USA Was Not Aware of Five-Run Penalty Rule: Head Coach Stuart Law

The USA’s unbeaten run in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 came to an end against India. With the Men in Blue needing 35 runs from 30 balls and the score seemingly balanced, an unexpected turn of events left everyone at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium bewildered.

Just as the crowd anticipated a thrilling finish, umpire Paul Reiffel’s unusual signal – a tap on his shoulder and a raised right hand – awarded India five penalty runs without a ball bowled. This uncommon sight in cricket caused momentary confusion.

Actually, the USA team had violated the recently introduced “stop-clock rule.” This rule mandates the fielding side be ready to bowl the next over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending. The USA team, despite receiving prior warnings, exceeded this time limit for a third time, triggering the penalty.

Head coach Stuart Law defended his team, acknowledging their lack of awareness about the new rule.

“We’ve discussed over-rate issues, but this rule is relatively new,” he explained. “Many players weren’t familiar with it before this year’s Canada and Bangladesh series. We need to improve our adaptation to these recent regulations.”

While the penalty shifted momentum in India’s favour, Law downplayed its role in the outcome of the match. “The five runs didn’t affect the game’s outcome,” he asserted. “Our team spirit remained strong. We displayed great character against a top side.”

The USA sits at the second position in the Group A points table. In case, the Pakistan versus Ireland match, which is scheduled to be played in Florida ends up getting washed out, the USA will qualify for the Super 8 directly. Meanwhile, team India has already qualified for the Super 8.