Summary
If a fielder deliberately misleads a batsman by pretending to field the ball or pretending to throw it, 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting team.
Full Explanation
Fake fielding was added to the Laws of Cricket in 2017 under Law 41.5 (Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman). If any member of the fielding side willfully attempts to distract, deceive, or obstruct either batsman after the ball comes into play, the umpire can award 5 penalty runs.
The most common form of fake fielding involves a fielder who doesn't have the ball pretending to throw it at the stumps, causing the batsmen to stop running or change direction.
Before 2017, there was no specific penalty for fake fielding, though umpires could warn players under the general unfair play laws.
Key Points
- •5 penalty runs awarded for fake fielding
- •Introduced in 2017 under Law 41.5
- •Covers pretending to have the ball, pretending to throw, or any deliberate deception
- •Dead ball is called and the 5 penalty runs are added
Notable Controversies
- •Multiple IPL incidents of fake fielding — some penalized, some missed
- •Debate about where the line is between smart fielding and deception
Related Rules
Ball Tampering (Law 41.3)
Illegally altering the condition of the cricket ball is a serious offence. Players may shine the ball using natural substances but cannot use artificial materials, scratch, or pick at the seam.
5 Penalty Runs
5 penalty runs are awarded for specific offences including ball tampering, fake fielding, deliberate short runs, time wasting, and the ball hitting a fielder's helmet on the ground.