is scheduled to take place at the Gabba on Saturday.

With both teams eager for victory, all eyes will be on the performance of key players and, perhaps, whether any contentious decisions will again bring cricket’s rules under the microscope.

Conclusion: A Call for Fair Play and Clarity

Irfan Pathan’s passionate appeal to the ICC highlights a critical aspect of modern cricket: the balance between technology and the spirit of the game. While reviews aim for accuracy, their execution should not inadvertently penalize a team.

The “dot ball dilemma” following a successful review is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration from the ICC. Ensuring fairness and maintaining the integrity of runs scored (or not scored) in a game could prove vital, especially when championship titles hang in the balance.