The IPL captains’ meeting featured video examples illustrating the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s interpretation of “complete control” when making catches. As detailed in a Cricbuzz report, several past dismissals were referenced, with BCCI experts indicating that some of those calls contradicted their understanding of the laws.
Highlighted cases included Roston Chase’s dismissal during a T20I against Bangladesh in December 2024 and Angelo Mathews’ dismissal in a Test match against Australia in February 2025. Both incidents occurred at crucial points in the games, which their teams ultimately lost.
Additionally, Ayush Badoni’s dismissal against Sunrisers Hyderabad last year was mentioned. The Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) batsman was incorrectly given out, though fortunately for LSG, this did not impact their victory, as they won by five wickets.
Javagal Srinath, the chief match referee of the BCCI, along with Nitin Menon, the head of the umpires’ panel, affirmed that Badoni, Mathews, and Chase were wrongly ruled out; they believed the fielders had not achieved complete control.
The exercise reminded captains about incomplete catches and hasty celebrations, emphasizing how interpretations of the playing conditions can differ between umpires and referees. For instance, when Mathews attempted a sweep and was caught by Beau Webster, BCCI experts deemed it an incorrect decision, stating: ‘The fielder was not in control of his movement while releasing the ball – NOT OUT.’
Another questionable catch involved Mahedi Hasan at mid-off, where doubts about his control arose, yet the third umpire ruled it fair. The BCCI concluded: ‘Clearly not in control of his movement as the ball is released. Catch has not been completed – NOT OUT.’
In contrast, a successful catch by Saud Shakeel off Matt Henry was deemed valid, with BCCI experts stating: ‘Keeps ball off ground until he is fully in control of his movement – OUT.’ Overall, the BCCI experts adhered strictly to Clause 33.3 of the Match Playing Conditions, which defines the process of making a catch and emphasizes the need for complete control.
