Explained: Why Maaz Sadaqat Was Given Not Out Despite India A’s Boundary Catch

Pakistan Shaheens’ clash with India A delivered every bit of drama expected from a high-stakes youth contest — but few could have predicted that the most talked-about moment of the match would stem from a catching law change buried deep in cricket’s latest rulebook, with Maaz Sadaqat as its beneficiary.

What appeared to be a certain dismissal of the Pakistani opener turned into one of the most chaotic moments of the tournament on Sunday, leaving India A stunned, the umpires scrambling, and Pakistan cruising toward a clinical eight-wicket victory.

The incident occurred in the 10th over when Maaz, batting on 56, lofted a Suyash Sharma delivery toward the boundary rope. Nehal Wadhera intercepted it and flung the ball toward Naman Dhir as his momentum carried him over the ropes. Dhir completed the catch inside the field, and the celebrations began as the umpire raised the finger, and Maaz Sadaqat started walking off.

But the third umpire soon signaled for a review of the relay catch, and what followed was confusion, consultation, and a moment that flipped the game as Maaz was declared not out.

In June 2025, the MCC rewrote Law 19.5.2, cracking down on what it labeled the “bunny hop” tactic used by boundary riders. Under the updated rule, any fielder making contact with the ball while airborne beyond the boundary is allowed only one touch — and must land fully inside the field of play before being involved again.

What many players — and evidently some umpires — are still adjusting to is that this now applies to relay catches as well. Replays showed Wadhera’s sequence clearly: his first touch was legal, inside the field. His second touch came as he was mid-air and about to land outside the rope. That made the entire effort illegal. By the book, it should have been six runs.

Instead, the third umpire declared Sadaqat not out — but bizarrely awarded only a dot ball. India A captain Jitesh Sharma immediately confronted the umpires in disbelief, demanding clarity on the ruling. His protests were acknowledged but ultimately rejected, and the decision stood.

Having survived what should have been his dismissal, Maaz Sadaqat wasted little time in guiding Pakistan A over the line.

The Pakistan–India rivalry has produced countless memorable moments, and Maaz Sadaqat’s reprieve now joins that long list. For Pakistan, it became another moment to savor — and they will not mind it one bit.