Virat Kohli’s century against Bangladesh during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was marred by a contentious decision from umpire Richard Kettleborough.
In a crucial moment, with India requiring just two runs to secure victory. Kohli standing at 97, Nassum Ahmed delivered a ball down the leg side. Kohli adjusted his position as the ball went through his pads to the wicketkeeper. To many, it appeared as though the bowler had intentionally bowled wide to prevent Kohli from achieving his 48th century. Kohli expressed visible frustration.
However, umpire Kettleborough refrained from signaling the delivery as a wide. Whereas Kohli ultimately reached his 48th ODI and third World Cup century with a six. While Virat Kohli’s supporters celebrated Kettleborough’s decision not to call a wide, some criticized him for allegedly favoring the Indian batsman.
The incident created quite a stir in the cricketing world. Sparking discussions and debates started about the umpire’s judgment and the dynamics of fair play in cricket.
However, the guardian of cricket laws, Marylebone Cricket Club, changed the rule on October 1, 2022. The change was made to help bowlers with batters’ movement at the crease.
The new Code of Laws for wide balls states: “In the modern game, batters are, more than ever, moving laterally around the crease before the ball is bowled. It was felt unfair that a delivery might be called ‘Wide’ if it passes where the batter had stood as the bowler entered his/her delivery stride.”
“Therefore, Law 22.1 has been amended so that a Wide will apply to where the batter is standing, where the striker has stood at any point since the bowler began their run-up, and which would also have passed wide of the striker in a normal batting position.”
India vs Bangladesh
It is pertinent to mention here that Bangladesh had set 257 run target for India. They won the toss and opted to bat first in Pune. However with Virat Kohli’s heroics India won the ICC World Cup Match convincingly by 7 wickets.