Top 10 Weird Cricket Rules You Dont Know - In Pics

1. Fake Fielding Follies:

Introduced in 2017, the law penalizes fielders who feign throws after failing to stop the ball. Such antics result in a 5-run penalty for the batting team, plus additional runs if taken.

2. LBW - Limited Review Zone:

To ease umpire reliance on technology, a 3-meter buffer zone was instituted for LBW appeals. If the ball strikes the batter's pad beyond this distance, the on-field call stands.

3. Stubborn Bails Stand Ground:

Despite kissing the stumps, batters remain safe if the bails stay put. This quirk was evident when Ben Stokes survived a close call in an Ashes Test.

4. Padding for No Runs:

Intentionally blocking with pads bars batters from scoring, unlike leg byes. Umpires only award leg byes if a genuine shot is attempted or if the batter avoids injury.

5. Square Leg Fielding Limits:

Only two fielders are permitted behind square leg, a precautionary measure against dangerous bodyline tactics aimed at the upper body.

6. The Shadow Game:

Fielders casting shadows on the pitch must freeze until the ball is played, preventing distractions for batters during crucial moments.

7. Punishing Short-Runs:

Umpires crack down on deliberate short runs, nullifying scores and awarding 5-run penalties to deter strategic manipulation of strike rotation.

8. Helmet Hits Halt Play:

Striking fielding equipment results in dead balls, 5-run penalties, and counted runs before the incident. Law 28.3.2 governs such mishaps.

9. Fielder Gear Restrictions:

Except for the keeper, fielders can't don gloves or leg guards unless approved. Matt Renshaw's gaffe incurred a 5-run penalty in a Sheffield Shield match.

10. Timely Batting or Timed Out:

Batters have 3 minutes to take guard after a wicket. Failure can lead to a 'Timed Out' dismissal, as almost happened to Sachin Tendulkar in a test match against South Africa.