Home / Sports / MCC Clarifies Run-Out Law: Ball Hitting Stumps Valid
MCC Clarifies Run-Out Law: Ball Hitting Stumps Valid
10 Oct
Summary
- Run-outs are valid if the ball hits the stumps directly.
- Fielder control is only needed if their hand or arm dislodges stumps.
- Recent rule changes caused confusion among cricket fans globally.
Cricket fans worldwide experienced confusion over recent International Cricket Council (ICC) rule changes concerning run-outs. A key point of contention was the stipulation that a fielder must have 'complete control' of the ball for a dismissal.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has since issued a clarification, explaining that this 'complete control' requirement specifically applies when a fielder uses their hand or arm to dislodge the stumps, rather than the ball itself. This means traditional run-outs where the ball directly hits the stumps remain valid.
The MCC emphasized that the new law was misinterpreted and does not invalidate dismissals where the ball, perhaps deflected or kicked, hits the wickets. The aim of the rule change was to address situations where a fielder's hand contacted the ball but lacked control while breaking the wicket, a scenario now requiring demonstrated control.
