GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
How does accidental short running differ from deliberate short running on the scorecard?
For an ordinary short-run call, the run called short is not scored, but a later completed run is not automatically short. If the umpire judges the attempt to be deliberate short running, the MCC rule disallows all batting-side runs and awards five penalty runs to the fielding side, with additional stated consequences.
For Cricket fans checking a short-run call in a scorecard · Updated
An ordinary short run removes that run
Under the MCC rule, a run is short when a batter fails to make good ground while turning for another run. For an unintentional short run, the umpire calls it and that run is not scored. If the next run is completed, the Law does not treat that next run as short just because the first one shortened it.
The umpire's call matters; a short-run appearance on its own does not establish deliberate deception. The example below assumes no boundary and no separate exception.
Deliberate deception changes the whole entry
The MCC defines deliberate short running as an attempt to appear to run more than one run while at least one batter deliberately fails to make good their ground. If the umpire applies this rule, all runs to the batting side are disallowed and five penalty runs go to the fielding side. Any No ball or Wide call is still signalled if applicable, and its one-run penalty stands. Another applicable five-run penalty is also awarded, except the fielding-side helmet penalty under Law 28.3.
- An abandoned attempted run is not deliberate short running when the umpires believe the batter had no intention to deceive them.
- The fielding captain chooses which batter at the wicket, including an incoming batter if applicable, faces the next delivery.
This is the MCC 2026 edition's rule
The examples explain the MCC Laws in the 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026). No competition-specific Playing Conditions were checked; verify the current conditions for a particular competition before applying the consequences to its scorecard.
One run removed, then one completed run retained
Assume no boundary. In a fictional attempt at two runs, a batter fails to make good ground at the first turn without trying to deceive the umpires. The umpire calls one short run. The batters then complete the next run. The first run is not scored and the later completed run remains, so one batting run is recorded. In a separate fictional attempt at a second run, a batter deliberately stops short at an end to make the pair appear to have completed more than one run. If the umpire judges that deliberate short running occurred, all batting-side runs are disallowed and the fielding side receives five penalty runs. By contrast, if the batters abandon an attempted run and the umpires believe there was no intent to deceive, the Law does not call that deliberate short running.
Related questions
Does a short first run make the next completed run short too?
No. Law 18.3.2 says that although a short run shortens the next one, a later run that is completed is not regarded as short. The example assumes the later run is completed and no boundary exception applies.
What is the scorecard effect of deliberate short running?
If the umpire applies Law 18.5.2, all batting-side runs are disallowed and five penalty runs are awarded to the fielding side. A No ball or Wide is signalled if applicable, and the MCC also directs the fielding captain to choose who faces next.
Can a boundary change an ordinary short-run call?
Yes. Under Law 18.4.2, a boundary normally makes the umpire disregard the short running, except when the boundary results from an overthrow or a fielder's wilful act. The worked example above assumes no boundary.