Mushfiqur Rahim Dismissed for Obstructing the Field: Unintentional Error or Lack of Awareness?

It’s not often you see a seasoned batsman fall victim to a rare cricketing law, but that’s precisely what happened to Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim during the ongoing Test match against New Zealand. Rahim was given out obstructing the field, raising questions about his awareness of the rules and the interpretation of the law itself.

An experienced batter like Rahim isn’t new to international cricket or its regulations. However, this incident highlights the importance of constant vigilance and adherence to even the less frequently encountered rules.

In the heat of the moment, Rahim instinctively used his hand to prevent the ball from potentially hitting the stumps. While the ball wasn’t in direct line with the wickets, a player cannot use their body to stop the ball during play.

Rahim’s lapse in judgment proved costly, gifting New Zealand a crucial wicket and ultimately contributing to Bangladesh’s dismissal for a mere 172 in the first innings.

Mehdi Hasan Miraz, who himself claimed key wickets for Bangladesh, commented on the incident, acknowledging the pressure of split-second decisions on the field. He defended Rahim, suggesting the action might have been unintentional and a result of subconscious habit.

“Mushfiq bhai didn’t do it intentionally,” Miraz stated. “A lot of things happen in the back of your mind during a game. We got a time-out dismissal in the World Cup, so these things happen.”

Here’s the video:

Naturally, some fans, particularly Bangladeshis, considered the decision controversial, arguing the ball wouldn’t have hit the stumps and Rahim’s dismissal unnecessary. However, Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal, now commentating for the local channel, offered a contrasting perspective.

Highlighting Rahim’s extensive experience, Iqbal remarked, “A cricketer who has played over 80 Tests should know he can’t do that. Practice habits can make this happen. In the nets, batters often take the ball in hand and return it back to the bowler. Maybe Mushfiqur did it unconsciously and extended his hands. But this obviously can’t be an excuse.”

Ultimately, the umpires made the correct decision based on the existing laws of cricket. A batsman cannot touch the ball while it is in play with their hand if it appears they are attempting to obstruct the field.

Had the ball fallen harmlessly, Rahim would have been within his rights to pick it up and return it to the bowler. However, his actions did appear to be aimed at preventing the ball from hitting the stumps, leading to his dismissal without much deliberation from the umpires.

The incident highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to all cricketing regulations, regardless of how often they come into play.