What Is Mankading In Cricket? Rules & Incidents Explained
In the ever-evolving world of cricket, few incidents spark as much debate and controversy as “Mankading.” Though completely legal according to the laws of the game, Mankading divides opinions between those who value the letter of the law and those who champion the spirit of the game. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore what Mankading is, its rules, history, key incidents, and the evolving perception of this mode of dismissal.
What Is Mankading?
Mankading refers to a method of dismissing a non-striker batsman who leaves the crease before the bowler has delivered the ball. The bowler, instead of completing the delivery, dislodges the bails at the non-striker’s end if the batsman is out of their ground. If the batter is outside the crease, they are ruled out.
The term derives from Vinoo Mankad, an Indian cricketer who first executed this dismissal in 1947 during India’s tour of Australia. Although it followed the rules, Mankad faced criticism, and the name “Mankading” stuck—often used pejoratively.
The Official Rule (Law 38.3 of MCC Laws)
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)—the custodian of cricket’s laws—the official regulation governing Mankading is under Law 38.3 (Run out – non-striker out of ground).
MCC Law 38.3 (2022 Update):
“If the non-striker is out of their ground at any time from the moment the ball comes into play until the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the non-striker is liable to be run out. In this circumstance, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run out the non-striker.”
Key Points:
- The dismissal is legal.
- It must be done before the bowler’s expected point of release.
- No warning is required, although traditionally it was considered courteous to give one.
- As of October 2022, the MCC moved this from the “unfair play” section to “run-out” to normalize it.
Why Is It Controversial?
The controversy arises from cricket’s emphasis on sportsmanship and the so-called “spirit of the game.” Critics argue that Mankading goes against this spirit, while supporters believe that:
- The non-striker is trying to gain an unfair advantage.
- It is the batsman’s responsibility to remain within the crease.
- Dismissal under existing laws should not be vilified.
The polarizing views often spark intense debates among fans, players, and commentators.
Evolution of the Rule
| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| Pre-2022 | Considered “Unfair Play” in the MCC Laws |
| 2022 | Moved to “Run Out” section to destigmatize the act |
| 2023 | Increased discussions around using technology (DRS) to monitor non-striker’s position |
This change signifies the law’s growing acceptance, though cultural perception still varies across countries and generations.
Notable Mankading Incidents in Cricket History
1. Vinoo Mankad vs. Bill Brown (1947)
- First known instance.
- Mankad dismissed Brown twice—once in a warm-up game and then in a Test match.
- Australian captain Don Bradman defended Mankad’s actions.
2. Kapil Dev vs. Peter Kirsten (1992)
- Kapil Dev ran out South Africa’s Peter Kirsten.
- Sparked outrage, despite it being legal.
- Highlighted the practice in the modern era.
3. Murali Kartik (2012 County Cricket)
- Playing for Surrey, Kartik Mankaded a batsman after warning.
- Caused tension between the teams, with arguments on the field.
4. Ravi Ashwin vs. Jos Buttler (IPL 2019)
- Rajasthan Royals vs. Kings XI Punjab.
- Ashwin Mankaded Buttler without warning.
- Led to a global debate; MCC eventually ruled it legal.
- Buttler has since been run out similarly again, adding to the controversy.
5. Deepti Sharma vs. Charlie Dean (2022)
- India Women vs. England Women at Lord’s.
- Deepti Sharma ran out Dean at the non-striker’s end.
- England’s players were visibly upset, though India stood by the dismissal.
- MCC reiterated the legality and fairness of the act.
Global Views on Mankading
India:
- Increasingly seen as a tactical move.
- Many Indian players and fans support the practice, citing fairness and rule adherence.
England & Australia:
- Traditionally disapprove of Mankading.
- Emphasize the “spirit of cricket,” although younger players now show mixed opinions.
Modern Cricketers’ Take:
- Virat Kohli: Initially critical, now neutral, respecting the rule.
- Ravi Ashwin: Vocal supporter.
- Eoin Morgan: Called it against the spirit.
- Ben Stokes: Critical of its use without prior warning.
Strategic Implications
With matches often decided by margins of a few runs, non-strikers “backing up” early can gain precious advantages. Mankading acts as:
- A deterrent to unfair backing-up.
- A strategy to prevent cheating.
- A move toward technological enforcement in future games (e.g., buzzer alerts or auto-run outs).
Best Practices Going Forward
To prevent controversy, cricket boards and teams are beginning to adopt certain practices:
- Educate young players early about the rules.
- Use technology to track non-striker movements.
- Encourage batsmen to stay in their ground.
- Normalize non-verbal warnings by pausing before delivery if a non-striker is advancing too far.
Conclusion: Lawful or Lawless?
Mankading remains one of cricket’s most debated topics. Yet, as the sport becomes more competitive and data-driven, the practice is gaining acceptance as a legitimate dismissal, rather than an unsporting act. The key lies in striking a balance—respecting both laws of the game and sportsmanship.
As the game evolves, one thing remains clear: it is the batter’s responsibility to stay within the crease. Mankading might be controversial, but it’s here to stay—and rightly so.
Have a take on Mankading? Share your thoughts below. Should it be used more often, or should players always warn before acting?
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