Whenever an umpire makes a controversial decision, it becomes a major issue. Media houses run it in their news, big headlines are created, and controversies erupt everywhere.
However, there is one method of dismissal which, despite being completely legal, whenever a batter is dismissed that way, it sparks controversy every single time, headlines are made, and media houses run heavy propaganda on it. This method of getting a batter out is called 'Mankading'.
In this article, we will talk in detail about what Mankading is, how it is a completely legal rule, and explore all the essential details you need to know about it.
What is Mankading and Why is it Called So?
When a bowler, during their bowling run-up and before completing their action, hits the stumps with the ball, and the player standing at the non-striker's end is found outside their crease at that moment, it is given out via Mankading—which is essentially a type of run-out.
It is called 'Mankading' because back in 1947 during the tour of Australia, legendary Indian all-rounder Vinoo Mankad famously dismissed Australian batsman Bill Brown twice in this manner. That incident sparked massive controversy at the time, and ever since, this method of dismissal has been named 'Mankading'.
What Do ICC and MCC Laws Say About Mankading?
Prior to October 2022, according to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rules, this type of run-out was placed under "Unfair Play" (Law 41). Under that rule, a bowler was required to give a warning to the batsman before executing the dismissal.
However, after October 2022, the MCC and ICC updated their rules and included it under Law 38.
Mankading vs. The "Spirit of the Game" Debate
Mankading has always been tied to two contrasting viewpoints—one that supports it and another that strongly opposes it.
The Supporters' View
Those who support Mankading argue that the rules are there for a reason. When a non-striker batsman steps out of the crease before the ball is delivered, they try to gain an unfair advantage to steal extra yards. Supporters believe that since the rulebook permits it and it is entirely legal, a bowler has every right to dismiss a batsman who is trying to cheat the system. According to them, stopping a batsman from taking an illegal head-start is completely fair.
The Critics' View
On the other hand, critics argue that this method goes against the traditional "Spirit of Cricket." They view it as unsportsmanlike behavior—claiming that catching a batsman off guard without a prior warning feels like tricking them. For critics, the game's unwritten traditions and gentlemanly ethos matter just as much as the written laws.
A Recent Example: Ashwin vs. Jos Buttler
One of the most famous and talked-about instances of this controversy happened in the Indian Premier League (IPL), when Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed England's Jos Buttler via Mankading. Ashwin did not issue any prior warning, appealed for the wicket, and Buttler was given out. This particular incident blew up into a massive debate across the cricket world, reigniting the eternal clash between strict rules and the "Spirit of the Game."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Mankading considered cheating in cricket?
No, Mankading is not cheating. According to the updated MCC laws (Law 38), it is a 100% legal run-out. However, it often sparks debate because of traditional views on the "Spirit of Cricket," even though the rulebook fully permits it.
2. Does a bowler need to give a warning before Mankading a batsman?
No, a bowler is no longer required to give any warning. Following the rule change in October 2022, a bowler can legally dismiss a non-striker who is out of their crease without issuing any prior caution.
3. Why is it called "Mankading"?
It gets its name from legendary Indian all-rounder Vinoo Mankad, who famously dismissed Australia's Bill Brown twice during the 1947 tour of Australia in this manner, triggering a massive historical debate.
4. Why do non-striker batsmen step out of the crease early?
Batsmen often step out early to gain a fraction of a second's advantage to complete runs faster. In a game like cricket where every centimeter and millisecond counts, this extra distance can make a big difference.
Conclusion
After October 2022, Mankading has been officially placed under Rule 38 (Run Out), which means it is completely legal. When a bowler dismisses a batsman this way, they are not cheating or taking any unfair advantage. As long as the batsman stays safely inside the crease, they cannot and will not be given out via Mankading.
On the other hand, if we look at the batsmen who step out of their crease before the ball is even delivered, they do so specifically to gain an unfair advantage so they can complete a run a fraction faster. Cricket is such a fine and precise game where a single centimeter can change the outcome of a match. A batsman stepping two or three feet ahead of the crease gives them a massive, unfair head-start.
In my view, this is a 100% legal run-out, and there is no trickery involved against the batsman. The endless debate and hue and cry surrounding it should finally be put to rest, and this dismissal method should be fully embraced as a genuine part of the game.
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