Tilak Varma Stumping Row: ICC Rule Clarifies Controversy
Jos Buttler's stumping of Tilak Varma in the third T20I sparked debate, but ICC laws confirm the dismissal was legal.
During the third T20I between India and England at Trent Bridge, a controversial stumping decision involving Tilak Varma caused a stir. The Indian vice-captain was dismissed by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler off the bowling of Will Jacks, but replays showed the ball slipping from Buttler's gloves shortly after the bails were dislodged.
Despite the ball slipping, slow-motion footage revealed that Buttler still had contact with the ball at the exact moment the stumps were broken. According to MCC law, a wicket is fairly put down if the fielder holds the ball and removes a bail. If the ball is dropped afterward, the dismissal stands as long as the fielder had control when the bail was removed. Thus, the umpire's decision was correct.
Tilak Varma was dismissed for just 3 runs off 11 balls, leaving India at 61 for 6 in a challenging chase of 202. The incident ignited debate on social media, but the rules clearly validated the stumping, ending the controversy.