Is fake fielding allowed in cricket?
A · Advanced · What is unfair play, and what happens? · 6 of 20Checked 13 October 2026
No.
A fielder may not deliberately distract, deceive or obstruct a batter, by word or action. Pretending to have the
ball or to throw it is the common case. The umpire calls dead ball, the batting side gets 5 penalty runs, no one can
be out on that ball and the batters choose who faces next.
How it works
- While the batter is getting ready or playing the ball: any deliberate attempt to distract or obstruct the striker is unfair. Dead ball, 5 runs to the batting side and no dismissal; the ball does not count in the over.
- After the batter has played the ball: any deliberate attempt to distract, deceive or obstruct either batter is unfair. Dead ball, 5 runs, completed runs count and so does the run in progress, whether or not they had crossed.
- The umpire decides whether it was deliberate.
- If the obstruction involves physical contact, the umpires decide whether it is also a conduct offence.
- A no-ball already called still stands.
Tricky cases
Is a fake throw a 5-run penalty?
Yes, if the umpire judges it a deliberate attempt to deceive a batter.
Can a batter be run out after a fake throw?
No. Neither batter can be out on that ball.
Does the run the batters were attempting count?
Yes, whether or not they had crossed.
Is talking to the batter between balls distraction?
The Laws penalise deliberate distraction while the batter prepares to receive or receives the ball, and after it. Words between deliveries are a matter of conduct, covered under Players' conduct.
Why the rule exists
Batters must be able to play and run without being tricked. Fake fielding would turn a contest of skill into one of deception.
Where it differs
The same in the Laws and the ICC men's playing conditions.
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 41.4, 41.5, 18.13 and 20.4.2.7, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).