NPL 2024: Ishan Pandey becomes first batter to retire out

In a first in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024, Sudurpaschim Royals batter Ishan Pandey became the first player to retire out in the tournament. He ran out of the park in the penultimate over of the innings after scoring just 10 off 11 deliveries.

He walked off after he put on 22 off 19 deliveries with Aarif Sheikh. Pandey made way for New Zealand's Scott Kuggeleijn, who the Royals hoped would smack a few over the boundary, but he was run out for just 2 off 3. However, the next batter, Naresh Budayair, smacked a boundary and finished with 6 off 3, while Sheikh remained unbeaten on 42 off 38 to propel their side to 153/7 against the Pokhara Avengers.

Pandey has scored 84 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 113.51 so far. According to article 25.4 of the MCC rules which deals with "Batters Retiring":

25.4.1 A batter may retire at any time during his/her innings when the ball is dead. The umpires, before allowing play to proceed, shall be informed of the reason for a batter retiring. 

25.4.2 If a batter retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause, that batter is entitled to resume his/her innings. If for any reason this does not happen, that batter is to be recorded as ‘Retired - not out’.

25.4.3 If a batter retires for any reason other than as in 25.4.2, the innings of that batter may be resumed only with the consent of the opposing captain. If for any reason his/her innings is not resumed, that batter is to be recorded as ‘Retired - out’.

The Royals need to win this game and assure themselves of a place in the playoffs.

(Cover image courtesy: The Kathmandu Post)

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