Controversial Dismissal in IPL Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders

The IPL 2026 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders witnessed a significant controversy when Angrish Raghuvanshi was dismissed for 'obstructing the field.' This rare decision, only the fourth of its kind in IPL history, has sparked debates among fans and experts. The article delves into the details of the incident, the rules surrounding obstructing the field, and historical precedents in both IPL and international cricket. Discover the implications of this ruling and its impact on the game.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 21:38 IST

Major Controversy in IPL Match

During the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, a significant controversy arose when Angrish Raghuvanshi was ruled out for 'obstructing the field.' This decision has ignited considerable debate among fans and analysts alike. Raghuvanshi's dismissal marks him as only the fourth player in IPL history to be out in this manner. In the previous 19 seasons, only Yusuf Pathan (in 2013), Amit Mishra (in 2019), and Ravindra Jadeja (in 2024) have experienced similar dismissals.

In the realm of international cricket, this type of dismissal has occurred on a few occasions, with the most notable instance being Inzamam-ul-Haq during an ODI match between Pakistan and India in 2006. In total, two players have been dismissed in this fashion during men's Test matches, while nine and six players have faced the same fate in men's ODIs and T20Is, respectively.

Understanding Obstructing the Field

The rule regarding obstructing the field is outlined in Law 37 of the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) Laws of Cricket. This law is designed to prevent players from distracting the fielding side while they attempt to execute a run-out or catch. It consists of six sub-sections that detail the circumstances under which a player can be dismissed for this reason.

Full Text of Law 37

37.1 Out Obstructing the field
37.1.1 A batter is out Obstructing the field if, while the ball is in play, he/she intentionally tries to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. Refer to Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).
37.1.2 The striker is out Obstructing the field if, while receiving a ball from the bowler, he/she intentionally strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This applies to both the first strike and any subsequent strikes. The act of receiving the ball includes playing at it and striking it multiple times to defend the wicket.
37.1.3 This law applies regardless of whether a No ball is called.
37.2 Not out Obstructing the field
A batter will not be out Obstructing the field if the obstruction is accidental, to avoid injury, or if the striker lawfully strikes the ball more than once to protect his/her wicket as per Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).
37.3 Obstructing a ball from being caught
37.3.1 If the delivery is not a No ball, the striker is out Obstructing the field if intentional obstruction or distraction prevents the striker from being out Caught.
37.3.2 This applies even if the obstruction occurs while the striker is lawfully guarding his/her wicket under Law 34.3.
37.3.3 If obstruction occurs from a No ball, the batter causing it will be out Obstructing the field, unless the obstruction occurs while defending against a No ball with a lawful second strike.
37.4 Returning the ball to a fielder
Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, while the ball is in play, he/she uses the bat or any part of their body to return the ball to a fielder without the fielder's consent.
37.5 Runs scored
When a batter is dismissed Obstructing the field, unless the obstruction prevents the striker from being out Caught, any runs completed before the offence will be scored, along with any one-run penalty for No ball or Wide, or any other award of 5 penalty runs to either side. See Laws 18.6 (Runs awarded for penalties) and 18.8 (Runs scored when a batter is dismissed).
37.5.2 If the obstruction prevents the striker from being out Caught, any runs completed will not be scored, but any award of 5 penalty runs will stand. Law 18.11 (Batter returning to original end) will apply.
37.6 Bowler does not get credit