Can players run on the pitch, and what is the danger area?
A · Advanced · What is unfair play, and what happens? · 8 of 20No player may damage the pitch on purpose or without good reason. The most sensitive part is the protected area, a strip 2 feet wide down the middle, starting 5 feet in front of each popping crease, where the ball lands. Bowlers who run on it in their follow-through are warned twice and then taken off; batters and fielders are warned once, and then 5 runs go to the other side.
How it works
| Who | First time | Second time | Third time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowler entering the protected area in the follow-through | Caution | Final warning | Taken off for the innings |
| Fielder damaging the pitch | Captain warned (first and final) | 5 runs to the batting side | 5 runs each time |
| Batter damaging the pitch | Both batters warned (first and final) | Runs cancelled, batters sent back, 5 runs to the fielding side | The same each time |
| Striker taking guard in or too close to the protected area | Warning (first and final) | Runs cancelled, 5 runs to the fielding side | The same each time |
- A striker who enters the protected area while playing the ball must move off it straight away.
- A batter may mark their guard on the pitch, as long as the mark is not unreasonably close to the protected area.
- "Without reasonable cause" is the test: being on the pitch for a reason, such as running a run, is fine.
Tricky cases
What is the "danger area"?
The common name for the protected area.
Can a batter run down the middle of the pitch?
They should not run on the protected area without reason. Doing it repeatedly after a warning costs the batting side its runs and gives the fielding side 5.
Does a bowler get a no-ball for running on the pitch?
No. It is cautions and then removal from the attack, not a no-ball.
Why the rule exists
Footmarks where the ball lands make the pitch rough and unpredictable. Protecting that area keeps the pitch fair for both sides through the match.
Where it differs
The same in the Laws and the ICC men's playing conditions.
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 41.11 to 41.15, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. ICC men's playing conditions, clause 41.13, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).