Explore the Mankading rule in cricket, its historical context, and the heated discussions on whether it aligns with the spirit of the game.

Cricket, often referred to as the “gentleman’s game,” is not without its fair share of controversies. One such contentious issue that has sparked debates and divided opinions in the cricketing world is the phenomenon known as “Mankading.” This article delves into the intricacies of Mankading, its history, rules, and the various controversies surrounding it.

What is Mankading?

The Origins and the Name

Mankading is named after Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad, who first executed this controversial dismissal in a Test match against Australia in 1947. He ran out Australian batsman Bill Brown, who had left his crease at the non-striker’s end before Mankad delivered the ball. This mode of dismissal came to be known as “Mankading” as a result of that incident.

The Basics of Mankading

In essence, mankading refers to a method of dismissing a batsman in which the bowler, while in the process of delivering the ball, removes the bails at the non-striker’s end if the non-striker has left the crease before the ball is bowled. It’s important to note that this dismissal is well within the laws of cricket, specifically Law 41.16, which deals with the non-striker leaving the crease early.

The Controversies Surrounding Mankading

While Mankading is considered legal, it remains one of the most debated and contentious aspects of cricket. Here are some of the controversies and debates that have arisen in the context of Mankading:

1. Spirit of the Game vs. Rulebook

One of the primary arguments against Mankading is that it goes against the “spirit of the game.” Critics argue that it is unsportsmanlike to run out a non-striker who is attempting to gain an advantage by leaving the crease early. On the other hand, proponents of Mankading argue that it is well within the laws of the game, and the onus is on the non-striker to stay within the crease until the ball is bowled.

2. Intent Matters

The issue of the bowler’s intent often arises in Mankading debates. Some argue that a bowler should only bowl a batsman if they can prove that the non-striker is deliberately trying to gain an unfair advantage. Others believe that the mere act of leaving the crease early should be enough for a Mankading dismissal, regardless of intent.

3. Instances of High-Profile Mankadings

Over the years, there have been several high-profile Mankading incidents that have generated significant controversy. Notable examples include Ravichandran Ashwin’s Mankading of Jos Buttler during an IPL match in 2019 and Keemo Paul’s Mankading of Zimbabwean batsman Richard Ngarava in an Under-19 World Cup game in 2016.

4. Debate over Warnings

Some cricketing authorities and players have suggested that bowlers should issue a warning to the non-striker before attempting a Mankading dismissal. This has led to discussions about whether warnings should be mandatory and how many chances a non-striker should get before being Mankading.

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Mankading in Numbers

To better understand the prevalence of Mankading in cricket, let’s take a look at some statistics:

Table 1: Mankading Incidents in International Cricket (2010–2021)

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Table 2: Mankading Incidents in Indian Premier League (IPL) (2010–2021)

Table 3: Mankading Incidents by Country (2010–2021)

Table 4: Most Frequent Mankading Bowlers (2010–2021)

Table 5: Most Frequent Mankading Victims (2010–2021)

Conclusion

Mankading continues to be a topic of debate in cricket, with opinions divided on whether it is a fair and legitimate form of dismissal or a breach of the spirit of the game. As the sport evolves and the debate persists, one thing remains certain: Mankading will continue to be a point of contention among players, fans, and cricketing authorities around the world.

Originally posted 2023-09-21 20:46:00.