Mankading in Cricket: Controversy or Strategy? Exploring the Great Debate

Mankading in Cricket: Controversy or Strategy? Exploring ...

By Edcel Panganiban August 19, 2024 23:12

Photo by AFP

A term that has divided the cricketing world right down its center, Mankad, relates to a mode of dismissal where the bowler runs out another batsman, the non-striker because he leaves his crease before the ball is delivered. Read on to know everything about mankading, what it means exactly, and its historical perspective, along with arguments why the same should be considered legal or nay illegal as per rules today, and much more.

What is Mankading in Cricket?

Mankading, named after Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad, has been a legal method of sending batsmen back to the pavilion in cricket. It happens when the non-striker runs halfway down to the pitch before the bowler bowls. Per the laws of cricket, specifically Law 38.3 reads: The non-striker is out if he/she is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play until aligned center.

Mankading is an acceptable dismissal. It has been part of cricket for centuries, but it continues to be controversial. Critics say it is not in the "spirit of the game," an old-fashioned notion that promotes sportsmanship and competitive balance. Supporters say it is an effective way to stop batters from getting a headstart by edging back further up the wicket.

The Historical Evolution of Mankading in Cricket

The term Mankad is derived from a famous incident in 1947 during an India vs. Australia Test Match. Vinoo Mankad ran out Australian batter Bill Brown after leaving his crease early. The move prompted widespread criticism, especially in Australia, where the newspapers called it unsportsmanlike behavior by Mankad. But cricketing stalwarts like Sir Donald Bradman came out in support of Mankad and stated that it was clear as a day in the laws of cricket about this mode of dismissal.

Mankading has proved to be a controversial subject in the years that followed. Notable examples include:

Ravichandran Ashwin v Jos Buttler (2019): An IPL match where Ashwin Mankaded Buttler and the ethics of Mankading became a topic for discussion. The incident has prompted the debate about whether it is a legitimate tactical move and its impact on sportsmanship.

Deepti Sharma vs. Charlie Dean (2022): In the women's ODI game, Deepti gave an England batter a run-out in the same way, showing that Mankading is still with us in today's cricket world.

These incidents show how Mankading has gone from being controversial to more of an acceptable form, even in T20 cricket, where every run is crucial.

Arguments Against Mankading

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Mankading goes against the spirit of cricket. Some feel that debiting a batsman not in the course of action is unfair and gives the bowler an undue advantage.

Moral Issue: Many crowds and players think that mankading distracts the principles of sportsman spirit. The gesture is generally considered a betrayal of the gentlemen's agreement held by cricket players.

Facets that support Mankading

Protection from Unfair Play: Advocates note that Mankading is a preventative action against unfair play. Bowlers can keep batsmen from straying over the crease and returning to an easy second run in this fashion.

Evolution of the Game: In the context of all-time greats, Mankad himself and several who followed in his footsteps, here is where we remind you that if it's good enough for a Bandula Warnapura Ravi Shastri Graham Gooch/Courteney Walsh Mutthiah Muralitharan, then just about everything else had better seem like misdemeanors, let alone petty crimes. This has led to many people suggesting that this is just an acceptable evolution of the game.

Some Current Rules And Regulations About Mankading

Mankading Rule has changed a lot over the ages. Law 38.3 this season marks a reclassification of Mankading from 'unfair play' to simply another kind of run-out, rather than anything else older it has been ticketed under at the umpire's discretion. This alteration marks a change in how Mankading is viewed as just another form of dismissal rather than against sportsmanship.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have released updated guidelines on the controversial method of dismissal. Mankading insists that non-strikers cannot leave their creases before a bowler delivers. One key function is to create a legal framework that can eliminate gray areas and bring order into play.

Spirit of the Game Damage due to Mankading

Mankading has important implications for the balance between batsmen and bowlers. This adds an element of psychological warfare to the equation because batters need to be aware that they do not creep forward and interfere with their delivery stride. It can be very stressful, and that stress imparts itself onto the game as a whole, magnifying player emotions, potentially to the point where games are ruined for players.

In addition, the consequence of using Mankading may lead players to think twice before they pull off any tricks on the field. Bowlers might be encouraged to follow the laws with a firm hand, and batters may see themselves regulating their movements. This change can even destabilize the orthodox combats between players, which brings about a sense of patriotism and sportsmanship that cricket is famous for.

As the game changes, so does the interpretation and respect for plans like Mankading. Despite being a legal method of getting out, its effect on the nature of cricket and player behavior amongst players, fans, and critics is fiercely debated to this day.

At the end of it all, we can debate whether Mankading is a strategic necessity or an ignoble act forever, but cricket will always need that little jolt. Mankading has become a topic of heated debate, and with the game evolving ever so rapidly, it will keep on being questioned, demanding that players as well as fans re-look at the fairness and sportsmanship aspect of the sport.

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