Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar is not happy with International Cricket Council (ICC’s) new rule of giving 5 runs as a penalty for ‘fake fielding’. The new rule came into effect on October 1. Queensland cricketer Marnus Labuschagne was the first player because of whom his team had to face a penalty of 5 runs during a game between Queensland Bulls (QLD) vs Cricket Australia XI (CXI). Manjrekar termed the new ICC rule as ‘ridiculous’.
The cricketer-turned-commentator did not mince words while making his point. He explained himself in four tweets:
In the first tweet, he urged ICC to reconsider the rule –
Five penalty runs for ‘fake fielding’ is the most ridiculous law that’s been brought in, in recent times. Urge ICC to reconsider it.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 4, 2017
In the second tweet, he supported his statement with this argument –
How about penalising batting side 5 runs when b’man fakes a step out & does not? Does he not put the bowler off? Fake fielding law must go.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 4, 2017
A journalist, Brian Murgatroyd who is also a broadcaster and an ex-media manager for two national sports bodies & former ICC head of media and communications tried to take on Manjrekar.
Bear in mind it’s a Law, brought in by the MCC, & then included in playing conditions by the ICC. I like it. A player’s trying to cheat.
— Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) October 4, 2017
Manjrekar quoted Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni’s example to support his statement. He did not seem happy with the ‘cheat’ remark. He replied –
Cheating??? No it’s called tricking. Like Dhoni pretending to collect a throw & lets it go to hit the stumps. Applaud it, not penalise. https://t.co/wJNaRDqR6P
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 4, 2017
The 52-year-old ensured that it was not just a Twitter rant with another post –
Along with my little rant on twitter, have also written to the ICC to reconsider penalising fake fielding. It opens up a Pandora’s box.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 4, 2017
Wicketkeepers like Dhoni and Sangakkara have done this in past and tricked the batsman into diving to make it into the crease. It will be interesting to know ICC’s reply to Manjrekar’s letter.
Here is one reference when Sri Lankan cricketing legend fooled the Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad will fake fielding-
