Former BCCI selector Saba Karim has sparked a debate by labeling India fast bowler Akash Deep’s dismissal of England’s Joe Root as ‘cheating’ during the second Test match. The controversy erupted when commentators and some fans argued that Akash Deep’s back foot was touching the return crease, which should have rendered the delivery illegal. Alison Mitchell, a former England cricketer, highlighted during BBC TMS commentary that Akash Deep’s foot was out by about two inches, suggesting a breach of the rules. Saba Karim, however, focused on the technical nuances of the delivery. He explained that when a bowler delivers from wide of the crease, it typically angles in towards the batter. In this instance, Akash Deep’s delivery unexpectedly straightened after pitching, catching Joe Root off guard. Karim noted that such a delivery is challenging for any batter to play, including someone of Joe Root’s caliber. He emphasized that 99.9 percent of batters would have reacted similarly, attempting to play towards the onside. The incident has brought attention to MCC Law 21.5.1, which states that for a delivery to be fair, the bowler’s back foot must land within and not touch the return crease. This rule is crucial in determining the legality of a delivery and ensuring fair play in cricket matches. The debate over this dismissal highlights the intricacies of cricket laws and how they are interpreted during high-stakes matches. It also underscores the challenges faced by batters when dealing with unexpected deliveries from skilled bowlers like Akash Deep. As discussions continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between legal and illegal deliveries in cricket.