See the strangest cricket catch of all time as wicketkeeper uses his UG to take an incredible hold in a televised match where teams used a tennis ball
- Tennis ball cricket is big in countries like India and other Asian countries
- Played by people of all ages and levels
- Regularly provides village moments, such as this ridiculous catch
A cricketer has made an incredible catch in one of India’s domestic competitions by using his back to snare the ball – but fans are left wondering whether he should have been credited with the amazing grab.
The incident took place in the Kerala Premier League, a televised match where a tennis ball is used instead of a cricket ball.
KCSA Calicut faced KPA 123 in round 11 of the competition and KPA were well in control already four wickets down for just 10 runs.
Suddenly, KCSA batsman K. Abhilash was left in disbelief as he pushed the ball to the diving KPA wicketkeeper Mamu, who threw the ball up as it hit the ground, only to land right on his back.
‘Incredible scenes, the big man behind the stumps, Mamu, he’s holding the ball with his back, incredible catch or incredible save or incredible scene, what is that? Oh my!’ said the shocked commentator.
It looked like the wicketkeeper had taken an impressive diving catch, but the ball fell loose as it hit the ground
He had to lie very still with the ball still on his back so that a fielder could pluck it off and claim the dismissal
The scene has since gone viral, with cricket fans equally impressed and amused by the unique dismissal.
“The use of a tennis ball and the commentator suggesting there was ‘something on it’, but he’s not sure because he wasn’t looking, might put this in the top three most village clips of all time,” said one the researchers. viewer placed.
However, some believe that the wicketkeeper should not be awarded the catch under the laws of cricket, even if they apply to the tennis ball version of the sport.
The catch should not be awarded to the goalkeeper as he has no control over the ball. Instead it should be awarded to the outfield player who picked it up off the keeper’s back,” one viewer suggested.
‘But is that HIS catch? Or is it the man who picks it from his back? Are there referees nearby? I need to know,” another asked.
Tennis ball cricket has taken off in countries like India because expensive cricket balls, pads and helmets are not required, making it an accessible game
Tennis ball cricket faces unique challenges, such as pausing play to allow a tractor to cross the field (pictured)
Tennis ball cricket, a game similar to traditional cricket, has a long history in India and other Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Hong Kong, Thailand and Kenya.
Its exact origins in India remain unclear, but the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India (TBCFI) was founded in 1982 by the late NU Siddiqui to promote the sport.
It has since exploded and has been described as ‘the real spirit of India’.
Players do not need pads, helmets or other expensive equipment and many young players even compete without shoes.
The game initially became popular in Mumbai, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to its affordability and shorter duration.
Floodlit competitions made the sport, now played by both men and women, more exciting.
TBCFI received recognition from the Indian government in 1999 and continues to organize national championships and tournaments for various age groups.