Former ICC umpire Simon Taufel shares his views on Ashwin-Buttler ‘mankad’ incident

Ashwin’s run-out of Jos Buttler in the match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2019 was a major talking point where the fans were divided. The player had said it was very instinctive but the MCC opined differently, saying the Indian player’s act hurt the spirit of cricket and his actions were deliberate.

More than that, there were many memes regarding the incident and many including international players keep mocking Ashwin for the same.

Former International Cricket Council (ICC) umpire Simon Taufel today came out in support of Ravichandran Ashwin, saying the Kings XI Punjab skipper’s decision to ‘Mankad’ has nothing to do with the spirit of cricket.

“My view on this particular issue is that it has nothing to do with the spirit of cricket. During our discussion, we spoke at length about Law 41.16. The intent of the law is that the non-striker should not leave their ground at the bowler’s end before the ball is delivered. This is why the ICC has stipulated within their regulations and interpretations that the bowler can dismiss the non-striker run out up until the bowler’s arm reaches the top of the delivery swing,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Taufel as saying.

“What I did say to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) was that maybe we could help people understand that this incident had nothing to do with the spirit of cricket, but rather everything to do with the run-out rule (Law 38) by repositioning this clause about unfair advantage under that Law in future.

All Ashwin did was appealed to the umpire for a run-out dismissal. He stopped short of delivering the ball and did not go through with his delivery swing. For him to be subject to adverse commentary that amounted to character assassination regarding his supposed contravention of the spirit of the game, is incredibly unfair in the way the Laws are written and the way they are to be applied.

People also accused Ashwin of premeditation. My response to that would be: well, so what? Bowlers attempt to get batsmen out lbw, bowled, caught, or by any other form of dismissal. Aren’t all these premeditated? So I don’t see how that is a relevant argument at all.

I also found it interesting that many pundits and players have spoken about how Ashwin should have given Buttler a warning. Giving a warning is a myth; there is nothing in the Laws about it.” He added.

Courtesy: ESPN CricInfo