(Photo credits: @CricketCalgary)
Calgary witnessed an unprecedented scene in the C&DCL Elite Division T20 Final, as the Knight Riders refused to continue their innings after one of their bowlers was called for a throw. The controversial decision handed the match to the Calgary Cricket Association (CCA) in dramatic fashion.
The incident unfolded during a tense phase of the final. Paul Newnham, a highly experienced umpire, along with the square leg umpire, observed irregularities in the Arsalan Anwar’s delivery. After reviewing multiple deliveries, they determined that the bowler’s action constituted a throw and informed the Knight Riders’ captain that a no-ball would be called, accompanied by a warning.
Footage from the live stream, which is now private on YouTube, shows the bowler delivering two balls before the umpires confer. Play seemed set to continue, but the main umpire signaled that the throw ruling stood. In a dramatic turn, the bowler threw the ball at the stumps and deliberately knocked them over, followed by the rest of the Knight Riders players walking off the field.
The CCA has been officially awarded the title, but the post-match discussion is expected to focus as much on conduct as it does on cricketing rules. Fans and players alike are now calling for clarity on how such disputes should be handled in high-stakes matches, to prevent similar controversies in the future.
This dramatic exit by the Knight Riders is likely to be remembered as one of the most controversial moments in Canadian cricket history, raising questions about the balance between competitive spirit and adherence to the rules.
Scorecard to the now infamous match:
https://www.cricketcalgary.ca/cricketcalgary/ballbyball.do?matchId=5403&clubId=15482
Disgraceful that Knight Riders Capt did not respect the two umpires decision. Whether it was right or wrong call doesn’t really matter to me. He cost his team mates a potential Final win. I watched it on Sunday night before it was made Private. I know it is getting added again soon for general viewing and so it should be.