After India and Sri Lanka played out a thrilling draw in the first one-day international of a three-match series, doubts arose over whether the match officials had followed the rules.

According to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ODI Playing Conditions, which were last amended in December 2023, a Super Over must be played after an ODI ends in a draw to decide the winner.

With both teams tied 230-230 after Arshdeep Singh’s dismissal on Friday night at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the players and officials left the field without playing the Super Over.

Also read: SL vs IND, 1st ODI: Indian batsmen will be given ample opportunity to bowl, says bowling coach Bahutule

The relevant section of the playing conditions for matches ending in a draw is rule 16.3.1.1, which states: “If the teams’ scores are level after both periods have been completed (if applicable under DLS – see clause 16.4), then a Super Over will be played. If a Super Over ends in a draw, unless exceptional circumstances arise (see paragraph 25 of Appendix G), subsequent Super Overs will be played until a winner is achieved. If it is not possible to play or complete the number of Super Overs required to determine a winner, the match will end in a draw.”

It could not be established whether the playing conditions for the ongoing three-match series had been altered or whether the match officials (match referee Ranjan Madugalle and on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Raveendra Wimalasiri) had carried out any actual checking of the rule book.

Interestingly, in last year’s Asia Cup, also played in Sri Lanka, the tournament rules were revised midway through the tournament to ensure that only the India-Pakistan Super Four match had a reserve day.