Nepal Premier League Captain Given Out for Obstructing the Field After Hitting Ball Twice

What Happened

Karnali Yaks captain Sompal Kami became the first player in Nepal Premier League history to be given out for 'obstructing the field' after striking the ball a second time with his bat. The incident took place on November 9, 2026, at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur during a match between the Karnali Yaks and the Pokhara Avengers. While chasing a large target of 218 runs during the 15th over, Pokhara spinner Bipin Khatri bowled a delivery outside off-stump. Kami attempted a shot, but the ball took an inside edge and stopped near his feet. Frustrated that the shot did not connect well, and while the ball was still in play, Kami used his bat to strike it a second time toward the off-side.

The Decision

Pokhara Avengers fielders immediately appealed, and the on-field umpires referred the decision to the third umpire. TV umpire Masudur Rahman reviewed the replays and declared Kami out. At the time of his dismissal, Kami had scored 21 runs from 19 balls, leaving him visibly disappointed as he removed his helmet and walked back to the pavilion. According to MCC cricket rules, specifically Law 37.1, a batter is given out under 'obstructing the field' if they intentionally strike the ball a second time with the bat or body while the ball is in play. (The former separate rule known as 'hit the ball twice' has now been merged into this law). A batter is only permitted to hit the ball a second time if the sole purpose is to guard their wicket from being hit. Because Kami's second strike was not done to protect his stumps from any danger, the umpires ruled him out.

Context

Unusual dismissals in cricket, such as obstructing the field or handling the ball, occur very rarely in professional matches because batters almost never attempt to touch a live ball a second time unless defending their wickets. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) frames these laws to ensure fair play and prevent batters from unfairly altering the course of a live delivery. Such rare rule interpretations often spark major discussions among cricket fans and players worldwide.