Cricket is a sport that is loved and played all around the world. It has been around for hundreds of years, and during that time, it has developed some unique rules that make it stand out from other sports. Some of these rules may seem strange or confusing to those who are not familiar with the sport. In this article, we will discuss seven unique rules in cricket that you must be aware of.
1. Batter Can’t Hit Ball Twice
Probably one of the most bizarre rules in Cricket is that a batter can’t hit the ball twice as he/she will be judged out. Well, if you and your friends have fought over this rule while playing gully cricket then you already know what we are talking about. Every victim of this rule never understands the reasons behind it. The catch behind this Law 34 is that the ball must hit the bat twice and should have not touched any fielder. However, the batter is considered not out if he/she strikes the ball the second time if they are returning the ball to the fielder but they need to take permission from the fielder to touch the ball.
A batter is also considered not out if they are preventing the ball from hitting the wickets, but apart from these two reasons, the batter will always be considered out if he/she hits the ball twice.
2. LBW (Leg Before Wicket) Rule
The LBW rule is one of the most complex and unique rules in cricket. It states that a batter can be given out if the ball hits its leg before hitting the bat or the stumps, and the umpire believes that the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. The decision is based on the position of the ball, the position of the batter, and the trajectory of the ball. The LBW rule is designed to prevent the batters from using their legs to block the ball and score runs, and it adds an extra layer of strategy and skill to the game.
Also read: IPL 2023 Rule Change: IPL 2023 will be with new rules; Team will be selected after the toss
3. Rule of Handling the Ball
The handling-the-ball rule is just another ridiculous cricket rule. The majority of you are likely aware of this regulation and may be asking why it is bad since many players have used it to save the stumps before the ball reaches the wicket. Let us explain why it is strange.
The batter is permitted by the rules to defend his or her wicket by using his or her body, pads, helmets, and even the bat to stop the ball from hitting the stumps, but things become strange because the batter is not permitted to use the hand that is not carrying the bat.
Why a batter will be inconsistent is difficult to explain. If the person used any of his hands to deflect the ball, they weren’t out.
4. Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) Method
The DLS method is a rule that is used to adjust the target score in limited-overs cricket in case of rain or interruptions. The method takes into account the number of overs played, the number of wickets lost, and the run rate of the team batting first. The DLS method is used to ensure that the team batting second has a fair chance to chase the target and win the game.
5. Umpire Position Switch
Everyone is aware that the leg umpire, who officiates at the striker’s end, typically occupies the pitch’s leg side. The leg umpire typically sits on the leg side of the batter, although he or she hasmthe option to move if fielder or other obstruction impairs his or her ability to see the action. But before doing so, the umpire must alert the batter, the batter at the striker’s end, the other umpire, and the captain of the team that is fielding. The ball is deemed dead if the umpire fails to accomplish this.
6. The 3-Minute Rule
According to Law 40 of the cricket laws, batsmen must be on the ground within three minutes of the previous batter being removed from the game. The batter will be deemed out and will also be referred to as “Timed Out” if this doesn’t occur.
The batter may need more than three minutes to prepare before lying down to face the ball, which is strange. Because of this, it’s common to see the next batsman padded up even before a wicket is taken.
7. Batting Team Gets Penalty Runs for Kicking the Ball Intentionally
As mentioned, Cricket has many weird rules and the first one on our list follows the same niche. So, if a fielder intentionally kicks the ball over the boundary, then 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting team. Well, it doesn’t make any sense because the fielder intentionally kicks the ball outside the boundary is already 4 runs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime scenario because today’s players try to save every run.
At last, we can say that cricket is a sport that is rich in history and tradition, and the unique rules of the game reflect this. From the LBW rule to the DRS system, the powerplay to the free hit, these rules add an extra layer of complexity and strategy to the game. Understanding these rules is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike, as they enhance the experience of watching and playing cricket. So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the sport, take the time to familiarize yourself with these seven unique rules in cricket and gain a deeper appreciation for this beloved game.
