 "Shikha Pandey runs MI batter out during WPL 2025: Image: WPL")
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has introduced a significant rule change following a string of contentious run-out decisions in the thrilling match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) on 15 February. The last-ball thriller in Vadodara saw three controversial third-umpire rulings, which have prompted the league to clarify the interpretation of when the wicket is considered broken.
In response to the controversy, the WPL has reportedly notified all teams of an immediate rule change regarding run-out and stumping decisions. Moving forward, the LED bail must be fully dislodged for umpires to consider the wicket broken. The pre-existing rule, which deemed the stumps broken when the LED lights illuminated, will no longer apply in WPL 2025.
Why the rule has been changed?
According to ESPNcricinfo, the rule change in WPL 2025 was prompted by issues with the current batch of LED bails, which have been lighting up even with minimal disturbance, despite both spigots not being fully dislodged from the grooves on top of the stumps.
The controversial run-out decisions
In the final overs of the DC vs. MI clash, three run-out incidents were ruled not out by third umpire Gayathri Venugopalan , despite the LED stumps lighting up before the batter had reached the crease. All three decisions went in favour of Delhi Capitals.
The previous rule stated that the stumps were deemed broken when the LED lights were triggered. However, the third umpire instead based decisions on the moment when the bails were visibly removed from the stumps, leading to confusion and controversy.
Shikha Pandey’s run-out appeal was the first of the three incidents. Attempting a bye after missing a shot, she was sent back by non-striker Niki Prasad. A direct hit at the striker’s end showed on replays that Pandey’s bat was still on the crease line when the LED stumps lit up. However, the third umpire rolled the footage forward and ruled her not out based on a later frame in which the bails were completely dislodged.
Two balls later, Radha Yadav found herself scrambling to make her crease at the striker’s end after another mix-up with Prasad. MI wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia broke the stumps while Radha was mid-dive, with her bat appearing to be in the air beyond the crease when the LED stumps first lit up. However, the third umpire again ruled the decision based on a later frame when the bails were fully removed, declaring Radha not out.