In response to the contentious dismissal of Angkrish Raghuvanshi during the IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has released an explanation on the “Obstructing the Field” law.
Raghuvanshi’s batting partner dismissed his attempt at a quick single. The fielding side made an appeal after he was hit by a toss from the field as he spun and dove to recover his crease. He was declared out for obstructing the field by the third umpire after review, which sparked a lot of discussion over the regulation.
The MCC clarified that a batter may be given out under Law 37.1.1 if they willfully try to obstruct or divert the fielding side using words or actions. Therefore, the movement’s motivation is crucial, making these choices heavily reliant on interpretation.
“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,” MCC wrote.
Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring Guide was cited by the governing body. This means that a hitter may be seen to have intentionally attempted to block if they change their running path, particularly by going onto the pitch or taking a different path than the most direct one.
MCC Clarifies Dismissal of Angkrish Raghuvanshi Under “Obstructing the Field” Law
The MCC explained Raghuvanshi’s situation by pointing out that he ran on the off side at first, then walked to the center of the pitch before turning back on the leg side. According to the law, this action constituted a willful conduct since it put him in the line between the ball and the stumps.
The MCC went on to explain that Angkrish Raghuvanshi would have probably not been declared out if he had kept his initial running line, either on the leg side or the off side, and the ball still hit him. His choice to cross the field, however, was regarded as a crucial element in the decision.
In response to another area of disagreement, the MCC emphasized that in certain situations, the batter’s chances of reaching the crease safely are meaningless. The possible outcome of the play does not affect the decision under the “Obstructing the Field” law unless the act involves impeding a catch.
