The Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) match in the Women's Premier League (WPL) ended in controversy after Yastika Bhatia broke the LED stumps on the final ball of DC's innings. While the result did not go in MI's favor, the WPL authorities have now changed the rules regarding LED bails. This means the pre-existing rule, which mentioned that the stumps are deemed to be broken as soon as the bails light up, stands invalid with immediate effect.
According to the ESPNCricinfo report, the rule tweak was prompted by the realization that the bails that are used in ongoing WPL have been lighting even by the slightest of disturbance, even if they are not completely dislodged. The report also mentions that the third umpire can now make a final decision once the bails are completely dislodged with both spigots coming out completely.
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All the WPL match officials were made aware of the new rule change on the morning of the DC vs MI game. However, the five WPL teams were informed about the new rule change the day after the game.
WPL rule change aims to eliminate contentious run-out calls
For the unversed, the WPL is yet to update its playing conditions. Appendix D of the older guidelines states: "Where LED wickets are used, the moment at which the wicket has been put down shall be deemed to be the first frame in which the LED lights are illuminated and subsequent frames show the bail permanently removed from the top of the stumps."
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MI lost the match against DC by just two wickets. The apparent run-out attempt by MI keeper Yastika Bhatia was turned out, DC won the match off the last ball.
