The Mankad Rule - What's Your View?

A Mankad (run out at the non-striker's end) happens when a bowler runs out a non-striker by dislodging the bails before completing their delivery stride, as the non-striking batter has stepped out of their crease too early.

This is a legal dismissal under the Laws of Cricket, but it has been a subject of debate, with some viewing it as against the "spirit of the game" while others argue it's a fair tactic to prevent batters from gaining an unfair advantage.  

Origins

The term "Mankad" comes from Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad, who first ran out the non-striker Bill Brown in a 1947 test match after the batter left the crease too early. However, the first recorded incident of this dismissal, which was then considered legitimate, was over a century earlier when Thomas Barker ran out George Baigent in 1835 in English first-class cricket.  Barker was a prolific bowler and performed this dismissal at least five times in the 1830s and 1840s. The act was not considered against the "spirit of the game" at the time. 

How it works

1. Non-striker leaves the crease: The non-striking batter begins to leave their crease before the bowler has released the ball. 

2. Bowler stops and runs out the non-striker: The bowler, while still in their delivery stride, stops their action and breaks the stumps at the non-striker's end. 

3. Dismissal: If the non-striker is out of their ground when the bails are removed, they are dismissed. 

Why it's controversial

A Mankad is controversial because it's an awful way to claim a wicket in the modern game and it uses the laws of the game against the spirit of the game. However, it is completely and utterly preventable so the onus is on the batter whether they wish to take that risk.

• Spirit of the game: Some players and fans believe that the dismissal is "sneaky" or against the spirit of the game because the bowler doesn't complete their delivery and the non-striker is caught off guard. 
  
• Fair play argument: Others, including the MCC (the cricket law-making body), argue that Mankading is a legitimate method to prevent non-strikers from gaining an unfair advantage by getting too far down the pitch. 

Changes in the Law 
The MCC officially moved the Mankad dismissal from the "unfair play" section of the Laws of Cricket to the "run out" section in 2022, confirming its legality and clarifying its application. The non-striker is now required to remain in their ground until the bowler has completed their usual delivery.

Whats your View?

If a batter is leaving their crease early, they are breaking the rules. So shouldn’t it be fair game for the bowler to take action and call it out? Or is the the unwritten code of sportsmanship mean you’re supposed to give a warning first?
 
Despite the law changes, it is still a contentious situation. No one wants to lose a game because of a technicality, but likewise, no one wants to feel like the rules only apply when it suits.

So, clever cricket from the bowler or just too much?