Islamabad, 23 April 2025: A peculiar moment during the IPL clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad has triggered fresh debate around the integrity of the tournament.
The league is already under scrutiny due to ongoing match-fixing allegations in the 2025 season.
The controversy unfolded in the third over of Sunrisers’ innings when Mumbai bowler Deepak Chahar delivered a ball that drifted down the leg side.
Wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton collected it cleanly, and the ball did not appear to make contact with either the bat or pad.
Umpire Vinod Seshan, initially expected to signal a wide, unexpectedly raised his finger and declared Ishan Kishan out caught behind.
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What followed left players and fans baffled. There was no obvious appeal from the fielding side — a customary gesture in dismissals of this nature.
Even Mumbai Indians players appeared surprised by the decision.
Despite the confusion, Kishan quietly accepted the verdict and walked off without seeking a review, though replays suggested the decision could have been overturned through DRS.
Under cricket’s rules, a batter may be given out only if the fielding side appeals. However, a batter can also choose to leave the field voluntarily if they believe they are out.
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In this instance, the absence of a visible appeal and Kishan’s decision not to challenge the call have left room for speculation.
Although the decision was technically valid, the strange sequence of events has intensified suspicion, especially as the league continues to deal with increasing chatter around match-fixing.
IPL authorities recently issued warnings to teams amid growing concerns about integrity.
While there is currently no evidence of wrongdoing in this particular incident, the lack of clarity has only deepened doubts among observers.
Whether this was an innocent lapse in judgment or something more deliberate remains a matter of debate — and further scrutiny is almost certain.
