England's Hamza Shaikh was controversially given out for obstructing the field during the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024 match against Zimbabwe on Saturday (February 3).
The incident took place in the 17th over of the Super Six clash in Potchefstroom when Shaikh blocked a delivery from Ryan Simbi and the ball stopped after hitting his foot.
The right-hander then signalled to Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Ryan Kamwemba that he would retrieve the ball. As Shaikh picked up the ball and gave it to Kamweba, the latter raised his arms above his head in what seemed like a little plea.
This was followed by an appeal from the Zimbabwe team, claiming that Hamza Shaikh touched the ball without seeking the wicketkeeper's consent.
The two on-field umpires consulted with each other and sent the appeal upstairs, with the TV umpire declaring Shaikh out after viewing the replay.
Hamza Shaikh was left perplexed by the decision but he had to walk back to the pavilion after making one run off nine balls.
Law 37 of the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) Laws of Cricket refers to 'obstructing the field.'
According to the law: "Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he/she uses the bat or any part of his/her person to return the ball to any fielder."
