The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardian of the Laws of Cricket, has weighed in on the controversial run-out of Pakistan's Muneeba Ali during their Women's World Cup match against India in Colombo on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The MCC's statement, issued on Monday, October 6, 2025, supports the third umpire's decision, asserting that Muneeba was "correctly given run out" and that there was no deviation from the Laws of Cricket.

The incident occurred in the fourth over of Pakistan's innings while chasing India's total of 248. Muneeba Ali survived an LBW appeal off Kranti Gaud. However, she had stepped out of her crease, and a throw from Deepti Sharma hit the stumps. While Muneeba had grounded her bat momentarily, it was in the air when the ball struck the stumps, leading to the third umpire's decision to declare her out.

The decision sparked immediate debate, with Pakistan's captain, Fatima Sana, seen in animated discussion with the fourth umpire, Kim Cotton, arguing that Muneeba had grounded her bat and had no intention of taking a run. Confusion also arose on the field, with Muneeba herself appearing surprised by the decision.

The MCC's statement directly addresses the debate, particularly regarding Law 30.1.2, which is sometimes referred to as the "bouncing bat law". This law protects a batter who loses contact with the ground while running or diving towards the stumps, provided they had initially grounded their bat or person behind the popping crease. The MCC clarified that this law "does not protect a batter who is turning for another run, overbalancing, or who – as in Muneeba's case – simply lifts their bat into the air". The statement emphasized that "at no time did her… ". Muneeba was not running or diving when the incident occurred.

The MCC also addressed the correct mode of dismissal, stating, "It's a Run out – although she was not attempting a run, and it was not a No ball, the wicket was not broken by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another fielder – it was instead a fielder who threw it. So the decision, correctly given by the umpires, is Out, Run out".

Pakistan's camp has attempted to diffuse the situation. Fast bowler Diana Baig stated that the "issue has already been settled" and that the team is focused on their upcoming matches. Baig also acknowledged the team's batting collapse contributed to their 88-run loss against India.

The controversial dismissal proved to be a crucial moment in the match, adding another layer to the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan. India ultimately won the match by 88 runs. The MCC's statement, while clarifying the application of the Laws of Cricket, is likely to add further discussion among fans and analysts, solidifying the incident as a talking point of the 2025 Women's World Cup.