Mankad Dismissal in Cricket — History, Rules and the 2022 Law Change
What the Mankad dismissal is, how Law 38.3 classifies it as a run out, the history of controversy around the mode, and why the MCC re-categorised it in 2022.
The Mankad dismissal — named after Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad who used it in 1947 — occurs when a bowler, noticing the non-striker has left their crease before the ball is delivered, breaks the wicket at the bowler's end before releasing the ball. It is entirely legal under Law 38.3 (now classified as a run out) but has historically been one of cricket's most contentious dismissals due to 'spirit of cricket' arguments.
How the Mankad Works
When a right-handed bowler runs into bowl, the non-striker (the batter at the bowler's end) should remain behind the crease until the ball leaves the bowler's hand. Some non-strikers 'back up' early — leaving their crease before delivery to gain a running head start. The bowler, instead of delivering the ball, removes the bails at the bowler's end with the ball in their hand. If the non-striker is outside their crease, they are out. The fielding team must appeal.
2022 Law Change — Now a Run Out
Before October 2022, the Mankad was categorised as a separate mode of dismissal under Law 41 (fair and unfair play) — legally valid but placed in the 'spirit of cricket' section, implying it was potentially unsporting. In October 2022, the MCC moved Mankad dismissals to Law 38 (Run Out) — removing the 'unfair play' stigma entirely. The MCC's message was clear: backing up early is the non-striker's choice; getting run out is their consequence.
Deepti Sharma — 2022 Controversy
In September 2022, Indian women's cricketer Deepti Sharma Mankaded England's Charlotte Dean at Lord's in a critical ODI. The dismissal was legal and occurred just weeks before the MCC's Law change. England and the media reaction was strongly negative — calling it unsporting. India defended the dismissal as legitimate cricket. The incident accelerated the MCC's Law change, which definitively ended the controversy by reclassifying Mankad as a standard run out.
Frequently asked questions
Must a bowler warn the non-striker before Mankading them?
No — under current Laws and ICC playing conditions, no warning is required. The bowler has the right to run out the non-striker at any time without prior notice.
Can the Mankad be used in T20 cricket?
Yes — it is legal in all formats. Several Mankad dismissals have occurred in T20Is and IPL matches.
Is the Mankad now widely accepted?
Post-2022 Law change, acceptance has grown significantly. Most cricket boards now acknowledge it as a standard run out. The 'spirit of cricket' argument has weakened considerably.