Tom Curran's bizarre dismissal by Nicholas Pooran in the International League T20 in Abu Dhabi has sparked the debate on how the spirit of cricket has been maintained in the league. English cricketer Tom Curran, playing for the Gulf Giants, was controversially run out during a tense match against MI Emirates. In a scene reminiscent of Jonny Bairstow's controversial dismissal during the last Ashes series, Curran wandered out of his crease after completing a run. With the ball still in flight, Kieron Pollard, an Emirates fielder, threw it back to wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran, who quickly removed the bails. Pooran appealed for the run-out, and after a brief discussion with the umpire, the appeal went to the third umpire. Following a two-minute review session, the third umpire declared Curran out, causing confusion on the field. Gulf Giants' coach, Andy Flower, who was the England team manager, appeared on the boundary line, insisting Curran to stand his ground. This led to a tense three-and-a-half-minute standoff before Curran eventually returned to the crease, supported by teammate Tom Banton. Captain Pooran appeals ➡️ Run-out given ➡️ Coach Flower not happy ➡️ Tom Curran walks out ➡️Tom Curran walks back! 📹@ILT20Official | #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/3CMJ1WjeTt — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 25, 2025 Read also: Watch: Jimmy Neesham Drops Joe Root's Catch Mid-Celebration Pooran later turned down his stubborn appeal Despite Pooran's refusal to withdraw the appeal, the match continued with the Giants needing 17 runs off 12 balls. Curran managed three more runs before being dismissed. His team eventually claimed victory, but the confusion left fans questioning the fairness of the decision. Emirates fast bowler Azarri Joseph later suggested that the umpires had already called "over" before Curran left the crease, making the run-out decision unclear. Joseph said, "In the moment, the ball was on the way back when he left the crease. It was out. But the umpires had already called over, so there’s nothing we could do about that."