IPL 2026: MCC defends ‘obstructing the field’ call on Angkrish Raghuvanshi
The Marylebone Cricket Club has defended the controversial 'obstructing the field' dismissal of KKR's Angkrish Raghuvanshi. They clarified that changing direction to run on the pitch, as Raghuvanshi did, constitutes a wilful act under the laws. The MCC emphasised that the batter's intent and actions, not whether they would have been out anyway, are key to such decisions.
MUMBAI: The prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club, which is the custodian of the laws of the game, on Thursday defended the umpires' controversial decision to give Kolkata Knight Riders' batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi out obstructing the field during an IPL 2026 match recently. Issuing a 'Law clarification' relating to Obstructing the Field, the London-based club, which has its headquarters at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground, said that Raghuvanshi's dismissal met the criteria that "a batter who changes direction while running, particularly one who changes direction to run on the pitch, or takes any other route that would not be the quickest way to the other end, is making a wilful act. ” Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW! The controversial incident happened during KKR's match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow last Sunday. Raghuvanshi set off for a quick single and was sent back by his partner.
He turned, dived to make good his ground, and was hit by the ball as the throw came in. LSG's fielders appealed, and on review, the third umpire, Rohan Pandit gave him out. Pandit ruled that Raghuvanshi had “changed his direction of movement” after seeing the ball being thrown at him.
Explaining the law regarding 'obstructing the field,' the MCC has stated that "Law 37. 1. 1 says that either batter is out Obstructing the Field if they “wilfully attempt to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action.