In cricket, the “danger area” is a crucial part of the pitch that bowlers must avoid stepping into during their follow-through. It is a protected region located in the central part of the pitch, and its purpose is to ensure that the playing surface remains fair for both teams. Recently, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav received a warning for stepping into this restricted area, drawing attention to the importance of this rule.
What is the Danger Area?
The danger area, also known as the protected area, is a specific rectangular zone on the pitch. It runs down the center and is approximately two feet wide. This zone starts five feet in front of each popping crease and extends toward the middle of the pitch. Bowlers are required to avoid stepping onto this area after delivering the ball to prevent excessive wear and tear on the surface.
If a bowler repeatedly steps into the danger area, the pitch can become scuffed and rough, creating an uneven surface. This can make batting difficult, as the ball might behave unpredictably—bouncing higher, staying low, or turning sharply. Such conditions can provide an unfair advantage to the bowling side, particularly in the later stages of a match.
Why Did Kuldeep Yadav Receive a Warning?
During a recent match, Kuldeep Yadav was warned by the umpires for stepping into the danger area in his follow-through. As a spinner, Kuldeep generally has a controlled run-up, but even slight incursions into the protected zone can result in official warnings. The umpires closely monitor the bowler’s movement after each delivery, and when they noticed Kuldeep encroaching onto the protected surface, they took action as per the rules.
According to cricket regulations, if a bowler is found running onto the danger area, the umpire issues a first warning. If the bowler continues to infringe, a second warning follows. A third offense results in the bowler being barred from bowling for the remainder of the innings. These measures ensure that the pitch remains in good condition for the entire match.