Cricket Is Not Always Predictable

Cricket is known for its elegance, strategy, and skill—but sometimes, it delivers moments so strange that even seasoned fans are left confused.

While most batsmen get out through bowled, caught, or LBW, there are several rare and bizarre ways players have been dismissed in cricket history that feel almost unbelievable.

In this article, we explore the 7 weirdest ways cricketers got out, explained in a simple and engaging way.

🧩 1. Hit Wicket – When the Batsman Dismisses Himself

One of the most surprising dismissals in cricket is hit wicket.

This happens when a batsman accidentally breaks his own stumps while:

Playing a shot
Going back into the crease
Adjusting equipment

😲 Why it feels weird:

The bowler doesn’t even touch the wicket—yet the batsman is out.

📌 Common scenarios:

Falling onto stumps

Stepping too far back while defending

Hitting stumps with bat while swinging

🚫 2. Obstructing the Field – A Rare Controversial Dismissal

This dismissal occurs when a batsman deliberately interferes with a fielder’s attempt to collect or throw the ball.

🧠 Example situations:

Blocking a throw intentionally
Changing direction while running to stop a run-out
Using body or bat to obstruct fielding

⚖️ Why it’s rare:

Umpires need strong proof of intent, so it is very uncommon in professional cricket.

⏱️ 3. Timed Out – The Rarest Dismissal in Cricket

This is one of the least seen dismissals in cricket history.

A new batsman must arrive at the crease within a fixed time (usually 3 minutes in modern rules). If they fail:

👉 They are declared OUT – Timed Out

😳 Why it’s shocking:

No ball is bowled
No action from bowler or fielders
The batsman simply doesn’t arrive in time

📊 Reality:

It is extremely rare in international cricket, making it one of the strangest ways to get out.

🧤 4. Handled the Ball (Now Part of Obstructing the Field)

Earlier, “handled the ball” was a separate dismissal rule.

A batsman could be out if they touched the ball intentionally without permission.

📌 Example:

Picking up the ball to avoid it hitting stumps
Moving the ball away with hand

📌 Today: It is included under Obstructing the Field in modern rules.

🪵 5. Hit Ball Twice – Almost Never Seen in Modern Cricket

A batsman can be given out if they hit the ball twice (unless it is for protection of wicket).

😲 Why it’s unusual:

Players are trained not to do this
It usually happens by accident or confusion

🧱 6. Retired Out – Tactical but Rare

Unlike other dismissals, retired out is a strategic decision, but still counts as an official dismissal.

🧠 What happens:

A batsman voluntarily leaves the field and does not return.

📊 Why teams use it:

To bring in a power hitter
Tactical T20 decisions
Rare but increasing in franchise cricket

🪤 7. Mankading (Run Out at Non-Striker End)

This happens when a bowler removes the bails before delivering the ball if the non-striker leaves the crease early.

⚡ Why it’s controversial:

Legal but debated
Seen as against “spirit of cricket” by some fans

📌 Famous modern usage:

Used in IPL and international cricket debates frequently.

🎯 Why These Dismissals Matter in Cricket

These unusual dismissals show that cricket is not just about batting and bowling—it is also about:

Awareness of rules
Mental discipline
Game intelligence

Even a small mistake or misunderstanding can lead to unexpected results.

📊 Final Thoughts

Cricket may look straightforward, but its rulebook contains some of the strangest and rarest dismissals in sports history.

From timed out exits without a ball being bowled to batsmen getting out by accident on their own stumps, these moments make cricket unpredictable and fascinating.

Read more about bizarre dismissals on https://www.lords.org/mcc/the-laws-of-cricket

Weirdest Ways Cricketers Got Out in History | 7 Bizarre Dismissals Explained