Why was India's catch against Pakistan given not out in Asia Cup Rising Stars?

 Why India’s Catch Against Pakistan Was Declared Not Out in the Asia Cup Rising Stars: Full Explanation

Cricket fans were stunned during the Asia Cup Rising Stars match when India A pulled off what looked like a brilliant relay catch on the boundary against Pakistan A—only for it to be ruled NOT OUT. The moment spread quickly across social media, raising one big question:

Why was such a clean-looking catch declared illegal?

To understand the decision, we need to break down the rules, the moment, and the physics behind modern boundary catches.

📌 What Actually Happened?

During the match, India A players Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir combined for a teamwork-filled relay catch near the boundary:

Wadhera leaped near the boundary rope.

He caught the ball cleanly while airborne.

Before touching the ground, he flicked the ball mid-air to teammate Naman Dhir, who completed the catch safely inside the field.

On the surface, it looked like a perfect modern relay catch—something fans love to watch.

But TV replays changed everything.

📌 The Key Detail: Wadhera Stepped Out Before the Relay

Upon reviewing the moment in slow motion, it became clear:

Wadhera’s first contact with the ball happened while he was in the air but outside the boundary line.

After batting the ball back inside, he landed outside the boundary again.

According to ICC laws, this completely invalidates the catch.

⚖️ ICC Rule That Made the Catch Illegal

The relevant law is ICC Rule 19.5.2, which states:

A fielder must not touch the ball while grounded outside the boundary. If he does, the ball is considered to have touched the boundary.

This means:

If ANY part of the fielder (even the toes or heels) is outside the boundary when touching the ball,

The ball is treated as a boundary the moment contact is made.

So even though Dhir took a clean catch inside the field, the moment Wadhera touched the ball in mid-air while already airborne beyond the boundary, the ball was considered dead.

In simple words:

👉 Once a fielder is outside the boundary, he cannot influence the ball.

📌 Why the Catch LOOKED Valid But Was Not

Modern catches sometimes involve:

Leaping in the air

Tapping the ball back inside

Completing a relay with another fielder

Athletic mid-air transfers

But these catches only count if the first fielder:

✔ Is inside the boundary before jumping

✔ Has no contact with the ground outside while touching the ball

✔ Releases the ball before landing outside

In India’s case, the first condition was broken.

📌 The Difference Between a Legal and Illegal Relay Catch

A LEGAL relay catch happens when:

A player jumps from within the field of play

Touches the ball mid-air

Throws it back before landing out of bounds

Lands outside only after releasing the ball

Second fielder completes the catch inside the field

In India’s case:

Wadhera touched the ball after already being outside the boundary

So the ball was dead at first contact

That’s why the catch was automatically ruled invalid.

📌 Why These Rules Exist

Relay catches have become increasingly common in T20 cricket.

Without strict rules, fielders could:

Stand outside the boundary

Jump in and out freely

Gain unfair advantage

The ICC laws ensure:

Fair play

Clear boundaries between field and outfield

Safety and consistency

These laws protect the spirit of the game while still allowing spectacular athletic catches—as long as they follow the rules.

📌 Final Thoughts

The relay catch by Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir was undeniably athletic, creative, and impressive. But the laws of cricket are precise—and they leave no room for interpretation in this situation.

While fans may feel disappointed, this incident is a reminder that:

In cricket, every inch matters

Boundary awareness is crucial

Rules are designer to maintain fairness

The moment will still be remembered as a display of teamwork and skill—even if it didn’t count.