Legendary pacer Stuart Broad was left fuming after England batter Hamza Sheikh’s controversial dismissal during a U19 World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom, South Africa, during the Super Sixes Group 2 game.

The controversy unfolded when Sheikh played a delivery from Zimbabwe’s Ryan Simbi and unintentionally trapped the ball under his foot following an inside edge. In what appeared to be a gesture of sportsmanship, Sheikh picked up the ball to return it to the fielding side. However, the Zimbabwean team saw an opportunity and appealed to the umpire that Hamza handled the ball without permission while it was still considered in play.

The appeal led to a long review which ultimately resulted in Sheikh being given out, much to his confusion and frustration. The commentators suggested that Sheikh would be justifiably upset by the decision, which seemed harsh given the circumstances.

BROAD FURIOUS

Broad took to social media to voice his disapproval of the decision, suggesting that Sheikh was merely trying to help by returning a stationary ball to the fielder and that such an act should not have resulted in an out. His comments reflected a sentiment that the spirit of the game should prevail over strict technicalities in such situations.

Broad then took to X to react to the strange circumstances of the dismissal: “Oh get a grip. He’s passing a stationary ball back to the fielder? Doing him a favour! Can’t give that out.”

WHAT DOES THE LAW STATE

The laws of the game cover this incident and state: “37.1.1 Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, and while the ball is in play, he/she wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. See also Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).

“37.1.2 The striker is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, he/she wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This will apply whether it is the first strike or a second or subsequent strike. The act of receiving the ball shall extend both to playing at the ball and to striking the ball more than once in defence of his/her wicket.”