ZCZC
BSP-07
CRICKET-IPL-RAJASTHAN
MCC defend ‘Mankad’ law after Buttler row
LONDON, March 27, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Cricket lawmakers MCC insist the rule regarding
“Mankad” is essential in the aftermath of the controversy over Jos Buttler’s IPL
dismissal.
England batsman Buttler, playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, was run out at the
non-striker’s end by Kings XI Punjab bowler Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday.
The method of dismissal, named after former India player Vinoo Mankad, is legal but
is seen by many as going against the spirit of the game, unless the batsman has been
persistently backing up and warned first.
The incident was all the more contentious as Buttler was still in his crease when
Ashwin arrived, only for the bowler to pull out of his action and wait for him to step
forward before whipping off the bails.
The MCC tried to ease the tension by clarifying law 41.16: Non-striker leaving
his/her ground early.
“This law is essential. Without it, non-strikers could back up at liberty, several
yards down the pitch and a law is needed to prevent such action,” the MCC statement
read on Tuesday.
“The crux of the issue is when the non-striker can safely leave his/her ground, and
what the bowler can do to effect this form of dismissal without courting controversy.
“To clarify, it has never been in the laws that a warning should be given to the
non-striker and nor is it against the spirit of cricket to run out a non-striker who
is seeking to gain an advantage by leaving his/her ground early.
“Some feel that Ashwin delayed his action to allow Buttler the chance to leave his
ground and that Buttler was in his ground when he expected the ball to be released.
“If it was a deliberate delay, that would be unfair and against the spirit of
cricket. Ashwin claims this not to be the case.
“The TV umpire had to make a decision and, under the law, it was understandable how
he opted to give Buttler out.
“It is up to both teams to ensure that the game is played within both the laws and
the spirit of cricket.
“Non-strikers must be careful not to gain an unfair advantage by leaving their
ground early, while bowlers must act within the timeframe outlined in the law to
effect a run-out under law 41.16.”
BSS/AFP/AU/08:55 hrs