Fresh debate erupts over ‘Mankading’ and its validity after incident at U19 World Cup

The running out a backing-up batsman is referred to as ‘Mankading’ after former India bowler Vinoo Mankad ran out Australia’s Bill Brown in 1947. England’s Jos Buttler was most recently a victim after India’s Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed him in a 2019 Indian Premier League match.

As Sriram Veera observed in a piece at the time on why the practice was still controversial despite it being in the rule books: “Perhaps, because unlike other dismissals, Mankading pre-empts everything else: a ball hasn’t been bowled, the batsmen haven’t gotten into the act, and some feel “cheated” by the non-consummation of the cricketing act.”

Under the previous rule, bowlers could attempt a run out only before entering their delivery stride. Now, under the new change in 2017, bowlers will be able to run-out up to the instant at which they “would be expected to deliver the ball”.

But the latest instance has sparked furore, with England fast bowler James Anderson weighing in again. In reply to a cricket fan he tweeted,”I think there are enough ways to get a batsman out involving skill (either as a bowler or fielder). I don’t think I’ve played with anyone who feels like this is a legitimate way of getting someone out.” Now taking a cheeky dig, Indian spinner R Ashwin said,” Law removal might need some deliberation!! A Shredder might do the trick for now😂😂🤩”

Taking the discussion further, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg said, “Stay behind the crease before the bowler let’s go of the ball. It’s not that hard. If the batsman runs two gets home by an inch, he has taken an unfair advantage. Why have rules when you don’t apply them. Usain Bolt wasn’t allowed false starts.”

Here are some of the interesting arguments on the incident below:  

1.

Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/0hvh48AZDu

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 31, 2020

2.

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) January 31, 2020

3.

Unfortunately it’s not the first time I’ve seen it in under 19 cricket. What are they being coached??

— James Anderson (@jimmy9) January 31, 2020

I think underarm was handled well: it *was* disgraceful, and the sport quickly wrote it out of the rules. A model for Mankading if the consensus is that it shouldn’t be part of the game.

Fielding: depends on the offence, but no balls snowballing to greater penalties seems fair.

— André Brett (@DrDreHistorian) February 1, 2020

4.

Stay behind the crease before the bowler let’s go of the ball. It’s not that hard. If the batsman runs two gets home by an inch, he has taken an unfair advantage. Why have rules when you don’t apply them. Usain Bolt wasn’t allowed false starts #Cricket #ICC #ICCU19WorldCup https://t.co/PhY8Uq9O0j

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) February 1, 2020

5.

There is no question of even a debate on this. @irbishi is absolutely right. It doesn't even need to be an issue any more. https://t.co/GAtlLCXr0j

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 31, 2020

6.

lol… if mankading is normalised, you will soon see bowlers mankading the strongest players of the team which is going to make cricket boring… ppl who come to see cricket wants to see a competition, not some cheap ways to out the opponent…

— Yasir Hussain (@Reyvun86) February 1, 2020

Stumping is a cricketing act. Mankading isn’t. Their is no spin, flight, dip anything. Its a non sporting act only used when desperate to win.

— Sherafgan (@johnbrownreborn) February 1, 2020

7.

If the bowlers over steps by one mm, it’s called a noball. Why do we favor batsmen so much? If mankading is not in the spirit of the game, the non striker leaving his crease is not either.

— srinivas puranik (@PuranikSrinivas) February 1, 2020

8.

Though legal but Mankading is considered to be the biggest taboo in the world of cricket,should be avoided.#PAKvsAFG #U19WorldCup2020 pic.twitter.com/KYmmWG0rGa

— Javed Iqbal (@JavedIqbalReal) February 1, 2020

9.

#U19CWC #afgvspak #Mankad
I don’t understand why people are cursing the bowler. It’s in the rulebook. We all understand the concept of sportsmanship. But it’s as unfair as mankading when non-striker end batsman cross the line to get advantage of taking a quick single.

— Pritam Saha (@PritamS68009518) February 1, 2020