Cricket News

Mankad family divided over usage of the name for the much-disputed non-striker run out dismissal

The Mankad family has gone on two ends of the spectrum when it comes to the use of the former Indian legend’s name being used to refer to the non-striker run out. The term ‘Mankad’ has made its way into cricketing folklore ever since Bill Brown was run out by Vinoo Mankad during India’s tour of Australia in 1947-48.

Mankad’s grandson Harsh is of the opinion that he has no issue with the name being used. This comes even after the Australian broadcasters called for change on air with regard to the usage of the name. Harsh said he was stoked to see his grandfather being recalled.

“I feel it to be a great honour for our name to be associated with a cricketing term. I’d love to see the ‘Mankad’ or ‘Mankading’ stay and keep alive his memories and legacy as a great competitor and sportsman deeply respected and admired by everyone I’ve met and those who knew him and experienced life with him.” Harsh told Fox Cricket.

There is the other end of the spectrum however that totally differs from Harsh’s view. Nishita Rahul Mankad, wife of Vinoo’s late son Rahul, has a different view on using the term. “(That’s) my nephew’s personal view, not that of the Mankad family,” she said.

MCC legitimised the use of the law and moved it from unfair play

“My late husband Rahul Mankad fought hard to have the Cricket Governing Body remove the family name from this form of dismissal, as it is inappropriate for a legitimate form of dismissal to stigmatise a legendary cricketer.” 

Don Bradman was fully supportive of Mankad’s act, who was the Australian skipper at that time. “For the life of me, I cannot understand why (anyone) questioned his sportsmanship,”. He wrote in his memoir. “The laws of cricket make it quite clear that the non-striker must keep within his ground until the ball has been delivered.”

“If not, why is the provision there which enables the bowler to run him out? We considered it quite a legitimate part of the game.” Bradman added. In 2022, in a major move to avoid the usage of the term. Marylebone Cricket Club moved the mode of dismissal from the “unfair play” category to the “run-out” category.