Among the changes that have been made in the cricket laws by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), one of the changes is related to the run out at the non-striker end which was, so far, given a special name “mankading”.
The reason why it was given that name was because India’s former allrounder Vinoo Mankad was the first player who had affected that kind of dismissal in international cricket and since it was not a conventional form of dismissal and was a rare one, it was named after the player who first did it.
However, when India’s off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin affected that kind of dismissal again in IPL 2018 against English wicketkeeper batter Jos Buttler, while playing for Punjab Kings against Rajasthan Royals, it triggered a massive controversy about the spirit of the game.
The opinion is still divided whether mankading is within the spirit of the game or not
While the opinion is still divided if running the non-striker out without delivering the ball is within the spirit of the game or not, another subject of controversy was why it should be called “mankading” and why it shouldn’t be called run out, because according to the existing rules of cricket, that kind of dismissal was a run out and there was no point giving it another name.
Now, the MCC has finally recognised the fact that the dismissal should simply be called a run out. When Ashwin had affected that run out against Buttler in IPL 2018, many English players had heavily criticised Ashwin calling his behaviour “shocking”.
But, Ashwin kept insisting whatever he did was completely within the spirit of the game because the rules of cricket allowed it. Now, with MCC disassociating the term “mankading” with that kind of dismissal and simply calling it a run out, Ashwin stands vindicated with his point of view.
Here is how Twitter reacted after MCC decided to call mankading simply a run out –
End of "Spirit of cricket" with running out batters at non-striker end (Mankad) after the new rule by MCC – it will be known as "run-out".
Advertisement— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2022
When we look back later on @ashwinravi99’s career, we will realise that one of his lesser recognised contributions to cricket is actively nudging @ICC to accept that the non-striker is the cheater. Not the bowler. Good riddance. And yes, Mankad was a super player. Not a dismissal
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) March 9, 2022
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R Ashwin after MCC ruling Mankading will be called run out and no longer against spirit of the game ~ pic.twitter.com/GuKQS2QZXX
Advertisement— SadhuMaharaj (@SadhuMaharaj16) March 9, 2022
To reframe the term 'Mankading' is the right thing to do. Found it obnoxious.
Permanent ban on use of saliva: Cricket must find an alternative. Make pre-determined use of wax (or something such) legal.
AdvertisementSachin Tendulkar has some fresh ideas. MCC will do well to hear him out. https://t.co/G6dPwUCtKW
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) March 9, 2022
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I am so happy that this rule was changed now. I’ve never been a fan of people calling mankading “unfair play” tbh. https://t.co/htsNX3yQO0
Advertisement— Sanchit Desai (@sanchitd43) March 9, 2022
Going past Kapil Dev's test wicket tally.
Promoting Women's cricket.
Advertisement"Mankading" completely legitimised and to be called run-out and out of Spirit of Cricket grey zone!
An excellent week or so for Ashwin Anna. He keeps collecting Ws! 👍👍
Advertisement— Cricketjeevi (@wildcardgyan) March 9, 2022
#MCC #Mankading ➡️ #runout
Happiest person on earth now pic.twitter.com/2LFxJCJ2n5— Harshit Sharma (@imcaptain25) March 9, 2022
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Congratulations @ashwinravi99, great week this one. First becoming second highest wicket taker in Tests for India, and now this. Ab full freedom to plot such run-outs with Buttler.
Ek karna zaroor 😊 https://t.co/oCjfYdr6nrAdvertisement— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 9, 2022
#Mankading is now a fair mode of dismissal, will be considered as run out pic.twitter.com/RIRNt78DM5
— A.P (@Aashuto88145323) March 9, 2022
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