NEW DELHI: In a dramatic twist during the Super Over between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, Mitchell Starc found himself at the center of a rare and little-known rule breach — a back-foot no-ball.
Tasked with defending in a tense Super Over, Starc had already conceded nine runs from his first four deliveries. But just as he prepared to bowl his fifth, the third umpire intervened. After a replay check, it was confirmed that his fourth delivery was illegal — not for the usual front-foot violation, but because his back foot had touched the return crease.
The rule, often overlooked, is detailed in Law 21.5 of the MCC’s Laws of Cricket. It states that during the delivery stride, a bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease. Starc, bowling around the wicket to right-hander Riyan Parag, had let his back (left) foot slightly clip the line — an automatic no-ball.
While the front-foot rule allows part of the foot to be behind the popping crease, the back-foot rule is far stricter: contact with the return crease line results in a no-ball. This law is in place to prevent bowlers from exploiting extreme angles, which could make umpiring decisions harder.
The result? Royals was awarded a free hit and an extra run — a rare and frustrating call for any bowler. Thankfully for Starc and the Capitals, the decision didn’t cost them the match, as they ultimately came out on top.
Still, the incident sparked debate online, highlighting how even seasoned professionals can fall victim to cricket’s more obscure regulations — especially under the pressure of a Super Over.