When Virat Kohli was dismissed for “obstructing the field” during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan in Dubai, he was given a huge lifeline.
During Sunday’s Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan in Dubai, Virat Kohli earned a huge lifeline after surviving a ‘obstructing the field’ dismissal. The Pakistani fielder cleared the crease at the non-striker’s end with ease, and Kohli chose to nonchalantly halt a throw with his hand during India’s innings. Even though Kohli was perfectly safe and didn’t give it much thought before using his hand to stop the throw, the famous Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was not pleased with the outcome. He might have been disqualified for ‘obstructing the field’ if any of the Pakistani fielders had appealed, Gavaskar noted, and even suggested that the star batsman refrain from trying any such stunts.
A review of MCC regulations on dismissal for “Obstructing The Field”
37.1.1 If a batter intentionally tries to distract or obstruct the fielding side with a word or action while the ball is in play, excluding the situations in 37.2, they are out obstructing the field. Visit Law 34 (Hit the ball twice) as well.
37.1.2. The striker is out obstructing the field if, with the exception of 37.2, he or she willfully hits the ball with a hand that is not holding the bat while receiving a ball from the bowler. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first strike, the second, or the third.In addition to playing at the ball, receiving the ball also includes hitting the ball multiple times to defend one’s wicket.
37.1.3 Regardless of whether a ball is called or not, this law will prevail.
As India easily defeated Pakistan by chasing down the target of 242 runs, Virat went on to produce an undefeated century, virtually guaranteeing their passage to the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals.
