In cricket, dismissals like bowled, caught, or LBW are common, but “Obstructing the Field” remains one of the rarest and most unusual ways to get out.
This happens when a batter deliberately blocks a fielder’s attempt to take a catch or run them out. While uncommon, it has occurred in various formats, leading to debates about intent and fair play.
In this article, we explore notable players who have been dismissed in this manner and its impact on the game.
Players Who Got Out For Obstructing Field In Different Formats
Several players across formats have fallen victim to this rare mode of dismissal, making headlines for their unfortunate exits.
Below is a list of cricketers who have been given out for obstructing the field in Test, ODI, T20I, and IPL matches, arranged from the most recent to the oldest.
IPL
IPL has witnessed only a few obstructing instances where batters unintentionally or deliberately hindered a fielder’s attempt to affect a dismissal. Let’s see
| Player | Team | Year | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | Chennai Super Kings | 2024 | Rajasthan Royals |
| Amit Mishra | Delhi Capitals | 2019 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Yusuf Pathan | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2013 | Pune Warriors |
1. Ravindra Jadeja (2024, IPL vs. Rajasthan Royals)
Ravindra Jadeja, while running between the wickets, altered his path, causing a throw to hit him.
The third umpire adjudged this as willful obstruction, leading to his dismissal.
2. Amit Mishra (2019, IPL Eliminator vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad)
In a tense chase, Mishra, attempting a quick single, changed his running path, obstructing a throw aimed at the stumps.
This act led to his dismissal for obstructing the field.
3. Yusuf Pathan (2013, IPL vs. Pune Warriors)
While playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, Pathan, after hitting a delivery, kicked the ball away to prevent a run-out.
The umpires deemed this as an intentional obstruction, resulting in his dismissal.
Test Cricket
Test cricket has seen only two instances of batters being dismissed for obstructing the field, making it one of the rarest modes of dismissal in the format’s long history. Let’s take a look.
| Player | Team | Year | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 2023 | New Zealand |
| Leonard Hutton | England | 1951 | South Africa |
1. Mushfiqur Rahim (2023, Test vs. New Zealand)
Mushfiqur Rahim attempted to avoid a throw while running between the wickets and used his hand to stop the ball from hitting the stumps.
The fielding side appealed, and after a review, Rahim was given out for obstructing the field.
2. Leonard Hutton (1951, Test vs. South Africa)
Hutton top-edged a delivery, and to prevent the ball from hitting the stumps, he played it a second time.
This action obstructed the wicketkeeper’s opportunity to catch the ball, leading to Hutton being the first cricketer in Test history to be dismissed for obstructing the field.
ODI Cricket
ODI cricket has witnessed eight instances of batters being given out for obstructing the field, as follows.
| Player | Team | Year | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danushka Gunathilaka | Sri Lanka | 2021 | West Indies |
| Xavier Marshall | USA | 2019 | UAE |
| Ben Stokes | England | 2015 | Australia |
| Anwar Ali | Pakistan | 2013 | South Africa |
| Mohammad Hafeez | Pakistan | 2013 | South Africa |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 2006 | India |
| Mohinder Amarnath | India | 1989 | Sri Lanka |
| Rameez Raja | Pakistan | 1987 | England |
1. Danushka Gunathilaka (2021, ODI vs. West Indies)
While attempting a quick single, Gunathilaka changed his running path and deliberately stepped onto the pitch to block a throw from the fielder.
The umpires ruled it as willful obstruction, leading to his dismissal.
2. Xavier Marshall (2019, ODI vs. UAE)
In a rare incident in Associate cricket, Marshall attempted to evade a direct throw but used his hand to deflect the ball away from the stumps. The fielding side appealed, and he was given out for obstructing the field.
3. Ben Stokes (2015, ODI vs. Australia)
In a controversial moment, Stokes instinctively extended his hand to stop a throw from hitting the stumps while taking a run.
The third umpire deemed it an intentional obstruction, resulting in his dismissal.
4. Anwar Ali (2013, ODI vs. South Africa)
Attempting a quick single, Anwar Ali changed his running direction and blocked a direct hit with his bat.
The fielders appealed, and after review, he was given out for obstructing the field.
5. Inzamam-ul-Haq (2006, ODI vs. India)
In Peshawar, Inzamam defended a ball to mid-off and, upon seeing a throw aimed at the stumps, used his bat to stop it.
This action was considered obstruction, leading to his dismissal.
6. Mohinder Amarnath (1989, ODI vs. Sri Lanka)
Facing a potential run-out, Amarnath, after being sent back by his partner, kicked the ball away as fielders approached.
This deliberate act led to his dismissal for obstructing the field.
7. Rameez Raja (1987, ODI vs. England)
During a match in Karachi, Raja, on 99, attempted a second run on the final delivery.
To avoid being run out, he struck the ball with his bat, an act deemed as willful obstruction, resulting in his dismissal.
T20I Cricket
In T20I cricket, a few batters have faced rare dismissals for obstructing the field that hindered the play. Here are some notable cases.
| Player | Team | Year | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abass Gbla | Sierra Leone | 2023 | Ghana |
| Razmal Shigiwal | Austria | 2022 | Czech Republic |
| Hassan Rasheed | Maldives | 2019 | Qatar |
| Jason Roy | England | 2017 | South Africa |
1. Abass Gbla (2023, T20I vs. Ghana)
While attempting a run, Gbla deliberately changed his path to block a throw aimed at the stumps. The umpires ruled it as intentional obstruction, leading to his dismissal.
2. Razmal Shigiwal (2022, T20I vs. Czech Republic)
Shigiwal deflected a throw with his hand while running between the wickets to avoid a run-out. The fielding side appealed, and he was given out for obstructing the field.
3. Hassan Rasheed (2019, T20I vs. Qatar)
In an attempt to prevent a direct hit, Rasheed stretched out his bat to block the ball. The umpires reviewed the appeal and declared him out for obstruction.
4. Jason Roy (2017, T20I vs. South Africa)
While running between the wickets, Roy changed his running line and collided with a throw directed at the stumps.
The third umpire ruled it as deliberate obstruction, resulting in his dismissal.
Impact Of Obstructing Field on the Game
Dismissals for obstructing the field, though rare, have significant implications. They serve as reminders of the importance of sportsmanship and adherence to the game’s laws.
Such incidents often lead to discussions about the spirit of cricket and the fine line between tactical play and unfair advantage.
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Conclusion: Obstructing The Field Dismissals Upholds Cricket’s Unwavering Commitment to Fair Play
The dismissal of players for obstructing the field serves as a reminder of cricket’s strict adherence to fair play. Though rare, these incidents highlight the importance of understanding and respecting the game’s rules.
From Test matches to T20Is and the IPL, several cricketers have faced this unusual fate, sparking debates and discussions. Such dismissals reinforce the spirit of the game, ensuring that players uphold its integrity.
Recognizing these moments helps fans and players appreciate cricket’s deep-rooted values and discipline.
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