A high-voltage India A vs Pakistan Shaheens match in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 turned into a heated debate on Sunday after a relay catch involving Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir was ruled NOT OUT. What looked like a perfect dismissal suddenly became the biggest talking point of the match, surprising players, commentators and fans around the world.
The incident took place when Pakistan’s opener Maz Sadaqat, who was batting explosively, mistimed a lofted shot in the 10th over. India A appeared to have dismissed the dangerous batter, but the third umpire’s unexpected verdict changed everything.
What Happened in the Controversial Catch?
On Suyash Sharma first ball of the over, Sadaqat lofted the shot towards deep mid-wicket.
- Nehal Wadhera grabbed the ball cleanly near the boundary,
- He jumped while still in control of the ball,
- Before landing, he pushed the ball inward to Naman Dhir,
- Dhir completed the catch inside the boundary.
Visually, it looked like a perfect relay catch. Even Sadaqat started walking off the field.
But the third umpire declared NOT OUT, creating massive confusion. India A captain Jitesh Sharma immediately demanded clarification from the officials.
Why the Catch Was NOT OUT? – MCC’s Updated Rule Explained
The decision was not a mistake — it was based on the updated MCC Law 19.5.2, which came into effect in June 2025.
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This new rule clarified how fielders must be positioned while completing relay catches near or beyond the boundary line.
MCC 19.5.2 – The Updated Condition
A fielder can jump from outside the boundary and touch the ball once in the air,
BUT for the catch to be legal:
✔ All fielders involved must land inside the field of play
✔ Before the ball becomes dead
✔ And before completing the catch sequence
If any fielder who touches the ball is still outside the field when the catch is completed, the batter cannot be given out.
What the Rule Means for This Case
- Nehal touched the ball once in the air near the ropes
- But after releasing the ball, he landed outside the boundary line
- Since Nehal was still out of play when Dhir finished the catch,
>>The catch was invalid under MCC 19.5.2.1
This is why the umpires declared Sadaqat NOT OUT, even though the catch looked clean to the naked eye.
Why Fans Felt the Decision Was Unfair
The controversy increased because:
- Neither a six nor runs were awarded on the ball
- Only “ball counted, batter survives” was given
- The visuals clearly showed two clean touches inside the field
- Even Sadaqat believed he was out and had walked halfway back
But according to MCC’s new law, the decision was technically correct — even if confusing for viewers.
The Turning Point That Changed the Match
After surviving due to the updated rule, Maz Sadaqat made full use of the lifeline.
He smashed:
- 50 off just 31 balls
- Anchored Pakistan A’s chase
- And guided his team to an 8-wicket win, sealing a place in the semifinals.
India A players looked visibly disappointed, especially Jitesh Sharma, who was seen asking for a rule explanation repeatedly.
Why This Incident Will Be Remembered
This was the first high-profile match where the new MCC boundary-catch rule decided a major turning point.
Fans and experts strongly reacted because:
- Relay catches have always been considered legal in cricket
- The rule change is still new and not widely known
- The decision affected the match outcome
- It involved arch-rivals India and Pakistan, increasing intensity
But according to cricket law, the umpire’s decision was absolutely correct.
The India A vs Pakistan A controversy highlighted how modern cricket laws continue to evolve — and how even professional players sometimes get caught unaware. Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir executed a brilliant piece of fielding, but under the 2025 MCC amendments, Sadaqat had to be declared not out.
