MCC Supports Umpire’s Call On Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s Out

The MCC has publicly supported the Third Umpire’s decision to declare Angkrish Raghuvanshi out for obstruction of the field at the IPL match between LSG & KKR on April 26.

What Happened During the Incident?

In an unusual incident, Raghuvanshi was dismissed on the last ball of the fifth over. He tried to take a quick single off of Cameron Green’s bat, but was sent back to the crease by Cameron.

While trying to retreat back into his crease, Raghuvanshi took an extra wide line along the ground and dove back into his ground. In the process of doing so, Raghuvanshi was hit by a direct throw from Mohammed Shami.

The LSG team appealed for his dismissal, and the third umpire ruled him to be out under Law 37 (obstructing the field).

MCC’s Explanation of Law 37

The MCC referenced Law 37.1.1 in making this decision, which states: “A batter is out if he willfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side.”

According to the MCC’s Interpretation, which can be found in Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring, there is an expectation that when a batter turns around at any stage unnecessarily (particularly onto the pitch or in the line with any throw) it is an act of willful obstruction.

Why Angkrish Raghuvanshi Was Given Out

MCC highlighted that:

Raghuvanshi’s first run was to the left of the pitch.

As he made a turn to retreat from home, he crossed to near the center of the pitch (from the batsman’s perspective).

His crossing took place directly in the line of throw between the fielder and where Raghuvanshi would return to the crease.

As a result, this movement was not the fastest way to return to the crease and therefore, was an intentional act in accordance with the laws of cricket.

MCC clearly stated:

“It is the willful crossing of the pitch that caused his downfall.”

They also emphasized that whether Raghuvanshi would have been run out otherwise is irrelevant, as likelihood of dismissal is not a factor in “obstructing the field.”

Reactions and Controversy

The announcement of the decision caused a number of responses:

Lots of people from KKR’s support team were seen as visibly unhappy about the decision.

KKR’s Head Coach Abhishek Nayar was seen having discussions with game officials regarding it.

Raghuvanshi expressed anger by waving his bat and throwing his helmet.

Raghuvanshi was fined 20% of his match fee by the ICC for his actions and received a demerit point for his conduct under the ICC’s code of conduct.

Rare IPL Dismissal

With this incident, Angkrish Raghuvanshi has now become only the fourth player in the history of IPL to have been dismissed for obstructing the field and is thus a rare and hotly debated instance/occurrence within the tournament.