Cricket is considered a game of gentlemen, as it started properly among the elites of the British Kingdom. People loved to play this game because, from the very first day, cricket was played by following the proper rules and regulations. However, with the commercialization and changing global trends, we can find many events in Cricketing Ground where cricket does not look like a gentlemen’s game. Today’s event was the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. It was one of the events when cricket rules were followed but the spirit of cricket was destroyed drastically.
Exploring the event between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka match
It was the 25th over of the Sri Lankan innings when Samarawickrama had to go after the dismissal by Shakib Al Hasan. The score was 135/4. Angelo Mathews came in but found some issues in the helmet. Therefore, he called for another helmet. He took some time that created the bad incident. According to the rules, a new batter must come in and take the guard within two seconds. If he does not do so, the fielding team can appeal for a time-out, and if it is so, the umpires can send back the new batter after declaring him out. However, no team in its 176-year history has claimed such a wicket. Bangladesh took advantage of it and appealed for the out. The umpires found a delay and declared Angelo Mathews out.
This incident ignited many international current and retired players. They found this decision against the spirit of cricket. This type of event has happened for the first time in cricket history. However, we can see some other incidents that are also considered against the spirit of cricket.
Some examples can be shared with you.
The Mankading Incident (2019)
It was a match of the Indian Premier League, and Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings were playing. Ravichandran Ashwin was the captain of the Punjab Kings and bowling. Jos Buttler was at the non-striking end and was coming out of his crease. Ashwin found it and ran out without delivering the ball. It is purely according to the cricket rules but considered against the spirit of cricket.
Jonny Bairstow’s Controversial Dismissal
The fifth test of the Ashes was underway in 2023, and The Lord’s Cricket Ground was the venue, which is considered the home of cricket. This ground is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which has been responsible for making new cricket laws for the last 200 years.
The controversy started when Jonny Bairstow was batting on day 5 of the Ashes’ fifth test. Bairstow came out of the crease thinking the over was finished. However, it was not so, and Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey realized it. He threw the ball to break the stumps, and Bairstow was given out. The laws allow us to do so. However, when talking about the spirit, this incident can also be considered bad for the game of cricket.
Conclusion
The MCC defines all cricket laws and implements them globally. However, when we study the preamble of the book of cricket laws, it has a section of spirit through which the cricket officials want the players to keep the spirit ahead and make it a game of gentlemen. However, some players take the opportunity to get the benefits of laws and leave the spirit behind. These decisions develop controversy, and a wide discussion is started globally. We think that following cricket rules is good. However, if the captains and players keep the spirit of cricket in mind, this beautiful game will be considered a symbol of soberness and charm. Therefore, we expect that the players on the field will keep this thing in mind and avoid this beautiful game from controversies.
