Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have made an appeal against umpire Nitin Menon's incorrect, costly 'short-run' call in the closing stages of their match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in Dubai on Sunday (September 20).
KXIP lost the match in the super-over but before it could even get down to a tie, TV footage showed that Menon erred standing at the square leg umpire's position by calling Chris Jordan for a 'short run' when the lower-order batsman had actually got his bat over the line.
Menon's call wasn't reversed despite technological evidence to suggest the need to do so. It cost KXIP a deserving run and eventually the match.
KXIP CEO Satish Menon told PTI that they've made an appeal against the call to the match referee.
"We have appealed to the match referee. While a human error can happen and we understand that, there is no room for human errors like these in a world class tournament like the IPL. This one run could cost us a play off berth," said Satish.
"A loss of a game is a loss of a game. It is unfair. Hope the rules are reviewed so that there is no margin for human error."
The appeal, however, is unlikely to yield any result for KXIP, with the rule 2.12 (Umpire's decision) in the IPL rule book on playing conditions stating that "an umpire may alter any decision provided that such alteration is made promptly. This apart, an umpire's decision, once made, is final."
KXIP co-owner, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta also expressed her disappointment over the unfairness of the call.
"I travelled enthusiastically during a pandemic,did 6 days of Quarantine & 5covid tests with a smile but that one Short Run hit me hard. What’s the point of technology if it cannot be used? It’s time @BCCI introduces new rules.This cannot happen every year," she tweeted.
"I’ve always believed in being graceful in a win or loss & in the spirit of the game but it’s also important to ask for policy changes that improve the game in the future for everyone. The past has happened and it’s imp to move on. So Looking ahead & being positive as always," Zinta added.
