When do Umpires Award Penalty Runs in Cricket?

Penalty runs are awarded to a team when the opposition team breaks the laws of the game through unfair play or the conduct of the players.

But when do umpires award penalty runs? Here, we take a detailed look at the instances:

Penalty Runs Given to the Batting Side

If the ball hits the fielder’s helmet that is not worn, then 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting team under Law 28. The helmet is normally kept behind the wicketkeeper, and if the wicketkeeper doesn’t collect the ball and hits the helmet, 5 runs are awarded to the batting team’s score.

The fielder isn’t allowed to use his/her cap, hat, or any clothing material to stop the ball; otherwise, 5 penalty runs will be awarded to the batting team as per Law 28.

5 penalty runs will be awarded to the batting team under Law 41 if a player has entered the ground without the umpire’s permission and if he touches the ball.

If a fielder tries to obstruct or distract the batter or non-striker through any action, then Law 41.5, which was introduced by the ICC in 2017, will be used.

If any fielder of the bowling team is found damaging the pitch deliberately to give his team an advantage, then the umpire can suspend the team or the player.

Also Read | Wicket-Keeper Rules in Cricket

Penalty Runs Given to the Fielding Team

If a batter takes a short run while running between the wickets or wastes time, then 5 runs will be awarded to the fielding team.

If the batters run on the wickets while running between the wickets or damage the wickets deliberately, then 5 runs will be awarded to the fielding team.

A team will be awarded 5 runs if the opposition is involved in ball-tampering under MCC’s law.

If a team practices on the main wicket on the day of the game, then the opposition will be awarded 5 runs.

Umpires can award 5 runs if any action of a team or a player of a particular team is unfair.

Penalty Runs for Players Conduct

5 runs will be awarded if a team uses foul or obscene language, appeals excessively, or is ill-treating the ground under a Level 1 offence.

While under a Level 2 offence, 5 runs will be awarded if there is deliberate physical conduct with a player, dissent, or if a player throws the ball at a player or any match official.

Level 3 offence is used when a player threatens a player of the opposition or intimidates the umpire.

Level 4 offence will be used if a player tries to commit physical assault, violence, or threatens the umpire.

Read Next | What is Obstructing the Field in Cricket?