World Cup 2023: Richard Kettleborough draws flak for non-wide call with Virat Kohli on 97 | IND vs BAN

Umpire Richard Kettleborough has come under fire for his contentious non-wide call during the India vs Bangladesh match in Pune on October 19.

In the 42nd over, Bangladesh bowler Nasum Ahmed's first delivery passed down the leg side but Kettleborough did not signal a wide.

This happened as Indian batter Virat Kohli was at the crease, three runs away from his century with India needing 2 runs to seal a win.

As the camera panned to Kettleborough, he had a smirk on his face while the Indian dressing room erupted in laughter over the decision.

But Kettleborough has drawn flak over his decision by cricket enthusiasts.

Sports journalist Peter Della Penna took to social media 'X' to express his disappointment, writing, '...It raises integrity issues when an umpire refuses to call a blatantly obvious leg side wide in order to assist Kohli in his personal escapade.'

Meanwhile another cricket fan called Kettleborough's move shameful adding that an obvious wide was not signalled by an international umpire in a World Cup game.

Another fan wondered if it was a World Cup match or gully cricket, 'What is happening here Virat Kohli Playing For his Personal milestone and Richard Kettleborough doesn't give wide Ball Which is actually a Wide Ball.'

If Kohli wants to turn down singles in pursuit of a century, so be it, but it raises integrity issues when an umpire refuses to call a blatantly obvious leg side wide in order to assist Kohli in his personal escapade.

— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) October 19, 2023

The magnetism of a Kohli 100 is so strong that the prospect of them can even stun an umpires' arms.
Preventing them to lift up to indicate a wide.

— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) October 19, 2023