The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made some corrections in the rule on Penalty runs in domestic cricket.
The Indian Cricket Board has been taking necessary steps to improve domestic cricket inside the country as they increased salary hikes and also introduced prize money for the top performers in the domestic circuit and has also made another change in the rules.
Recently a statement was sent to state associations by BCCI declaring that if the ball comes in contact with any equipment or object while in play, it will not be considered illegal fielding.
This is a notable change from the previous interpretation of Rule 28.2.3 which imposed stricter penalties.
“It is not considered illegal fielding if the ball contacts a piece of clothing, equipment or any other object that has accidentally fallen from the fielder’s person. Wicketkeeping gloves or a fielder cap that is tucked into the fielder’s waistband, will not be penalised with penalty runs. The ball will remain in play and a dismissal would be valid,” said the statement.
The revision addresses common scenarios in cricket, particularly concerning habits of tucking caps in their waistbands.
An example of KL Rahul who tucks his cap at the front of his waist will be half visible. Similarly, wicketkeepers often secure caps at the back of the waistband. Previously, if the cap falls and contacts the ball, it would result in a five-run penalty and the ball would be declared dead.
The BCCI has made its practical game play considerations acknowledging that such incidental contact shouldn’t necessarily penalize the fielding team.
The revision streamlines the decision-making process for umpires who had problems on deciding certain scenarios involving equipment contact.
While the fundament aspects of Rule 28.2.3 regarding illegal fielding remain in place, this rule provides a clear view of specific situations involving accidentally dislodged equipment.
Earlier this month, BCCI decided to remove the ‘Impact player’ rule from Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, though it will continue to be applicable in the Indian Premier League.
