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Cricket is a game where luck can dramatically alter the course of events, offering players unexpected lifelines. Instances where players benefit from unusual circumstances are not unheard of and often become memorable highlights in the sport’s history. These moments are sometimes influenced by rare rules that can surprise both players and fans alike.
Shan Masood’s unusual lifeline in T20 Blast
A remarkable example of such an incident occurred during a T20 Blast 2024 match between Yorkshire and Lancashire in England. Pakistani cricketer Shan Masood found himself unexpectedly lucky due to a rare combination of luck and cricket regulations.
During the 15th over, bowled by Lancashire’s Jack Blatherwick, Masood attempted a scoop shot. He failed to make proper contact with the ball and ended up getting hit wicket but he didn’t realize. As the ball rolled away, Joe Root, who was at the non-strikers’ end, moved to take a run. Masood, initially confused, attempted to complete the run but was run out by the bowler at the non-strikers’ end.
Here is the video:
Shan Masood steps on his stumps off a no ball, Lancashire take the bails off at the other end – but Masood remained not out under law 31.7 pic.twitter.com/yQG6gP6Rac
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) June 20, 2024
Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma’s comical reaction to Rishabh Pant’s running catch in AFG vs IND game at T20 World Cup 2024
The rule that saved Masood
The fielders and commentators initially thought Masood was out. However, he was saved by a combination of luck and an obscure cricket rule. The delivery was declared a no ball because of overstepping, which meant Masood was not out hit wicket.
Additionally, the cricket rules came to his rescue when the ball was declared dead before he could be run out. This ruling was based on Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rule 31.7, which protects a batter who leaves the wicket under the misapprehension of being out.
Simple explanation of the rule
To simplify, as Masood played the shot and the bails fell, he assumed he was out. Upon seeing the umpire signal a no ball, he attempted to run. According to MCC rule 31.7, if a batter mistakenly believes they are out and leaves the wicket, the umpire can call and signal a dead ball, preventing any further action and recalling the batter. This rule came into play before Masood could be run out, effectively saving him.
