Unfair play in cricket encompasses actions that violate the spirit and rules of the game, providing an unjust advantage. Specifically, it refers to any attempt by a fielder to unfairly distract or deceive a batter.
Definition According to the Laws of Cricket
Law 41 of the Laws of Cricket addresses unfair play. Within this law, section 41.5 outlines specific instances related to fielders interacting with batters after the ball is delivered.
Distraction, Deception, or Obstruction
According to Law 41.5.1:
- "In addition to 41.4, it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batter after the striker has received the ball."
This means a fielder cannot intentionally try to put a batter off their game through:
- Distraction: Causing the batter to lose focus.
- Deception: Misleading the batter about the play.
- Obstruction: Physically hindering the batter's movements (after the striker has received the ball).
Umpire's Discretion
Law 41.5.2 clarifies:
- "It is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction, deception or obstruction is wilful or not."
The umpires have the final say on whether a fielder's actions were intentional and therefore constitute unfair play.
Examples of Unfair Play
- A fielder shouting loudly as the bowler is running in, in an attempt to distract the batter.
- A fielder feigning to catch a ball that is clearly going to bounce, in order to deceive the batter into thinking they need to run.
- A fielder deliberately standing in the way of a batter running between the wickets.
Consequences of Unfair Play
If the umpires deem an action to be unfair play, they can take action, which might include awarding penalty runs to the batting side. The specific penalties will depend on the severity and nature of the unfair play.
