• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

India National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard: During the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match between India and Australia in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was engaged in a discussion with umpire Richard Illingworth, sparking curiosity among spectators and viewers alike.

The exchange that followed after Jadeja was allegedly asked to take off tape from his bowling hand. It drew attention from India captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, who came in to speak with umpire Richard Illingworth.

The Indian trio wanted to know from the umpire why he had intervened, creating a fascinating moment on the field.

The incident unfolded in the 19th over with Jadeja approaching the edge of the bowling crease with tape around his left wrist, apparently due to a minor injury that was probably causing him discomfort. However, before he could begin his bowling, on-field umpire Illingworth intervened, signalling Jadeja to remove the tape, thus momentarily halting the proceedings.

ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Steve Smith's Great Escape, Bails Refuse To Budge After Axar Patel's Hit, Leaves Virat Kohli In Disbelief | Watch

Although Jadeja had already completed two overs without incident, his return to the bowling crease with tape on his wrist prompted umpire Richard Illingworth to take action. Noticing the tape, Illingworth deemed it necessary to intervene, instructing Jadeja to remove the tape before continuing to bowl.

Watch the video here:

Here's What ICC Rules Say

As per the regulations set forth by the International Cricket Council, there are specific guidelines governing the attire of fielders. Notably, the rules stipulate that no fielder, except for the wicket-keeper, is allowed to wear gloves or external leg guards. Furthermore, any protective gear for the hands or fingers can only be worn with the explicit consent of the umpires, ensuring that the game is played fairly and safely.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma On Verge Of Creating Unwanted Record Of Losing Toss, Triggers Meme Fest On Social Media

Umpires are allowed to take a more stringent approach when it comes to bowlers wearing tapes on their bowling hand. However, there is a degree of flexibility in the rules if the bowler has suffered an injury to their bowling arm during the same match. In such cases, the umpires may adopt a more lenient stance, allowing the bowler to wear protective tape as a precautionary measure.

However, Jadeja was permitted to wear the tape in the very next over. This change of heart came after Jadeja suffered a hand injury while making a diving effort to prevent a single by Steve Smith in the 19th over.