Explained: Why Glenn Maxwell couldn’t ask for runner despite suffering with cramp in World Cup game against Afghanistan

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell unleashed his inner beast as the all-rounder singlehandedly demolished Afghanistan, powering his team to the semi-finals of the World Cup on Tuesday.

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There was a time during his knock when Maxwell was seen struggling due to cramps and back issues. Instead of returning to the pavilion, the Aussie power-hitter chose to be on the field as he was quite literally the only hope for Australia in that crunch situation.



Maxwell ended up with an epic 201-run unbeaten knock, which helped Australia secure a three-wicket victory. Despite dealing with the pain, Maxwell could not opt for a runner. Players were previously allowed to call for a runner in international cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC)’s Executive Committee, however, tweaked its rule regarding the use of runners, back in October 2011.

Also read: The biggest show yet, Glenn Maxwell takes batting to a rarefied realm

A new law in the ICC rule book says that any batter suffering from injury issues cannot ask for a runner. The cricket governing body had made the decision to avoid unnecessary obstruction on the field. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), however, made it clear that the other fundamental laws saw no modification and the new rule of having no runners is only applicable in international cricket. The previous law remains unchanged for domestic and recreational cricket.

The playing conditions of the 2023 World Cup goes onto confirm that runners are not permitted. “25.5 Runners shall not be permitted,” reads one of the playing conditions of 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Before the new rule came into effect, several players were assisted by runners. At the 2003 ODI World Cup, India’s Virender Sehwag ran for his opening partner Sachin Tendulkar during the match against Pakistan, when Sachin scored 98. Gautam Gambhir served a similar role for Sehwag during the latter’s 117-run knock against Bangladesh at the 2011 World Cup.

Glenn arrived at the crease when his side was struggling at 49/4. With the cramps restricting his movements, Maxwell decided to keep the scoreboard ticking by playing on one foot, dealing only with boundaries. Captain Pat Cummins (12*) supported ably. Maxwell took only 128 balls to reach his double-hundred. His knock comprised 21 boundaries and 10 maximums.

The victory helped Australia in securing their spot in the World Cup semi-finals, thereby joining India and South Africa.