“Not in control of the ball” — BCCI flags three past catches that still spark debate.
Three cricket dismissals—Angelo Mathews in Galle, Roston Chase in Kingstown, and Ayush Badoni in Hyderabad—were dissected at the IPL 2026 captains’ meeting, raising fresh questions about what counts as a fair catch. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is using these examples to reinforce the fine line between “out” and “not out.”
Here’s why it matters: Even top-level matches can hinge on subjective interpretations of control, impacting match outcomes and strategy.
Fast Facts
- BCCI experts revisited dismissals of Mathews, Chase, and Badoni at the IPL captains’ meet.
- The verdict: none of these catches were fully under control — technically “NOT OUT.”
- Decisions by on-field umpires initially went the other way.
- The cases highlight the importance of Clause 33.3 in Match Playing Conditions (MPC).
- Lucknow Supergiants benefitted from Badoni’s contentious dismissal; LSG won the match.
Quick Gist
- Mathews: Caught by Beau Webster in Galle, Feb 2025 — BCCI: out of control.
- Chase: Caught by Mahedi Hasan vs Bangladesh, Dec 2024 — BCCI: not controlled.
- Badoni: Caught by Harshal Patel vs SRH, Hyderabad, Mar 2025 — BCCI: catch incomplete.
- Rule Highlight: Clause 33.3 requires control over both ball and body movement.
What Happened
At the IPL captains’ meet, BCCI video analysis revisited three high-profile catches that were previously given out.
- SL v Australia, Galle 2025: Mathews (76) attempted a sweep; Beau Webster tumbled for the catch. BCCI concluded Webster lacked control during release → NOT OUT.
- WI v Bangladesh, Kingstown 2024: Chase edged Mahedi Hasan’s catch. On-field umpires ruled it out, but BCCI disagreed → NOT OUT.
- SRH v LSG, Hyderabad 2025: Badoni caught by Harshal Patel. Replay showed fielder’s momentum wasn’t fully stopped → NOT OUT.
Why It Matters
These catches were game-changers in their respective matches:
- Mathews’ wicket contributed to Sri Lanka losing the series 2–0.
- Chase’s dismissal coincided with West Indies’ 3–0 T20I series loss.
- Badoni’s “wrong” out didn’t cost LSG—they still won—but it’s a rare instance of luck masking a rule violation.
The common thread: fielder control. The BCCI stresses that total control over movement and the ball is mandatory for a catch to be valid.
Industry & Strategic Impact
For IPL teams, understanding the nuances of “control” can influence:
- Batting approach during risky shots.
- Fielding tactics at the boundary or in deep positions.
- How captains manage premature celebrations or challenge reviews.
| Player | Match | Original Umpire Decision | BCCI Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo Mathews | SL v AUS, 2025 | OUT | NOT OUT |
| Roston Chase | WI v BAN, 2024 | OUT | NOT OUT |
| Ayush Badoni | SRH v LSG, 2025 | OUT | NOT OUT |
| Saud Shakeel | PAK v NZ, 2025 | OUT | OUT |
| Nqabayomzi Peter | AUS v SA, 2025 | OUT | OUT |
What Experts Are Saying
- Javagal Srinath & Nitin Menon: Confirm that the three dismissals violated the “complete control” clause.
- BCCI video analysis team: Reinforces that umpires’ subjective decisions can differ from technical interpretation.
“This is not about punishing umpires; it’s about ensuring players and captains understand the rules,” said a BCCI official.
Contrarian View
Some analysts argue that over-reliance on technical video interpretations may slow down decision-making and affect the natural flow of the game. Fans, meanwhile, debate whether ultra-strict control rules take away from the spirit of cricket.
Must Read: “Extra Batsman Ruining Cricket?” Gill Slams IPL Impact Sub Rule
What Happens Next
- IPL captains are now more cautious about celebrating catches too early.
- Teams may coach fielders explicitly on body control during high-risk catches.
- BCCI could push for clarified umpiring guidelines for live matches.
FAQs
Q1: Why were these catches reviewed by BCCI?
A1: To demonstrate the importance of “complete control” under Clause 33.3 and educate captains on borderline dismissals.
Q2: Did these decisions affect match outcomes?
A2: Yes, Mathews and Chase’s dismissals had significant match and series implications, while Badoni’s out didn’t cost his team.
Q3: How will this influence IPL 2026 strategy?
A3: Captains may emphasize controlled catching and challenge reviews to avoid repeat controversies.
Editorial Disclaimer:
This article is based on BCCI video analysis and Cricbuzz reporting. All facts are drawn from the original sources; no outcomes or events have been fabricated.