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5 Cricket Rules You Didn’t Know Existed

Cricket has a comprehensive set of rules that have been set in place to make sure the game is conducted in a fair manner. The rulebook keeps getting updated to change rules or add new ones so that the game can be adjusted according to the modern world. However, there are still a plethora of rules that fans do not know about, as they occur very rarely. This causes confusion amongst fans when these rules are practised in real life. This article talks about five cricket rules that cricket fans may not know exist.

5 Cricket Rules You Did Not Know About

Credit: Sportsmonkie

Fake Fielding Can Lead To A Penalty

In an effort to maintain fairness, the ICC introduced a rule in 2017 to penalise “fake fielding” under Law 41.5. This occurs when a fielder deliberately fakes having the ball to deceive the batter and prevent or delay runs. If the fielder acts like he has the ball in his hand and pretends to throw it when, in fact, he is not actually in possession of the ball, the umpire can decide to penalise the fielder. The aim of this rule is not to punish misjudgments or errors, but if the umpire deems that the fielder intentionally indulged in fake fielding to fool the batting team, he can award the batting team an extra five runs for that purpose.

Ball Lodged In The Helmet Is A Dead Ball

According to Law 20.4.2.10 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, if the ball becomes stuck in a fielder’s helmet, whether it’s worn or placed on the ground, the ball is immediately declared dead. This rule was introduced to safeguard the batsman. This means that if the ball hits the bat and is then lodged into the grille of the helmet, no fielder can try to catch the ball and complete a catch. As soon as the ball is lodged in the helmet, the ball is immediately declared dead. Most fans are unaware of it because it’s an extremely rare occurrence, but it has led to confusion in live matches when it does happen.

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Fielder cannot Use Cap Or Clothing To Field.

According to Law 28.2.1 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, fielders must not use any item of clothing or equipment not attached to them to field the ball. This rule has been introduced so that no fielder can use external means to gain an advantage while fielding. For instance, if a fielder throws their cap in the air to intercept a lofted shot, even if it does manage to catch or intercept the ball, this rule will be triggered. No catch completed will be counted if this rule is triggered and in addition the opposition team will be awarded five runs for free. The rule helps maintain a level playing field.

Appealing Excessively Can Get You A Penalty

Under Law 41.3 of the MCC Laws, excessive appealing, such as shouting repeatedly, overly aggressive body language, or appealing when the player clearly knows the batter isn’t out, can be penalised. The umpire may first issue a warning, but repeated or particularly unsportsmanlike behaviour can result in five penalty runs awarded to the batting side. Umpires are encouraged to take action if they feel the appeals are pressuring their decisions or affecting the batter psychologically. This rule was introduced to try to stop the bowling team from appealing unnecessarily so that neither the batsman nor the umpire feels pressured.

Deliberate Short Runs Can Be Penalised

A “short run” in cricket occurs when a batter fails to ground their bat or any part of their body behind the popping crease while completing a run. Normally, this results in that specific run not being counted. However, if the umpire believes the short run was deliberate, more severe consequences may follow. The rule was strengthened to discourage any act that manipulates the scoring system. Many casual fans aren’t even aware that short runs exist, let alone that they can be judged to be intentional and be punished. If the umpire deems the short run to be intentional, he can award five runs to the opposition team as a penalty.

For more news articles and informative updates on cricket and its various rules as well as other football and cricket updates, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com.

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