BCCI Amends Rule Regarding Penalty Runs in Domestic Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently amended the rule concerning penalty runs in domestic cricket, introducing a significant clarification regarding situations involving accidental contact between the ball and equipment. According to a note sent to state associations, the BCCI stated that if the ball inadvertently touches any equipment or object during play, it will not be deemed as illegal fielding.

This change contrasts sharply with previous regulations, which enforced a five-run penalty in such cases. An illustrative example provided in the clarification involves a scenario where a ball struck hard by the striker hits the edge of a fielder's tucked hat while he attempts to evade the ball. If the ball then lobs into the air and is caught by another fielder, the batting side would appeal, claiming that the ball never touched the ground.

In this situation, the answer provided states that the striker is not out because the ball becomes dead as soon as it contacts the tucked hat, rendering it an illegal fielding incident under law 28.2.3. The reasoning is that any item of clothing or equipment (except towels) not worn in its usual place is considered discarded if it is carried on the person.

For instance, players like KL Rahul often tuck their caps at the front of their waists, leaving part of it hanging out. Although there had been no recorded incidents of a cap falling, the potential for such an occurrence always existed. Under the former rules, this could have led to a penalty, but with the new regulations, such instances will not be treated as illegal fielding.

This amendment reflects the BCCI's effort to clarify and update rules to enhance the game while minimizing penalties for unintentional infractions.