India vs Pakistan 'dead-ball' controversy sparks a huge rule change: Australia

In the Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday, Pakistan was defeated by India by four wickets, which devastated several Pakistani fans. In the tense match's last over, some of them were baffled by the umpires' judgments. Among the many pivotal events in the game, the discussion surrounding Indian hitters running three byes in the final over has persisted.

Spinner Mohammad Nawaz bowled the 20th over in India's chase, and after delivering his fourth ball, he gave up a no ball and a free hit. The free-hit remained because he then bowled a wide. India batsman Virat Kohli was bowled off the following delivery (still the fourth legal ball), and the ball ricocheted off the stumps and sped toward the open third man position. Before the fielder could clear the ball, Ashwin and Virat Kohli took three bye runs. However, Pakistani skipper Babar Azam was taken aback by India's sprinting and requested an explanation from the umpire over the choice.

The three byes were legitimately added to India's tally in accordance with International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, although many people attributed Pakistan's poor performance on the rule. Former Australia captain Mark Taylor weighed in on the discussion, stating that the batting side shouldn't gain an advantage from an event that would have typically led in a dismissal.

"In my opinion, you are essentially given an unfair advantage if the ball strikes the stumps. First off, in a scenario like the one we witnessed on Sunday night, the ball can ricochet anywhere, and secondly, if the fielding team is attempting to run out the batter, the bails are already in place, making it more difficult to do so "said Taylor.
"It seems fair and logical to me that the ball should be declared dead if the batsman is bowled or caught after receiving a free hit. You benefit by not being out after a free hit, but you shouldn't gain an advantage twice from what would often be a dismissal."