Was the umpire right in calling Mitchell Starc’s backfoot no-ball?

After four years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw a super over. Mitchell Starc’s incredible 20th over against Rajasthan Royals (RR) gave the Delhi Capitals (DC) a chance to still win the match and move to the top of the IPL 2025 points table.

As if the super over itself wasn’t entertaining enough, we also saw a major controversy. Bowling first, Starc had given 10 runs in 4 balls. However, while going back to his mark, the buzzer went off. The third umpire called a no-ball. But fascinatingly enough, it wasn’t a front-foot no-ball.

No-ball controversy in DC vs RR Super Over

Bowling from round the wicket to Riyan Parag, Starc’s back leg had touched the sideline. A free hit was coming up, and the pacer wasn’t pleased. A huge stir-up was caused online. Former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull stated that it wasn’t a backfoot no-ball on air. So was it a no-ball?

According to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws, it was a no-ball. In MCC’s 21.5 clause, it clearly states a bowler’s back foot can’t touch the crease.

21.5 Fair delivery – the feet
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride
21.5.1 the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease appertaining to his/her stated mode of delivery.

Doull had released that he made the mistake and corrected himself after Starc’s over came to an end. Luckily for DC, the no-ball didn’t change the course of the match. They went on to win the super over with two balls to spare. Owing to some poor running from Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal combined with some great hitting by KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs.