Akash Deep No Ball Controversy: MCC Clarifies Delivery That Bowled Joe Root in IND vs ENG 2nd Test
The Akash Deep no ball controversy during the fourth day of the second Test between India and England in Birmingham has finally been settled. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardian of cricket laws, has clarified that Akash Deep’s delivery that dismissed Joe Root was legal — putting an end to social media outrage and media debates. Akash Deep no ball controversy
📍 Background of the Controversy
Late on Day 4 of the second Test, Akash Deep delivered a stunning angling ball that clean bowled Joe Root for just 6 runs. However, shortly after the dismissal, questions emerged over the legality of the delivery, with BBC commentator Alison Mitchell stating that Deep’s back foot was outside the return crease, possibly making it a back-foot no-ball. Akash Deep no ball controversy
𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 🥶#AkashDeep uproots #JoeRoot with a searing in-swinger, his second wicket puts England firmly on the back foot 🤩#ENGvIND 👉 2nd TEST, Day 4 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/2wT1UwEcdi pic.twitter.com/avu1sqRrcG
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 5, 2025
Her observation created a storm online. Screenshots and slow-motion videos were circulated, suggesting the foot contact had breached the crease. Some even labeled it a costly umpiring error that potentially robbed England of a lifeline. Akash Deep no ball controversy
🧑⚖️ MCC’s Official Clarification
On Monday, the MCC issued an official clarification. Referring to Law 21.5.1, which governs back-foot no-balls, the MCC said: Akash Deep no ball controversy
“The moment the back foot first touches the ground is what counts. Even if the foot slides over the return crease later, it is still considered a fair delivery if the initial contact is within the crease.”
In this case, MCC explained that Akash Deep’s first point of foot contact was inside the return crease, making the delivery legal.
“Some of his foot may have touched the ground outside the crease subsequently – that is not relevant,” the MCC added.
🧠 Expert Opinions: Pathan’s Breakdown
Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan also supported this view with a video breakdown for Sony Sports Network. Pathan demonstrated, frame-by-frame, how Akash Deep’s toes first landed inside the return crease and only his heel slid out later.
“If the contact point is inside, it is a legal delivery. He bowled a brilliant ball and took a wicket with skill — there’s no question about it,” Pathan explained.
No Ball or Legal delivery?
Irfan Pathan clears it up on #SchoolOfCricket 📹🏏#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/PJIakjrGJ8
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 6, 2025
He also criticized the overreaction from some quarters of the English media, suggesting that the controversy was artificially amplified. Akash Deep no ball controversy
🎥 Why the Debate Sparked?
-
Slow-motion images often focus on the final position of the foot, misleading viewers.
-
On-field umpires and third umpires are trained to spot initial foot contact, as per ICC rules.
-
Confusion among fans often arises due to lack of awareness about the specific rule.
🧾 What Does the Law Say?
According to Law 21.5.1:
“In the delivery stride, the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touch the return crease.”
And more importantly: Akash Deep no ball controversy
“Landing” is defined by the first point of contact with the ground.
This distinction is critical in dismissing claims that the delivery was illegal.
⚖️ Verdict: No Ball or Legal?
✅ Verdict: Legal Delivery
The MCC and experts like Pathan have clearly laid to rest the controversy. Despite the visual confusion, Akash Deep’s delivery was not a back-foot no-ball. Akash Deep no ball controversy
The Akash Deep no ball controversy is a reminder of how modern-day cricket, especially in the digital age, can give rise to debates that often overlook the finer details of the rulebook. Thankfully, with timely clarification from the MCC and expert analysis from former players, the matter is now put to rest. Akash Deep no ball controversy
India went on to win the match by a massive 336 runs, leveling the series 1-1. More importantly, Akash Deep’s breakthrough moment remains clean and commendable — a testament to his rising stature in Indian cricket.
For more updates, follow Cricmind on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube..
