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In a notable update to India’s domestic cricket rules, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revised the penalty run rule, adjusting how incidental contact with on-field equipment impacts gameplay. Traditionally, a five-run penalty is imposed on the fielding side if the ball makes contact with any equipment or clothing lying on the field. However, the BCCI has now decided to remove this automatic penalty in domestic games, including the ongoing 2024 Ranji Trophy season.
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BCCI’s Domestic Rule Change
According to a recent Cricbuzz report, this new rule states that if the ball touches any equipment or clothing on the ground, it will remain in play, and no penalty runs will be awarded to the batting team. Furthermore, any dismissal resulting from such contact will be considered valid. This alteration diverges from the conventional standard where contact with items like helmets or pieces of clothing would previously trigger an automatic five-run penalty against the fielding team and render the ball “dead.”
In previous seasons, the BCCI maintained a strict five-run penalty rule for incidents involving objects like helmets or hats lying on the ground. In cases where a ball inadvertently contacted a tucked piece of clothing — such as a wicketkeeper’s cap tucked at the waist — it was ruled “dead,” negating any catch or run-out opportunity. This precaution was taken to ensure fairness, particularly as incidents of inadvertent contact have occasionally impacted game outcomes.
The Impact on Gameplay
With this amendment, wicketkeepers, like KL Rahul, who commonly tuck their hats at the waist, may now face fewer restrictions during gameplay. The rule change aims to reduce disruptions and maintain the flow of play, as any incidental contact will no longer automatically award the batting team five runs or interrupt a dismissal.
This rule adjustment, already active in the 2024 Ranji Trophy, signifies the BCCI’s focus on refining the gameplay structure in domestic competitions and prioritizing uninterrupted play in situations where incidental contact occurs.
