Credit: X
During the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, England’s Hamza Shaikh was controversially given out for obstructing the field against Zimbabwe at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. The 17-year-old picked up the ball to give it back to the wicket-keeper Ryan Kamwemba, but upon the appeal from the Zimbabwean players, he was sent to the pavilion by the third umpire.
The incident happened at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom in the 17th over of the English innings when Hamza Shaikh defended a ball from the left-arm orthodox spinner Ryan Simbi. When the ball stopped around the popping crease area after hitting the foot of the right-handed batter, he instantly returned it to Ryan Kamwemba to get the game moving quickly.
Also Watch | Monitor lizard briefly stops play on Day 2 of SL vs AFG Only Test
It led to the Zimbabwean players appealing to the on-field umpires about Hamza Shaikh obstructing the field without seeking their permission to the contrary. The on-field umpires sent the appeal for review to the third umpire, who checked the replays to confirm that Hamza Shaikh did obstruct the field.
The English right-handed batter left the field in disbelief after scoring just one run in nine balls.
The Law 37.4 of the MCC, detailing the obstructing the field dismissal, states, “Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he/she uses the bat or any part of his/her person to return the ball to any fielder.”
Watch England's Hamza Shaikh's dismissal for obstructing the field:
