Obstructing the field is one of the ten methods of dismissal in cricket. According to Laws of cricket 37, it is a rare method of dismissal where a batsman is seen intentionally obstructing the bowler or hindering his path by his actions or words. If a batsman thinks that he is going to be run out and blocks the ball with his bat or changes the course of running in between wickets, these are seen as deliberate obstructions, and the opposition can appeal for an out. This rule is valid even when a bowler bowls a no-ball. For legal delivery, the rule applies to only the striker, but if it is a no ball, then the batter is responsible for interference, whether the striker or non striker can be given out if appealed.

There have been only 2 such instances in Test, 9 in ODI cricket and seven in T20 international matches to date. This has not occurred for the first time in the history of IPL when KKR batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi was given out for obstructing the field against LSG. Earlier on 15th May 2013, KKR batsman Yusuf Pathan was dismissed for obstructing the field against Pune Warriors for deliberately kicking the ball while running between the wickets.

What does Law 37 say?

If, in the act of playing the ball, the batsmen wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat, unless this is to avoid injury.

If either batsman should wilfully obstruct or distract a fielder, preventing a catch being made.

If, at any time while the ball is in play and without the consent of a fielder, he uses his bat or any part of his person to return the ball to any fielder.

What happened LSG vs KKR Match with Angkrish Raghuvanshi?

Angkrish Raghuvanshi, KKR batsman, has been sent out today for obstructing the field during a runout attempt against LSG. There was a mix-up in the middle and in an attempt to save his wicket, Angkrish turned around and dived, but the LSG skipper and wicket keeper complained to the umpire that Angkrish had made a deliberate attempt to come in between the bat and ball.

The on-field umpire then sent the division to the third umpire, who, after several reviews, gave Angkrish out for obstructing the field and sent him up to the dressing room. The KKR dugout didn’t take this decision well, and they seemed furious at this appeal and decision, even Angkrish argued with the on-field umpire for a long time, but later respected the decision and went out of the 22 yards, which resulted in KKR having a 31/3 score in powerplay.

This has created controversy about cricket laws and the spirit of the game of the opposition team as a whole.