What are ICC's rules pertaining to 'Fake Fielding'? How it may've proved costly for India?

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan accused Team India batting stalwart Virat Kohli of ‘fake fielding’ after Super 12 game at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 ended in India’s favor. Hasan was quick to criticize  on-field umpires after game, as incident involving Kohli seemingly went unticed.

As reported by PTI, accusing umpires Chris Brown and Marais Erasmus of 'overlooking' incident, Nurul said, “Definitely, wet outfield did have an impact when we restarted game. But re was also a fake throw which could have got us five runs but we didn't even get that." 

All you need to kw about 'fake fielding' law in cricket rule book

As per Law 41.5.1, “it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct eir batsman after striker has received ball”. This means India would have suffered a five runs penalty if umpires deemed Kohli’s action to be deception. As per rules, if umpire catches any player breaching rule, might also call it a dead ball.

Nurul Hasan under scanner over remarks on Virat Kohli

incident referred to by Nurul took place in seventh over of match when Bangladesh were off to a flying start to game. A video clip showed Arshdeep Singh throwing ball from deep, as Kohli was seen as if he was relaying it at n-striker’s end. A relay throw happens when fielder closer to track catches ball from deep and throws it at stumps. 

Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shant were t distracted by Kohli, video shows

Interestingly, batters of crease, Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shant were t even looking at Kohli, which raises questions about Nurul’s argument. While Kohli was accused of fake fielding by Nurul, he didn’t seem to take tice of terms‘ distraction and deception’ part in rule. As Shanto or Litton were t looking at Kohli, y were t distracted or deceived by Kohli’s actions. 

India restricted Bangladesh to 145/6 in 16 overs during revised run-chase of 151 runs, after match lost overs due to rain. Team India earlier scored 184/6 in first innings, courtesy of half-centuries by KL Rahul and Kohli. With win, India climbed to top of Group 2 points table in Super 12 st of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.