Kavya Maran Avesh Khan Rajeev Shukla Rishabh Pant. Image Credits: SRH/JioStar/AFP
The IPL 2026 has reached 13 matches so far, and the season has already seen immense competition, rivalry, and drama. The latest controversy involves Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and pacer Avesh Khan.
The match, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 5, saw LSG chase down 157 in a thrilling finish.
Led by Rishabh Pant, LSG secured a five-wicket win with just one ball to spare. However, what should have been a straightforward victory has now become the talk of the town.
What did Avesh Khan do in SRH vs LSG?
It is important to mention that the controversy took place in the final moments of the match. With LSG needing nine runs in the last over, Rishabh Pant stepped up and struck two boundaries off Jaydev Unadkat to level the scores.
On the penultimate delivery, he lofted the ball towards long-off for what appeared to be the winning boundary.
As the ball raced towards the rope, Avesh Khan, who was not on the field and was near the dugout, appeared to touch or deflect the ball using a bat before it fully crossed the boundary line.
Also Read: Rishabh Pant Hugs Sanjiv Goenka Amidst IPL 2026 Controversy
According to laws, a player who is not part of the active fielding side is not allowed to interfere with the ball.
While there are exceptions, such as injury or strategic breaks, this situation did not fall under any of those categories. Despite this, the on-field umpires did not intervene, and the boundary was allowed to stand.
"Either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball when intervening in a case of unfair play under 20.4.2.1," the laws of cricket by MCC state.
Interestingly, Avesh Khan's action could have had serious consequences. Some fans and experts argued that SRH should have been awarded penalty runs under the laws related to unfair play. There were even suggestions that the ball could have been declared dead.
Watch the video below:
Kavya Maran's SRH to seek BCCI's help
SRH owner Kavya Maran is reportedly unhappy, with the franchise considering a formal protest. Reports (from Cricbuzz) suggest the franchise is seriously considering approaching the BCCI to seek clarification and possibly raise a formal complaint.
While it is unlikely that the result of the match will be changed, SunRisers Hyderabad's move is aimed at ensuring clearer enforcement of rules and avoiding similar incidents in the future.
SRH not happy with several other incidents
This is not the first time SunRisers Hyderabad have expressed dissatisfaction this season. The team has already raised concerns over multiple umpiring decisions in earlier matches. One such instance involved Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal against RCB, where he was caught by Phil Salt.
Additionally, SRH questioned the dismissal of Abhishek Sharma against the Kolkata Knight Riders, which was taken by Varun Chakravarthy.
With multiple decisions going against them, SRH's frustration appears to be growing with each game.
It is vital to note that SRH is currently in fifth position on the IPL 2026 points table. They have played two matches so far, recording one win and two defeats. The 'Orange Army' will play their next match against the Punjab Kings on April 11, 2026.
Also Read: RR vs MI Head to Head Records- IPL 2026, Match 13
