What Is Suspended Meaning in Cricket: Reasons, Rules, And Explanations

In cricket, the word “suspended” is very important, as it changes the flow of the match and sometimes the outcome. A suspended match means a game that has been temporarily stopped due to reasons beyond one’s control, such as weather or disruptions. Now, to understand this concept in detail, let’s learn about what suspension means in cricket, its reasons, laws, etc.

Understanding ‘Suspended’ in Cricket

In cricket, “suspended” means a temporary suspension from play because conditions prevent the game from continuing safely. Suspended does not mean that the match is abandoned. Play may resume once conditions improve. Suspension occurs in longer formats, where matches last for days and can often be interrupted by light or weather. However, it can also occur in limited-overs games, such as ODIs and T20s, including major leagues such as the IPL.

When play is suspended, the umpires take charge, monitor the conditions and only restart the match when it is safe for the players and match officials to do so.

Matches Suspended for Various Reasons

The volatile nature of cricket is often subject to environmental and technological ups and downs. Some real-life cases where matches were postponed are as follows:

1. Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan Test Match: Galle (July 2022)

The match was abandoned due to bad light during the second Test at the Galle International Stadium.

Sri Lanka were playing very well and Pakistan needed 508 runs in the final innings to win, but with Pakistan at 89/1, play was abandoned early due to bad light. This was not the only day that was affected as play on the third day was also abandoned for the same reason.

2. India vs. Pakistan: Asia Cup Super 4, Colombo (September 2023)

The much-awaited Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Pakistan was postponed due to heavy rain in Colombo. The match started under clear skies, but a powerful thunderstorm later hit and the field became unplayable.

The officials decided to postpone the game and resume on a reserve day to show how flexibility in scheduling can help in such conditions.

Reasons to Suspend a Cricket Match

Several factors contribute to the suspension of a cricket match by umpires. Let’s look at the major ones below:

1. Bad Weather Conditions

The most common reason for postponing a match is weather. Heavy rain, lightning, storms and extreme heat can create unsafe conditions for play for both players and spectators. A wet outfield makes it difficult to catch the ball or move it safely, while lightning poses serious risks to life.

2. Poor Lighting

In day-night or evening matches, poor lighting interferes with visibility. If the umpires feel that the players cannot see the ball clearly, such as a fast delivery, the game is abandoned until the lighting is restored.

3. Unsafe Pitch or Ground Conditions

If it becomes too slippery, uneven or damaged, it is not safe to play on. The same applies to an outfield that is wet or so muddy that proper movement or fielding is not possible. Play is resumed only after the surface has been restored to a condition where this is possible.

4. Player Availability or Safety

A match may be suspended if a team is unable to field the required number of players due to injury or sudden illness. Disruptions such as crowd trouble or security threats may also force the umpires to suspend play.

5. Unusual Incidents

Cricket history has seen matches being stopped for bizarre reasons, such as animal incursions or protests. These are rare but serve as a reminder that anything is possible in a live match.

6. Health and Pandemic Restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought global sporting activities to a standstill. Due to travel restrictions, safety protocols and crowd restrictions, many tournaments have not been able to continue. This has resulted in the suspension of not only specific matches, but also entire competitions.

Laws of Cricket Regarding Suspension

The Marylebone Cricket Club, which governs the Laws of Cricket, has set rules regarding suspension of play.

Law: Play must be suspended in dangerous or unreasonable circumstances

“At any time, when the umpires consider the conditions of ground, weather, or light to be so bad as to cause an obvious. And foreseeable risk to any player or umpire, they shall immediately suspend play.”

The umpires must continuously check the conditions and make independent judgments. No players or official influences may be exerted on such decisions. When conditions improve and both umpires deem it safe to continue, play may resume.

This makes sure that, even in professional matches, the safety of the players remains paramount.

Common causes in IPL suspensions:

• Weather Interruptions: Heavy rain or lightning causes delays in the game.
• Technical Failures: Floodlight malfunctions or broadcast equipment failures.
• Ground or Pitch Damage: Wet or hazardous surfaces that may cause injury to players.
• Crowd Disturbances: Rare but possible situations requiring security checks.

If that doesn’t improve, it’s either a shortened game via the DLS method or rescheduling to a further date, according to the tournament rules.

Read More: Who Is The 2nd God Of Cricket In The World? Know The History

Conclusion

In cricket, the word “suspended” simply refers to the game – a game of uncertainties. From rain to poor light, there can be many reasons for a game to be stopped. But the excitement continues to ensure that every possible effort is made to restart the game in a fair and safe manner. Be it a Test match or an IPL match, the suspension of a game shows that cricket always strikes a balance between competition and caution. And it never compromises on safety without compromising on the sportsmanship of the match.

FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. Who is to determine whether a game should be suspended?

This is solely the decision of the on-field umpires. They monitor the weather, ground conditions and visibility and only restart play when both sides feel it is safe to do so.

Q2. Is suspension the same as abandonment?

No. Suspension is temporary, while abandonment means the match is permanently stopped without result. Suspension offers hope of resumption, while abandonment brings an end to the competition.

Q3. How long can a match remain suspended?

There is no fixed time limit: it all depends on the format of the game, the hours of daylight and the tournament rules. A Test match can easily continue until the next day if time permits, but in T20 or ODI, the organizers have to adhere to a tight schedule.

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