'Kohli was out!': Lack of ICC rules awareness that cost Pakistan clash with India

Pakistan suffered a crucial defeat against India in the Champions Trophy match on Sunday, losing by six wickets, as Virat Kohli's century led his team to victory. However, an unusual mistake by the former Indian captain in the 21st over, known as obstructing the field, presented an opportunity for Pakistan to dismiss him early, but they failed to capitalise on it.

The missed opportunity is said to be the result of a lack of awareness of ICC rules, allowing Kohli to continue his innings and ultimately score a match-winning century.

It was during India's 21st over when Virat Kohli attempted a quick single off Haris Rauf's delivery. As he reached the crease, he unexpectedly bent down and tried to stop an incoming throw with his hand. Surprisingly, there was no Pakistani fielder positioned behind him to collect the ball, making his action unnecessary and highly questionable.

The moment caught the attention of the commentators, particularly former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, who expressed his disappointment. He pointed out that Kohli was extremely fortunate that none of the Pakistani players appealed.

Gavaskar suggested that Kohli could have been given out for "obstructing the field," a dismissal under ICC rules when a batter deliberately interferes with the ball. However, since Kohli had already reached his crease before stopping the throw, there was no direct appeal from the fielding side.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, who was commentating alongside Gavaskar, was left astonished. Just moments earlier, he had praised Kohli's game awareness, only to witness such an avoidable mistake.

Raja humorously remarked, "I was just talking about his awareness, and now he does this!" He also stated that had the Pakistani players been more alert and appealed, the match could have taken a completely different turn.

This moment highlighted a critical flaw in Pakistan's approach—their lack of awareness of cricket laws. Had they appealed, Kohli might have been sent back to the pavilion, significantly changing the outcome of the match.

What is the 'Obstructing the Field' rule in cricket?

Obstructing the Field is a rare mode of dismissal in cricket under Law 37, where a batter is given out if they deliberately use their bat, hand, or body to stop a fielder's throw or interfere with play. However, if the batter instinctively protects themselves or is inside their crease without intentional obstruction, they are not out. Notable instances include Inzamam-ul-Haq (2006) and Ben Stokes (2015), both dismissed for deliberately stopping the ball.