MIDWEST CRICKET CONFERENCE

 

CRICKET RULES

 

 

Except as varied hereunder marked in color, the Laws of Cricket (2000 Code 3rd Edition - 2008) shall apply

 

Law 1: The Players

 

1.     Number of Players

A match is played between two sides. Each side shall consist of 11 players, one of whom shall be captain. Teams can play with lesser than 11 players as long as they have the minimum of 7 players required for starting a game in MCC league.

 

2.     Nomination of Players

 

Each captain shall nominate up to 11 players plus any substitutes to the Match Umpire before the toss. No player (member of the playing eleven) may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.

 

Only those nominated as substitute fielders shall be entitled to act as substitute fielders during the match, unless the match referee, in exceptional circumstances, allows subsequent additions.

 

All those nominated including those nominated as substitute fielders, must be Registered players of the team. Any discrepancies shall subject the team for disciplinary action and penalties.

 

In addition, by their nomination, the nominees shall be deemed to have agreed to abide by all the applicable MCC Regulations pertaining to international cricket and in particular, the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel (hereafter referred to as the MCC Code of Conduct), the Anti-Racism Code for Players and Player Support Personnel, the Anti-Doping Code and the Anti-Corruption Code.

 

3.     Captain

The deputy must be one of the nominated members of the playing eleven and shall be responsible for the game and toss in the absence of the captain.

4.     Responsibility of captains

The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit and traditions of the game as well as within the Laws. See The Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket and Law 42.1 (Fair and unfair play – responsibility of captains).

Law 2: Substitutes and Runners, Batsman or Fielder Leaving the Field, Batsman Retiring, Batsman commencing Innings

 

1.     Substitutes and runners

a.     If the umpires are satisfied that a player has been injured or become ill after the nomination of the players, they shall allow that player to have

                      i.        a substitute acting instead of him in the field.

                     ii.        NO BATSMEN SHALL BE ALLOWED A SUBSTITUTE RUNNER at any point AND in ANY CONDITION. An injured batsman has an option to retire. Such injured batsmen shall be permitted to come back later at the fall of a wicket or when another batsman retires.

                    iii.        For batsmen retiring without proper medical reason or otherwise wholly acceptable reason, he can come back to play only if the opposing captain agrees.

Any injury or illness that occurs at any time after the nomination of the players until the conclusion of the match shall be allowable, irrespective of whether play is in progress or not.

b.     The umpires shall have discretion, for other wholly acceptable reasons, to allow a substitute for a fielder, at the start of the match or at any subsequent time.  

c.     A player wishing to change his shirt, boots, etc. must leave the field to do so. No substitute shall be allowed for him.

 

2.     Objection to substitutes

The opposing captain shall have no right of objection to any player acting as a substitute on the field, nor as to where the substitute shall field. However, no substitute shall act as wicketkeeper. See 3 below.

3.     Restrictions on the role of substitutes

A substitute shall not be allowed to bat or bowl or to act as wicket-keeper or as captain on the field of play.

4.     A player for whom a substitute has acted

A player is allowed to bat, bowl or field even though a substitute has previously acted for him.

5.     Fielder absent or leaving the field

If a fielder fails to take the field with his side at the start of the match or at any later time, or leaves the field during a session of play,

a.        the umpire shall be informed of the reason for his absence.

b.        he shall not thereafter come on to the field during a session of play without the consent of the umpire. See 6 below. The umpire shall give such consent as soon as is practicable.

c.         if he is absent for 8 minutes or longer (IT IS NOT BY THE NUMBER OF OVERS MISSED), he shall not be permitted to bowl thereafter, subject to (i), (ii) or (iii) below, until he has been on the field for at least that length of playing time for which he was absent.

                      i.        Absence or penalty for time absent shall not be carried over into a new day's play (Only applicable in case of playoffs in MCC).

                     ii.        The time lost for an unscheduled break in play shall be counted as time on the field for any fielder who comes on to the field at the resumption of play. See Law 15.1 (An interval).

d.        MCC Rule: PLAYERS NOT TAKING THE FIELD TO AT THE START OF THE GAME

                      i.        Any player/s from the fielding side not taking the field at the start of play and DOES NOT report for play by the start of 9^th over (for Super League) or 8^th over (for Division I) or 6^th over (for Div Thirty/30) shall not be allowed any substitute fielders beyond that point. The designated player may however be allowed to join the team whenever he reports mid-point in the innings, and shall be subject to the same restrictions any payer taking the field.

                     ii.        Any player from the side fielding first who is present in the field for less than half the stipulated number of overs (except in case of injuries) shall be permitted to bat in the 2^nd innings only at the fall of the fifth wicket.

                    iii.        If any player from the team batting first does not take the field (for the 2^nd innings) by the start of 9^th over (for Super League) or 8^th over (for Division I) and by the start of the 6^th over (for Div Thirty/30) shall not be allowed any substitute fielders beyond that point. The designated player may however be allowed to join the team whenever he reports mid-point in the innings, and shall be subject to the same restrictions any payer taking the field.

                    iv.        Sec 5.d.iii shall not apply if the player is unavailable due to an injury or illness and is acceptable to the umpire

 

6.     Player returning without permission

If a player comes on to the field of play in contravention of 5(b) above and comes into contact with the ball while it is in play

              i.            the ball shall immediately become dead and the umpire shall award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). The ball shall not count as one of the over.

             ii.            the umpire shall inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.

            iii.            the umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player concerned.

 

7.     Runner

Not Applicable, as substitute runners are not allowed under any circumstances

8.     Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner

Not Applicable, as substitute runners are not allowed under any circumstances

 

9.     Batsman leaving the field or retiring

A batsman may retire at any time during his innings. The umpires, before allowing play to proceed, shall be informed of the reason for a batsman retiring.

 

a.        If a batsman retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable causes, he is entitled to resume his innings subject to (c) below. If for any reason he does not do so, his innings is to be recorded as 'Retired – not out'.

b.        If a batsman retires for any reason other than as in (a) above, he may only resume his innings with the consent of the opposing captain. If for any reason he does not resume his innings it is to be recorded as 'Retired – out'.

c.         If after retiring a batsman resumes his innings, it shall be only at the fall of a wicket or the retirement of another batsman.

 

10.   Commencement of a batsman's innings

Except at the start of a side's innings, a batsman shall be considered to have commenced his innings when he first steps on to the field of play, provided Time has not been called. The innings of the opening batsmen, and that of any new batsman at the resumption of play after a call of Time, shall commence at the call of Play.

 

Law 3 - The Umpires

1.     Appointment and attendance

 

The following rules for the selection and appointment of ODI umpires shall be followed as far as it is practicable to do so:

a.        The umpires shall control the game as required by the Laws (as read with these playing conditions), with absolute impartiality and shall be present at the ground at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of play.

b.        If need be each Member Team shall nominate from its list of players up to 3 umpires who shall be assigned the mandatory umpiring assignments as well as other umpiring assignments as need be.

c.         MCC and its Umpiring Committee will appoint one NUETRAL umpire to stand in each ODI

d.        In the playoff rounds MCC and its Umpiring Committee will appoint neutral umpires for both ends and shall be selected based on previous experience

e.        The batting side shall appoint one umpire to stand in each of the matches. Such umpire shall be a regular playing member of the team and shall only be assigned the job of the leg umpire. The leg umpire’ shall be only to rule on ‘Run Outs’ and ‘Stumping’. Leg umpires from the batting side shall only suggest to the Main Umpire on matters such as ‘Bouncers’, ‘Beamers’, ‘full toss above the waist and shoulders’. The batting side leg umpire cannot call for any infringement.

f.         Neither team will have a right request a specific umpire or object to the appointment of a particular umpire..

 

2.     Change of Umpire

a.        An umpire shall not be changed during the match, other than in exceptional circumstances, unless he is injured or ill.

 

3.     To inform captains and scorers

a.        Before the toss the umpires shall ascertain the hours of play and agree with the captains

                          i.      the balls to be used during the match. See Law 5 (The ball).

                         ii.      times and durations of intervals for meals and times for drinks intervals. See Law 15 (Intervals).

                        iii.      the boundary of the field of play and allowances for boundaries. See Law 19 (Boundaries).

                        iv.      any special conditions of play affecting the conduct of the match.

                         v.      whether or not any obstacle within the field of play is to be regarded as a boundary. See Law 19 (Boundaries).

b.        Inform the scorers of the agreements in (ii), (iii) and (iv) above.

 

4.     Fitness of Ground, Weather and Light and Law 3.9 – Suspension of play for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light

 Laws 3.8 and 3.9 shall apply subject to the following:

 

a.        The safety of all persons within the ground is of paramount importance to the MCC. In the event that any threatening circumstance, whether actual or perceived, comes to the attention of any umpire (including for example weather, pitch invasions, act of God, etc. See also 3.6), then the players and officials should immediately be asked to leave the field of play in a safe and orderly manner and to relocate to a secure and safe area (depending on each particular threat) pending the satisfactory passing or resolution of such threat or risk to the reasonable satisfaction of the umpires, MCC Officials, the head of the relevant ground authority, the head of ground security and/or the police as the circumstances may require. See also clause 3.6 below.

 

 Laws 3.8 & 3.9 shall be replaced by:

 

b.        The umpires shall be the final judges of the fitness of the ground, weather and light for play. See 3.5.3 below and Law 7.2 (Fitness of the pitch for play).

 

c.         Suspension of play for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light

a.           All references to ground include the pitch. See Law 7.1 (Area of pitch).

b.           If at any time the umpire feels or the umpires together (in Playoffs) agree that the conditions of ground, weather or light are so bad that there is obvious and foreseeable risk to the safety of any player or umpire, so that it would be unreasonable or dangerous for play to take place, then they shall immediately suspend play, or not allow play to commence or to restart. The decision as to whether conditions are so bad as to warrant such action is one for the umpires alone to make.

 

The fact that the grass and the ball are wet and slippery does not warrant the ground conditions being regarded as unreasonable or dangerous. If the umpires consider the ground is so wet or slippery as to deprive the bowler of a reasonable foothold, the fielders of the power of free movement, or the batsmen of the ability to play their strokes or to run between the wickets, then these conditions shall be regarded as so bad that it would be unreasonable for play to take place. The Umpires shall disregard any shadow on the pitch from the stadium or from any permanent object on the ground.

 

c.            When there is a suspension of play it is the responsibility of the umpires to monitor the conditions. The umpire shall make inspections as often as appropriate. If the conditions become suitable for play they shall call upon the players to resume the game.

d.           If play is in progress up to the start of an agreed interval then it will resume after the interval unless the umpires together agree that the conditions of ground, weather or light are so bad that there is obvious and foreseeable risk to the safety of any player or umpire, so that it would be unreasonable or dangerous for play to take place.

 

5.     Exceptional Circumstances

The following shall apply in addition to Law 3.10:

 

a.        Play may be suspended due to safety and security concerns by the umpires on the advice of the MCC Officials, the head of the relevant ground authority (Park District), the head of ground security or the police.

b.        Where play is suspended under Clause 3.6.1 above the decision to abandon or resume play shall be the responsibility of the Umpire, MCC official who shall act only after consultation with the head of ground security and the police (if available).

 

6.     Use of artificial lights

 

If in the opinion of the umpires, natural light is deteriorating to an unfit level, MCC officials may authorize the use of artificial lighting (If Available and Only for Playoffs) so that the match can continue in acceptable conditions. In the event of power failure or lights malfunction, the provisions relating to the delay or interruption of play due to bad weather or light shall apply.

 

7.     Day Night matches

a.        Pads and players’ and umpires’ clothing shall be preferably coloured.

b.        Sight screens if and when made available will be black.

 

8.     Advertising on grounds, perimeter boards and sightscreens

a.        Advertising on grounds

b.        Perimeter Boards

c.        Sightscreens

a.       MCC will make all efforts to provide Sightscreens at both ends of all grounds for the playoffs.

a.       In case of 8.a and 8.b - Such advertising/Perimeter boards shall not contain flashing or flickering images or such material that causes distracting to the batsmen, fielders or umpire. If allowed by the management, the display items, banners etc SHALL NOT in any way obstruct the game, the players or be a safety concern for the players, spectators and/or passers-by.

 

2.     Law 4 - The Scorers

2.1.   Law 4.2 - Correctness of scores

Attention is drawn to Clause 21.

a.        MCC shall make efforts to provide a scoreboard to all teams, which shall be mandatory for the teams to bring to the field.

b.        Each team is advised to assign a scorer for the match, who shall keep detailed account of the proceedings and cross check with the other teams’ scorer to tally the numbers. In the event that the fielding team does not have a scorer the batting team’s scorecard shall be considered final and shall be binding on the fielding team. The league will try to provide a neutral scorer for the playoffs.

c.         Each team has been provided a score sheet which needs to be completed in detail during the match. The individual scores, the bowling figures and the details regarding the extras should be tallied, totaled and signed by both team captains and submitted to the umpires.

d.        Teams shall have until Wednesday night to enter scores and 7 days to correct the scores entered beyond which no corrections shall be allowed except where the league finds that by making the correction the NRR of the team is reduced.

 

Law 5 - The Ball

1.     Approval and control of balls

The teams shall only use the cricket balls approved and provided by the MCC league. Teams found using a different ball for the matches shall be dealt with very seriously and penalized by the judiciary committee.

 

The umpires shall retain possession of the match ball(s) throughout the duration of the match when play is me of ball and shall retain possession of it at the fall of a wicket, a drinks interval, or any other disruption in play. Where day/night matches are scheduled in a series, white balls will be used in all matches to be provided by the MCC league. Each fielding team shall have one new ball for its innings.

 

2.     Ball lost or becoming unfit for play

Law 5.5 shall be replaced by the following:

a.        In the event of a ball during play being lost or in the opinion of the umpires, being unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall allow it to be replaced by one that in their opinion has had a similar amount of wear.

b.        In the event of the ball becoming wet and soggy as a result of play continuing in inclement weather or it being affected by dew, and in the opinion of the umpires being unfit for play, the ball may be replaced for a ball that has similar amount of wear, even though it has not gone out of shape.

c.         If the ball is to be replaced, the umpire shall inform the batsman. Either batsman or bowler may raise the matter with the umpires and the umpires’ decision as to a replacement or otherwise will be final.

d.        There shall be no mandatory change of the ball at any time during the innings.

 

Law 6 - The Bat (new Law effective 1st October 2008)

1.     Width and length – Games shall be played with standard bats with no extra reinforcements

2.     Covering the blade – Standard materials are allowed to cover the blade in order to protect the wood.

3.     Hand or glove to count as part of bat

In these Laws,

a.        reference to the bat shall imply that the bat is held by the batsman.

b.        contact between the ball and either

                      i.               the striker's bat itself or

                     ii.               the striker's hand holding the bat

                    iii.               any part of a glove worn on the striker's hand holding the bat shall be regarded as the ball striking or touching the bat, or being struck by the bat.

 

Law 7 - The Pitch

1.     Selection and preparation

a.        The host team shall be responsible for preparing the pitch for the game and have it ready at least 10 minutes before the start of the game – which is the Toss time

 

2.     Changing the pitch

a.        No change in the pitch shall be allowed unless authorized and informed in advance by the management.

b.        Change of pitch can be allowed due to non-availability of the ground or the unplayable condition of a pitch is known in advance and hence moved to a different ground. In the event of a pitch being considered too dangerous for play to continue in the estimation of the on-field umpires, they shall stop play and immediately advise the MCC officials.

c.         The on-field umpires and/or MCC officials shall inform both captains about his decision to continue or abandon the game.

d.        If the conditions improve, or is likely to improve the on-field umpires shall consider one of the options in the following sequence:

                          i.        whether the existing pitch can be repaired using normal implements.

                         ii.        whether the match has to be abandoned.

e.        In the event of a decision being taken in favour of Clauses 7.d.1 above, the remedial or new preparatory work shall be the responsibility of both the teams and not just the HOST TEAM. This shall be done under the supervision of the of the On-Field umpires.

f.         The rescheduled starting time and the rescheduled cessation time, together with any make-up procedures herein provided, shall be the responsibility of the on-field umpires.

g.        In the event that the existing pitch can be made playable after suitable remedial work in Clause 7.2.4 (a) above, the match shall continue from the point stopped.

h.        If a new pitch is prepared as in Clause 7.2.4 (b) above, the match shall be restarted from the first ball (but see Clause 7.2.7 above).

i.          If the decision is to abandon the match as in Clause 7.2.4 (c) above, the relevant Team members shall be informed of the decision and the MCC officials may agree to reschedule the match ONLY IF THE 3 GAMES RAIN OUT RULE APPLIES TO EITHER TEAM.

 

3.     Non-turf pitches

Matches could be played on natural turf pitches or Non-turf pitches. In case of a Non-turf pitch rule 7.1.1 shall not apply.

 

Law 8 - The Wickets

1.     Width and Pitching

Two sets of wickets shall be pitched opposite and parallel to each other at a distance of 22 yards/20.12m between the centers of the two middle stumps. Each set shall be 9 in/22.86cm wide and shall consist of three wooden stumps with two wooden bails on top. See Appendix A

 

2.     Size of stumps

The tops of the stumps shall be 28 in/71.1cm above the playing surface and shall be dome shaped except for the bail grooves.

 

3.     The Bails

Two separate bails preferably of a different color shall be placed on top of the stumps and shall remain there at all time

 

4.     Dispensing with Bails

The umpires may agree to dispense with the use of bails, if necessary. If they so agree then no bails shall be used at either end. The use of bails shall be resumed as soon as conditions permit. See Law 28.4 (Dispensing with bails).

 

Law 9 - The Bowling, Popping and Return Creases

1.     The creases

A bowling crease, a popping crease and two return creases shall be marked in white, as set out in 2, 3 and 4 below, at each end of the pitch. See Appendix B.

 

2.     The bowling crease

The bowling crease, which is the back edge of the crease marking, shall be the line through the centres of the three stumps at that end. It shall be 8ft 8 in/2.64m in length, with the stumps in the centre.

 

3.     The popping crease

The popping crease, which is the back edge of the crease marking, shall be in front of and parallel to the bowling crease and shall be 4ft/1.22m from it. The popping crease shall be marked to a minimum of 6ft/1.83m on either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the middle stumps and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.

 

4.     The return creases

The return creases, which are the inside edges of the crease markings, shall be at right angles to the popping crease at a distance of 4ft 4 in/1.32m either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps. Each return crease shall be marked from the popping crease to a minimum of 8ft/2.44m behind it and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.

 

Law 10 - Preparation and Maintenance of the Playing Area

5.     Rolling and Drying

a.        Prior to tossing for choice of innings the artificial drying of the pitch and outfield shall be at the discretion of the umpires and the participate. Thereafter and throughout the match the drying of the outfield and drying of the affected area of the pitch shall be carried out only on the instructions and under the supervision of the umpires. The umpires shall be empowered to have the pitch dried without reference to the captains at any time they are of the opinion that it is unfit for play.

b.        The umpires may instruct the teams to use any available equipment and items, including any roller for the purpose of drying the pitch and making it fit for play.

 

6.      Maintenance of footholes

The umpires shall see that wherever possible and whenever it is considered necessary, action is taken during all intervals in play to do whatever is practicable to improve the bowler’s foot holes.

 

Law 11 - Covering the Pitch

1.     Before the match

The pitch shall be entirely protected against rain up to commencement of play and after completion of the game. The host team is responsible to roll the mat properly and cover it with the tarp provided at the ground

2.     During the match

The teams shall try to protect the pitch entirely against rain up to the commencement of play, for the entire duration of the period of the match and after completion of the match.

3.     Covering bowlers’ run ups

Attempt shall be made to cover the bowler’s run-ups in full during inclement weather, in order to keep them dry, to a distance of at least 10 x 10 meters.

 

Law 12 - Innings

Law 12 shall apply subject to the following (see also clauses 15 and 16 below):

 

1.     Number and length of innings

All matches will consist of one innings per side, each innings being limited to a maximum of

·         45 overs for Super League

·         40 overs for Division 1

·         30 overs for Division Thirty-30

·         20 overs for Abid Laheri Night Tournament

Every effort should be made by the umpires and the teams to complete the match on the scheduled day with any necessary reduction in overs taking place as long as the minimum number of overs necessary to constitute a match can be bowled.

 

2.     Length of Innings

a.        Uninterrupted Matches.

a.       Each team

                                     i.        Shall bat for 45 overs in Super League, unless all out earlier.

                                    ii.        Shall bat for 40 overs in Division 1, unless all out earlier.

                                   iii.        Shall bat for 30 overs in Division Thirty-30, unless all out earlier.

                                   iv.        Shall bat for 20 overs in Abid Laheri Night Tournament, unless all out earlier.

b.       If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for cessation of the first innings, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled. The interval shall be reduced to enable the second innings to commence at the scheduled time, subject to there being a minimum interval of 20 minutes. The team batting second shall receive its full quota of 40 overs irrespective of the number of overs it bowled in the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings.

c.       If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 40 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 40 overs.

d.       If the team fielding second fails to bowl 40 overs by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result is achieved.

 

b.        Delayed or Interrupted Matches

a.           Official Match - For any game to constitute a match, a minimum of;

                                     i.        20 overs shall be bowled in Super League games in both innings

                                    ii.        20 overs shall be bowled in Division 1 games in both innings

                                   iii.        15 overs shall be bowled in Division Thirty-30 games in both innings

                                   iv.        10 overs shall be bowled in Abid Laheri Night Tournament in both innings

b.           Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team Batting First (see Appendix 2)

                                     i.        Any revision in the numbers of overs shall have to be made prior to the commencement of the match

                                    ii.        When playing time has been lost the reduction in the number of overs shall be based on a rate of 14 overs per hour, which is inclusive of the provision of drinks intervals, in the total time available for play.

                                   iii.        The revision of the number of overs should ensure that both teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs. The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the first team unless the latter completed its innings in less than its allocated overs. Reduction in overs shall not result in the number of overs being below minimum the limits set for a match to be official,

                                   iv.        A fixed time will be specified for the commencement of the interval, and also the close of play for the match, by applying a rate of 14 overs per hour. When calculating the length of playing time available for the match, or the length of either innings, the timing and duration of all relative delays, extensions in playing hours, interruptions in play, and intervals, excluding those for drinks, will be taken into consideration. This calculation must not cause the match to finish earlier than the original or rescheduled time for cessation of play on the final scheduled day for play. If required the original time shall be extended by a maximum of 1 Hour from original cessation time.

                                    v.        If the team fielding first fails to bowl the revised number of overs by the specified time, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled or the innings is completed. The interval shall be reduced to enable the second innings to commence at the rescheduled time, subject to there being a minimum interval of 20 minutes (or where the interval has been reduced to a period of less than 20 minutes – such reduced period less than 20 minutes under 15.1 (iii)).

c.            Delay or Interruption to the innings of the Team Batting Second (see Appendix 3)

                                     i.        There shall be no REDUCTION / no further REDUCTION of overs once the match has commenced.

                                    ii.        When playing time is lost after commencement of match the team batting second shall bat for the same number of overs as decided prior to the match unless the team is all out prior to the completion of the stipulated number of overs.

                                   iii.        The team batting second shall have to play a minimum of 20 Overs (Div 1 & 2), 15 Overs (Div Thirty-30) and 10 Overs (Abid Laheri Night Tournament) in order to have a result in the match, unless

a.     the required runs have been scored earlier

b.     the team batting second is all out prior to the number of overs required to constitute a match

                                   iv.        The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the first team unless the latter completed its innings in less than its allocated overs.

                                    v.        If the team fielding second fails to bowl the revised overs by the scheduled or re-scheduled close of play, the hours of play shall be extended until the overs have been bowled or a result achieved.

 

3.     The toss

a.        The umpires shall go in for toss 15 minutes before the scheduled start of play

b.        Host captain will toss and the Guest captain will call

c.         THE DECISION TO BAT PR BOWL SHALL BE COVEYED TO THE UMPIRE THE MOMENT THE TOSS IS WON

d.        The teams should have a minimum of 7 registered players on the ground to be able to go for toss, failing which the team with a minimum of 7 players shall be awarded the Toss. If both teams do not have the minimum number of players, the first team to show up with 7 players shall be awarded the Toss

 

4.     Decision to be notified

The captain of the side winning the toss shall notify the opposing captain of his decision to bat or to field, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TOSS. Once notified the decision may not be altered.

 

5.     Extra Time

The participating teams may discuss with the umpires and agree to provide for extra time where the start of play is delayed or play is suspended, without loss of Overs.

 

6.     Number of Overs per Bowler        

No bowler shall bowl more than

·         9 overs in an innings in Super League games

·         8 overs in an innings in Division 1 games

·         6 overs in an innings in Division Thirty-30 games

·         4 overs in an innings in Abid Laheri Night Tournament

In a delayed or interrupted match where the overs are reduced for both teams or for the team bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed.

 

Where the total number of overs is not divisible by 5, the fraction that remains shall be distributed amongst the five bowlers, one at a time, to arrive at the maximum number of overs per Bowler.

 

In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls will be allowed by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler’s limit is concerned.

 

The scoreboard shall show the total number of overs bowled and the number of overs bowled by each bowler.

 

Law 13 - The Follow-on

Law 13 shall not apply.

 

Law 14 - Declaration and Forfeiture

1.     Declaration

Law on declaration shall not apply in MCC league

 

2.     Forfeiture

a.        A match shall be considered forfeited if

                            i.        Either team informs the Umpire or the MCC league of its decision to forfeit. The team forfeiting the match shall be docked -4 points and the winning team shall be granted 4 points. NRR in this case shall be ‘0’

                           ii.        Either team fails to report for the game before the end of the grace time for the match OR fails to show up for a game without the minimum of 7 registered players need to commence play

                          iii.        Refuses to take the field even after warnings from the umpire.

                          iv.        Non-payment of league fees in full

 

Law 15 - Intervals

Law 15 shall apply subject to the following:

 

1.     Changing agreed times for intervals - Interval between Innings

If the innings of the team batting first is completed prior to the scheduled time for the interval, the interval shall take place immediately and the innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier providing that this does not lead to an interval occurring more than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled interval.

 

If the innings of the team batting first is completed more than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled interval a 10 minute break will occur and the team batting second will commence its innings and the interval will occur as scheduled.

 

2.     Intervals for drinks

a.        One drinks breaks per session shall be permitted, each at the completion of50% of the total number of overs in a match. The interval shall be of 10 minute duration. The provisions of Law 15.9 shall be strictly observed except that under conditions of extreme heat the umpires may permit ONE extra interval per session for drinks.

b.        An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the umpires..

 

Law 16 - Start of Play; Cessation of Play

Law 16 shall apply subject to the following (see also clauses 15 and 12.4):

 

1.     Start and Cessation Times

 

The start times shall depend on the venue and also based on the time zones. Refer the Conference Rules posted on website for the venues and the respective start times.

 

Super League: Each match will consist of 2 sessions and the total match time shall be 8 hours, broken down as follows;

1^st Session                           : 3 hours 30 minutes (14 Overs per hour) (4.5 Overs per minute)

1^st Session break               : 0 hours 10 minutes

Lunch break                        : 0 hours 40 minutes

2^nd Session                          : 3 hours 30 minutes (14 Overs per hour) (4.5 Overs per minute)

2^nd Session break              : 0 hours 10 minutes

 

Division 1: Each match will consist of 2 sessions and the total match time shall be 7 hours, broken down as follows;

1^st Session                           : 3 hours 00 minutes (14 Overs per hour) (4.5 Overs per minute)

1^st Session break               : 0 hours 10 minutes

Lunch break                        : 0 hours 40 minutes

2^nd Session                          : 3 hours 00 minutes (14 Overs per hour) (4.5 Overs per minute)

2^nd Session break              : 0 hours 10 minutes

 

Division Thirty-30: Each match will consist of 2 sessions and the total match time shall be 5 hours, broken down as follows;

1^st Session                           : 2 hours 15 minutes (14 Overs per hour) (4.5 Overs per minute)

1^st Session break               : 0 hours 10 minutes

Innings Break                      : 0 hours 10 minutes

2^nd Session                          : 2 hours 15 minutes (14 Overs per hour) (4.5 Overs per minute)

2^nd Session break              : 0 hours 10 minutes

 

Abid Laheri Night Tournament: Each match will consist of 2 sessions and the total match time shall be 4 hours, broken down as follows;

1^st Session                           : 1 hours 45 minutes (14 Overs per hour) (4.5 Overs per minute)

1^st Session break               : 0 hours 10 minutes

Innings Break                      : 0 hours 10 minutes

2^nd Session                          : 1 hours 45 minutes (14 Overs per hour) (4.5 Overs per minute)

2^nd Session break              : 0 hours 10 minutes

 

Note: The playing hours of matches scheduled to take place at venues where dew is likely to be a factor should be determined so as to ensure that the effect of any dew is minimised.

 

2.     Conclusion of match

The match is concluded

a.        as soon as a result, as defined in sections 1, 2, 3 or 4 of Law 21 (The result), is reached.

b.        as soon as both

                            i.         the minimum number of overs for the last hour are completed AND

                           ii.         the agreed time for close of play is reached unless a result has been reached earlier.

c.         if, without the match being concluded either as in (a) or in (b) above, the players leave the field, either for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in exceptional circumstances, and no further play is possible thereafter.

 

3.     Completion of last over of match

The over in progress at the close of play on the final day shall be completed unless

Either     i) a result has been reached

or            (ii) the players have occasion to leave the field. In this case there shall be no resumption of play, except in the circumstances of Law 21.9 (Mistakes in scoring), and the match shall be at an end.

 

Law 17 - Practice on the Field

This law shall not apply to the matches in MCC league

 

Law 18 - Scoring Runs

1.     A run

The score shall be reckoned by runs. A run is scored

a.        so often as the batsmen, at any time while the ball is in play, have crossed and made good their ground from end to end.

b.        when a boundary is scored. See Law 19 (Boundaries).

c.         when penalty runs are awarded. See 6 below.

d.        when Lost ball is called. See Law 20 (Lost ball).

2.     Runs disallowed

Notwithstanding 1 above, or any other provisions elsewhere in the Laws, the scoring of runs or awarding of penalties will be subject to any disallowance of runs provided for within the Laws that may be applicable.

3.     Short runs

a.        A run is short if a batsman fails to make good his ground on turning for a further run.

b.        Although a short run shortens the succeeding one, the latter if completed shall not be regarded as short. A striker taking stance in front of his popping crease may run from that point also without penalty.

4.     Unintentional short runs

Except in the circumstances of 5 below,

a.        if either batsman runs a short run, unless a boundary is scored the umpire concerned shall call and signal Short run as soon as the ball becomes dead and that run shall not be scored.

b.        if, after either or both batsmen run short, a boundary is scored, the umpire concerned shall disregard the short running and shall not call or signal Short run.

c.         if both batsmen run short in one and the same run, this shall be regarded as only one short run.

d.        if more than one run is short then, subject to (b) and (c) above, all runs so called shall not be scored. If there has been more than one short run the umpire shall inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.

5.     Deliberate short runs

a.        Notwithstanding 4 above, if either umpire considers that either or both batsmen deliberately run short at his end, the following procedure shall be adopted.

                            i.         The umpire concerned shall, when the ball is dead, warn the batsmen that the practice is unfair, indicate that this is a first and final warning and inform the other umpire of what has occurred. This warning shall continue to apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.

                           ii.         The batsmen shall return to their original ends.

                          iii.         Whether a batsman is dismissed or not, the umpire at the bowler's end shall disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than the penalty for a No ball or Wide, or penalties under Laws 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman) and 42.13 (Fielders damaging the pitch), if applicable.

                          iv.         The umpire at the bowler's end shall inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.

b.        If there is any further instance of deliberate short running by any batsman in that innings, when the ball is dead the umpire concerned shall inform the other umpire of what has occurred and the procedure set out in (a)(ii) and (iii) above shall be repeated. Additionally, the umpire at the bowler's end shall

                            i.         award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).

                           ii.         inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.

                          iii.         inform the batsmen, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.

                          iv.         report the occurrence, with the other umpire, to the Executive of the batting side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

 

6.     Runs scored for penalties

Runs shall be scored for penalties under 5 above and Laws 2.6 (Player returning without permission), 24 (No ball), 25 (Wide ball), 41.2 (Fielding the ball), 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) and 42 (Fair and unfair play).

 

7.     Runs scored for boundaries

Runs shall be scored for boundary allowances under Law 19 (Boundaries).

 

8.     Runs scored for Lost ball

Runs shall be scored when Lost ball is called under Law 20 (Lost ball).

 

9.     Batsman dismissed

When either batsman is dismissed

a.        any penalties to either side that may be applicable shall stand but no other runs shall be scored, except as stated in 10 below.

b.        12(a) below will apply if the method of dismissal is Caught, Handled the ball or Obstructing the field. 12(a) will also apply if a batsman is Run out, except in the circumstances of Law 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner) where 12(b) below will apply.

c.         the not out batsman shall return to his original end except as stated in (b) above.

 

10.   Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed

In addition to any penalties to either side that may be applicable, if a batsman is

a.        dismissed Handled the ball, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the offence.

b.        dismissed Obstructing the field, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the offence. If, however, the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, no runs other than penalties shall be scored.

c.         dismissed Run out, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the dismissal. If, however, a striker with a runner is himself dismissed Run out, no runs other than penalties shall be scored. See Law 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner).

 

11.   Runs scored when ball becomes dead

a.        When the ball becomes dead on the fall of a wicket, runs shall be scored as laid down in 9 and 10 above.

b.        When the ball becomes dead for any reason other than the fall of a wicket, or is called dead by an umpire, unless there is specific provision otherwise in the Laws, the batting side shall be credited with

                            i.         all runs completed by the batsmen before the incident or call and

                           ii.         the run in progress if the batsmen have crossed at the instant of the incident or call. Note specifically, however, the provisions of Laws 34.4(c) (Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once) and 42.5(b)(iv) (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman). AND

                          iii.         any penalties that are applicable.

 

12.   Batsman returning to wicket he has left

a.        If, while the ball is in play, the batsmen have crossed in running, neither shall return to the wicket he has left, except as in (b) below.

b.        The batsmen shall return to the wickets they originally left in the cases of, and only in the cases of

                            i.         a boundary;

                           ii.         disallowance of runs for any reason;

                          iii.         the dismissal of a batsman, except as in 9(b) above.

 

Law 19 – Boundaries

1.     The boundary of the field of play

a.        Before the toss, the umpires shall agree the boundary of the field of play with both captains. The boundary shall if possible be marked along its whole length.

b.        The boundary shall be agreed so that no part of any sightscreen is within the field of play.

c.         An obstacle or person within the field of play shall not be regarded as a boundary unless so decided by the umpires before the toss. See Law 3.4(ii) (To inform captains and scorers).

2.     Defining the boundary – boundary marking

a.        Wherever practicable the boundary shall be marked by means of a white line or a rope laid along the ground.

b.        If the boundary is marked by a white line,

                            i.         the inside edge of the line shall be the boundary edge.

                           ii.         a flag, post or board used merely to highlight the position of a line marked on the ground must be placed outside the boundary edge and is not itself to be regarded as defining or marking the boundary. Note, however, the provisions of (c) below.

c.         If a solid object is used to mark the boundary, it must have an edge or a line to constitute the boundary edge.

                            i.         For a rope, which includes any similar object of curved cross section lying on the ground, the boundary edge will be the line formed by the innermost points of the rope along its length.

                           ii.         For a fence, which includes any similar object in contact with the ground, but with a flat surface projecting above the ground, the boundary edge will be the base line of the fence.

d.        If the boundary edge is not defined as in (b) or (c) above, the umpires and captains must agree, before the toss, what line will be the boundary edge. Where there is no physical marker for a section of boundary, the boundary edge shall be the imaginary straight line joining the two nearest marked points of the boundary edge.

e.        If a solid object used to mark the boundary is disturbed for any reason during play, then if possible it shall be restored to its original position as soon as the ball is dead. If this is not possible, then

                            i.         if some part of the fence or other marker has come within the field of play, that portion is to be removed from the field of play as soon as the ball is dead.

                           ii.         the line where the base of the fence or marker originally stood shall define the boundary edge.

3.     Scoring a boundary

a.        A boundary shall be scored and signalled by the umpire at the bowler's end whenever, while the ball is in play, in his opinion

                            i.         the ball touches the boundary, or is grounded beyond the boundary.

                           ii.         a fielder, with some part of his person in contact with the ball, touches the boundary or has some part of his person grounded beyond the boundary.

b.        The phrases 'touches the boundary' and 'touching the boundary' shall mean contact with

either                      (i) the boundary edge as defined in 2 above

or                            (ii) any person or obstacle within the field of play which has been designated a boundary by the umpires before the toss.

c.         The phrase 'grounded beyond the boundary' shall mean contact with

either                      (i) any part of a line or a solid object marking the boundary, except its boundary edge

or                            (ii) the ground outside the boundary edge

or                            (iii) any object in contact with the ground outside the boundary edge.

d.        If an unauthorized person enters the playing arena and handles the ball, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall be the sole judge of whether the boundary allowance should be scored or the ball be treated as still in play or called dead ball if a batsman is liable to be out as a result of the unauthorized person handling the ball. See also Law 19.1 (c).

 

4.     Runs allowed for boundaries

a.        Before the toss, the umpires shall agree with both captains the runs to be allowed for boundaries. In deciding the allowances, the umpires and captains shall be guided by the prevailing custom of the ground.

b.        Unless agreed differently under (a) above, the allowances for boundaries shall be 6 runs if the ball having been struck by the bat pitches beyond the boundary, but otherwise 4 runs.

 

These allowances shall still apply even though the ball has previously touched a fielder. See also (c) below.

c.         The ball shall be regarded as pitching beyond the boundary and 6 runs shall be scored if a fielder

                            i.         has any part of his person touching the boundary or grounded beyond the boundary when he catches the ball.

                           ii.         catches the ball and subsequently touches the boundary or grounds some part of his person beyond the boundary while carrying the ball but before completing the catch. See Law 32 (Caught).

 

5.     Runs scored

When a boundary is scored,

a.        the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, shall stand, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that apply before the boundary is scored.

b.        the batting side, except in the circumstances of 6 below, shall additionally be awarded whichever is the greater of

                            i.         the allowance for the boundary.

                           ii.         the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant the boundary is scored.

c.         When the runs in (b)(ii) above exceed the boundary allowance, they shall replace the boundary for the purposes of Law 18.12 (Batsman returning to wicket he has left).

 

6.     Overthrow or willful act of fielder

If the boundary results either from an overthrow or from the willful act of a fielder the runs scored shall be

                            i.         the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that are applicable before the boundary is scored and

                           ii.         the allowance for the boundary

                          iii.         the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant of the throw or act. Law 18.12(a) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the throw or act.

 

Law 20 - Lost Ball

1.     Fielder to call Lost ball

If a ball in play cannot be found or recovered, any fielder may call Lost ball. The ball shall then become dead. See Law 23.1 (Ball is dead). Law 18.12(a) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the call.

2.     Ball to be replaced

The umpires shall replace the ball with one which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before it was lost or became irrecoverable. See Law 5.5 (Ball lost or becoming unfit for play).

3.     Runs scored

a.        The penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable, shall stand, together with any penalties under either of Laws 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs) or 42 (Fair and unfair play) that are applicable before the call of Lost ball.

b.        The batting side shall additionally be awarded either (i) the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they have crossed at the instant of the call, or (ii) 6 runs, whichever is the greater.

4.     How scored

If there is a one run penalty for a No ball or for a Wide, it shall be scored as a No ball extra or as a Wide as appropriate. See Laws 24.13 (Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored) and 25.6 (Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored). If any other penalties have been awarded to either side, they shall be scored as penalty extras. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).

 

Runs to the batting side in 3(b) above shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat, but otherwise to the total of Byes, Leg byes, No balls or Wides as the case may be.

 

Law 21 - The Result

1.     A win - two innings match

This Law shall not apply for MCC league

 

2.     A win - one innings match

The side which has scored in its one innings a total of runs in excess of that scored by the opposing side in its one completed innings shall win the match. Note also 6 below.

 

3.     Umpires awarding a match

Law 21.3 shall be replaced by the following:

a.     A match shall be lost by a side which

either                      (i) concedes defeat

or                            (ii) in the opinion of the umpires refuses to play and the umpires shall award the match to the other side.

b.     If an umpire considers that an action by any player or players might constitute a refusal by either side to play then the umpires/umpire shall ascertain the cause of the action. If the action does constitute a refusal to play by one side, the Umpires/Umpire shall so inform the captain of that side. If the captain persists in the action the umpires shall award the match in accordance with (a)(ii) above.

c.     A match shall be awarded by the umpire to a side on the following situations;

                      i.        When either side fails to report for play before the end of 36 minutes grace period, in which case the side is considered to have forfeited the game.

                     ii.        When either side reports for the match with less than 7 players - the minimum number of players required to commence play.

 

4.     A Tie

The result of a match shall be a Tie when the scores are equal at the conclusion of play, but only if the side batting last has completed its innings.

 

5.     A Draw

a.        Games that are abandoned due to rain or other reasons or games in which the minimum numbers overs that constitute a match could not be bowled shall be considered as DRAW and both teams shall be awarded 2 points each, subject to the following conditions being fulfilled;

                            i.         At least 7 players should be available from each team before the scheduled start time

                           ii.         The umpire is of the opinion that the game cannot be completed even by extending the cessation of play. Any team refusing to play when the umpire is of the opinion that play is possible shall be construed as Refusal to play and the match to be forfeited by the team refusing to play.

 

b.        Save for a match that has been awarded to a team as a consequence of the opposing teams refusal to play (Law 21.3), a draw shall be possible only if both teams do not have the opportunity of batting at least 25 overs (Super League and Div 1), 20 overs (Div Thirty-30), 10 overs (Abid Laheri Night Tournament) UNLESS the team batting second is All Out or Scores the runs needed in less than the Minimum Overs that need to be bowled to constitute a match.

 

c.         The above condition does not apply if any of the teams playing has been affected by the 3 match rain-out rule, in which case the match shall be rescheduled to a different date and not declared a Draw.

 

6.     Winning hit or extras

a.        As soon as a result is reached, as defined in 1, 2, 3 or 4 above, the match is at an end. Nothing that happens thereafter, except as in Law 42.17(b), shall be regarded as part of it. Note also 9 below.

b.        The side batting last will have scored enough runs to win only if its total of runs is sufficient without including any runs completed before the dismissal of the striker by the completion of a catch or by the obstruction of a catch.

c.         If a boundary is scored before the batsmen have completed sufficient runs to win the match, then the whole of the boundary allowance shall be credited to the side's total and, in the case of a hit by the bat, to the striker's score.

 

7.     Statement of result

If the side batting last wins the match without losing all its wickets, the result shall be stated as a win by the number of wickets still then to fall.

 

If the side batting last has lost all its wickets but, as the result of an award of 5 penalty runs at the end of the match, has scored a total of runs in excess of the total scored by the opposing side, the result shall be stated as a win to that side by Penalty runs.

 

If the side fielding last wins the match, the result shall be stated as a win by runs.

 

If the match is decided by one side conceding defeat or refusing to play, the result shall be stated as Match Conceded or Match Awarded as the case may be.

 

8.     Correctness of result

Any decision as to the correctness of the scores shall be the responsibility of the umpires. See Law 3.15 (Correctness of scores).

 

9.     Mistakes in scoring

If, after the umpires and players have left the field in the belief that the match has been concluded, the umpires discover that a mistake in scoring has occurred which affects the result, then, subject to 10 below, they shall adopt the following procedure.

If, when the players leave the field, the side batting last has not completed its innings, and

either                      (i) the number of overs to be bowled in the last hour has not been completed,

or                            (ii) the agreed finishing time has not been reached, then unless one side concedes defeat the umpires shall order play to resume.

 

If conditions permit, play will then continue until the prescribed number of overs has been completed and the time remaining has elapsed, unless a result is reached earlier. The number of overs and/or the time remaining shall be taken as they were when the players left the field; no account shall be taken of the time between that moment and the resumption of play.

 

If, when the players leave the field, the overs have been completed and time has been reached, or if the side batting last has completed its innings, the umpires shall immediately inform both captains of the necessary corrections to the scores and to the result.

 

10.   Result not to be changed

Once the umpires have agreed with the scorers the correctness of the scores at the conclusion of the match – see Laws 3.15 (Correctness of scores) and 4.2 (Correctness of scores) – the result cannot thereafter be changed.

 

11.   Prematurely Terminated Matches - Calculation of the Target Score

a.        Interrupted Matches - Calculation of the Target Score

If, the play is suspension after the start of the match, before calling the match off, the umpires shall check the forecast and if further play would be possible, the Cessation of play shall be extended to allow the teams to

                                      i.        Firstly complete the minimum number of overs required for it to be constituted a match, failing which the result would be a Draw, and then.

                                     ii.        Try to complete the match fully in order to get a proper result, failing which the winning target for the team batting second would be the ‘Par Score’ at the end of the 20^th over of the team batting first.

 

b.        Prematurely Terminated Matches

                                      i.        The league has decided to implement Duckworth Lewis (D/L) method to decide the Result in case of Rained out or weather affected matches (where the minimum number of overs have been bowled) - using the 20 over cut off rule

                                     ii.        Duckworth-Lewis WILL NOT BE APPLIED TO THE FIRST INNINGS- all first innings of MCC games will be completed up to the number of overs decided at the start of the game.

                                    iii.        DL WILL NOT BE APPLIED to SECOND INNINGS of games UNTIL 20 OVERS ARE COMPLETE (in Super League and Division One), and UNTIL 15 OVERS ARE COMPLETE (in Division 30-30). All games abandoned before this cut-off will be considered rained-out games, with 2 points to each team.

                                    iv.        For GAMES ABANDONED AFTER THIS CUT-OFF POINT ONLY, the Standard Edition of Duckworth-Lewis will be used, using the Table provided, to decide the result of the games.

                                     v.        At the end of the game, THE WICKETS LOST AND THE OVERS REMAINING AT THE LAST COMPLETED delivery before the game was abandoned, will be used to calculate the DL result (thus, for example, if a game is abandoned after 26.5 overs, the score, wickets and overs recorded at 26.0 overs by the scorer, i.e. before the current over was begun, will be used with the DL table to calculate the result of the game).

                                    vi.        If the innings of the side batting second is suspended (with the minimum overs that constitute a match being bowled) and it is not possible for the match to be resumed, the match will be decided by comparison of the ‘Par Score’ at the end of the 20^th over of the team batting first. If the score is equal to the par score, the match is a Tie. Otherwise the result is a victory, or defeat, by the margin of runs by which the score exceeds, or falls short of, the Par Score.

PLEASE SEE THE ILLUSTRATION POSTED ON THE WEB IN THE RULES SECTIONS

 

12.   Points

a.        Preliminary Matches

 

In the league matches the points shall be awarded as follows:

 

Win, Teams receiving Walk over	4 points
Draw, Tie or No Result	2 points
Loss	0 points
Team giving Walkover in Super League	- 8 points
Team giving Walk over in Div 1, Thirty/30	-4 points

 

In the event of teams finishing on equal points on the points table, the right to play in the playoff matches or series will be determined as follows:

The team with the most number of wins over the other team(s) who are equal on points and have the same number of wins (Head to Head wins)
If still equal, the team with the Most number of Wins in the regular season
If still equal, the team with the Least number of Losses in the regular season
If still equal, the team with the Most number of wins in the regular season against Common Opponents (defined as the opponents played in common by all teams still tied)
If still equal, the team with the highest number of wins against Quality Opponents (defined as teams who have qualified for or tied with teams qualifying for playoffs)
If still equal, the team with the highest net run rate (NRR)
In a match declared as no result, run rate is not applicable.

 

b.        Net Run Rate

A team’s net run rate is calculated by deducting from the average runs per over scored by that team throughout the competition, the average runs per over scored against that team throughout the competition. In the event of a team being all out in less than its full quota of overs, the calculation of its net run rate shall be based on the full quota of overs to which it would have been entitled and not on the number of overs in which the team was dismissed.

 

Only those matches where results are achieved will count for the purpose of net run rate calculations.

 

Where a match is abandoned, but a result is achieved under the 20 Overs cut off rule, for net run rate purposes Team 1 will be accredited with Team 2’s Par Score on abandonment off the same number of overs faced by Team 2.

 

c.        Final Match or Series

If no result is achieved in a final the match shall be declared drawn. In the event of a drawn final, the Championship trophy will be shared by the two finalists.

 

Law 22 - The Over

1.     Number of balls

The ball shall be bowled from each wicket alternately in overs of 6 balls

 

2.     Start of an over

An over has started when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his delivery action for the first delivery of that over.

 

3.     Call of Over

When 6 balls have been bowled other than those which are not to count in the over and as the ball becomes dead – see Law 23 (Dead ball) – the umpire shall call Over before leaving the wicket.

 

4.     Balls not to count in the over

a)     A ball shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over unless it is delivered, even though a batsman may be dismissed or some other incident occurs before the ball is delivered.

b)     A ball which is delivered by the bowler shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over

                              i.        if it is called dead, or is to be considered dead, before the striker has had an opportunity to play it. See Law 23 (Dead ball).

                             ii.        if it is a No ball. See Law 24 (No ball).

                            iii.        if it is a Wide. See Law 25 (Wide ball).

                            iv.        if it is called dead in the circumstances of Law 23.3(b)(vi) (Umpire calling and signaling Dead ball).

                             v.        when 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side under any of Laws 2.6 (Player returning without permission), 41.2 (Fielding the ball), 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) or 42.5 (Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman).

 

5.     Umpire miscounting

If an umpire miscounts the number of balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand. Whenever possible the third umpire shall liaise with the scorers and if possible inform the on-field umpires if the over has been miscounted.

 

6.     Bowler changing ends

A bowler shall be allowed to change ends as often as desired, provided that he does not bowl two overs, or parts thereof, consecutively in the same innings

 

7.     Finishing an over

a)     Other than at the end of an innings, a bowler shall finish an over in progress unless he is incapacitated, or he is suspended under any of the Laws.

b)     If for any reason, other than the end of an innings, an over is left uncompleted at the start of an interval or interruption of play, it shall be completed on resumption of play.

 

8.     Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over

If for any reason a bowler is incapacitated while running up to bowl the first ball of an over, or is incapacitated or suspended during an over, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball. Another bowler shall complete the over from the same end, provided that he does not bowl two overs, or parts thereof, consecutively in one innings

 

3.     Law 23 - Dead Ball

1.     Ball is dead

a)     The ball becomes dead when

                              i.        it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or the bowler.

                             ii.        a boundary is scored. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).

                            iii.        a batsman is dismissed.

                            iv.        whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment.

                             v.        whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or the clothing of an umpire.

                            vi.        it lodges in a protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side.

                           vii.        there is a contravention of either of Laws 41.2 (Fielding the ball) or 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).

                          viii.        there is an award of penalty runs under Law 2.6 (Player returning without permission).

                            ix.        Lost ball is called. See Law 20 (Lost ball).

                             x.        the umpire calls Over or Time.

 

b)     The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the umpire at the bowler's end that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.

 

2.     Ball finally settled

Whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.

 

3.     Umpire calling and signaling Dead ball

a)     When the ball has become dead under 1 above, the bowler's end umpire may call Dead ball, if it is necessary to inform the players.

b)     Either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball when

                              i.        he intervenes in a case of unfair play.

                             ii.        a serious injury to a player or umpire occurs.

                            iii.        he leaves his normal position for consultation.

                            iv.        one or both bails fall from the striker's wicket before he has the opportunity of playing the ball.

                             v.        he is satisfied that for an adequate reason the striker is not ready for the delivery of the ball and, if the ball is delivered, makes no attempt to play it.

                            vi.        the striker is distracted by any noise or movement or in any other way while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery. This shall apply whether the source of the distraction is within the game or outside it. Note, however, the provisions of Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract the striker).

The ball shall not count as one of the over.

                           vii.        the bowler drops the ball accidentally before delivery.

                          viii.        the ball does not leave the bowler's hand for any reason other than an attempt to run out the non-striker before entering his delivery stride. See Law 42.15 (Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery).

                            ix.        he is required to do so under any of the Laws.

 

4.     Ball ceases to be dead

The ball ceases to be dead – that is, it comes into play – when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his bowling action.

 

5.     Action on call of Dead ball

a)     A ball is not to count as one of the over if it becomes dead or is to be considered dead before the striker has had an opportunity to play it.

b)     If the ball becomes dead or is to be considered dead after the striker has had an opportunity to play the ball, except in the circumstances of 3(vi) above and Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker), no additional delivery shall be allowed unless No ball or Wide has been called.

 

Law 24 - No Ball

1.     Mode of delivery

a)     The umpire shall ascertain whether the bowler intends to bowl right handed or left handed, over or round the wicket, and shall so inform the striker.

It is unfair if the bowler fails to notify the umpire of a change in his mode of delivery. In this case the umpire shall call and signal No ball.

b)     Underarm bowling shall not be permitted. If a bowler bowls a ball underarm the umpire shall call and signal no ball, and the ball is to be re-bowled overarm.

 

2.     Fair delivery – the arm

The main umpire (and not the square leg umpire) can make a determination whether a ball has been bowled fairly with respect to his bowling arm. He can discuss with square leg umpire if needed. This delivery will be declared a NO ball.

 

3.     Definition of fair delivery – the arm

This law is inapplicable to MCC league and no umpire is empowered to make a call on unfair delivery/action

 

4.     Bowler throwing towards striker's end before delivery

If the bowler throws the ball towards the striker's end before entering his delivery stride, either umpire shall call and signal No ball. See Law 42.16 (Batsmen stealing a run). However, the procedure stated in 2 above of caution, informing, final warning, action against the bowler and reporting shall not apply.

5.     Fair delivery – the feet

For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride

a.     the bowler's back foot must land within and not touching the return crease.

b.     the bowler's front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised, behind the popping crease.

If the umpire at the bowler's end is not satisfied that both these conditions have been met, he shall call and signal No ball.

 

Free Hit after a foot-fault no ball

In addition to the above the delivery following a no ball called for a foot fault (Law 24.5) shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it. If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or a wide ball) then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it.

 

For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball.

 

Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of striker (the provisions of clause 41.2 shall apply).

 

 The umpires will signal a free hit by (after the normal No Ball signal) extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion.

 

6.     Ball bouncing more than twice or rolling along the ground

The umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal No ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched the bat or person of the striker,

either                      (i) bounces more than twice

or                            (ii) rolls along the ground

before it reaches the popping crease.

 

7.     Ball coming to rest in front of striker's wicket

If a ball delivered by the bowler comes to rest in front of the line of the striker's wicket, without having touched the bat or person of the striker, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead ball.

 

8.     Call of No ball for infringement of other Laws

In addition to the instances above, an umpire shall call and signal No ball as required by the following Laws.

Law 40.3 - Position of wicket-keeper

Law 41.5 - Limitation of on side fielders

Law 41.6 - Fielders not to encroach on the pitch

Law 42.6 - Dangerous and unfair bowling

Law 42.7 - Dangerous and unfair bowling – action by the umpire

Law 42.8 - Deliberate bowling of high full pitched balls.

 

9.     Revoking a call of No ball

An umpire shall revoke the call of No ball if the ball does not leave the bowler's hand for any reason.

 

10.   No ball to over-ride Wide

A call of No ball shall over-ride the call of Wide ball at any time. See Law 25.1 (Judging a Wide) and 25.3 (Call and signal of Wide ball).

 

11.   Ball not dead

The ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.

 

12.   Penalty for a No ball

A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of No ball. Unless the call is revoked, this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed. It shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.

 

13.   Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored

The one run penalty for a No ball shall be scored as a No ball extra. If other penalty runs have been awarded to either side, these shall be scored as in Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). Any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat; otherwise they also shall be scored as No ball extras.

 

Apart from any award of a 5 run penalty, all runs resulting from a No ball, whether as No ball extras or credited to the striker, shall be debited against the bowler.

 

14.   No ball not to count

A No ball shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.4 (Balls not to count in the over).

 

15.   Out from a No ball

When No ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws except;

Law 33 (Handled the ball),

Law 34 (Hit the ball twice),

Law 37 (Obstructing the field) or

Law 38 (Run out).

 

Law 25 - Wide Ball

1.     Judging a Wide

a.     If the bowler bowls a ball, not being a No ball, the umpire shall adjudge it a Wide if, according to the definition in (b) below, in his opinion the ball passes wide of the striker where he is standing and would also have passed wide of him standing in a normal guard position.

b.     The ball will be considered as passing wide of the striker unless it is sufficiently within his reach for him to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke.

 

2.     Delivery not a Wide

The umpire shall not adjudge a delivery as being a Wide

a.     if the striker, by moving,

either            (i) causes the ball to pass wide of him, as defined in 1(b) above

or                  (ii) brings the ball sufficiently within his reach to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket  stroke.

b.     if the ball touches the striker's bat or person.

 

3.     Call and signal of Wide ball

a.     If the umpire adjudges a delivery to be a Wide he shall call and signal Wide ball as soon as the ball passes the striker's wicket. It shall, however, be considered to have been a Wide from the instant of delivery, even though it cannot be called Wide until it passes the striker's wicket.

b.     The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if there is then any contact between the ball and the striker's bat or person.

c.     The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if a delivery is called a No ball. See Law 24.10 (No ball to over-ride Wide).

 

4.     Ball not dead

The ball does not become dead on the call of Wide ball.

 

5.     Penalty for a Wide

A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of Wide ball. Unless the call is revoked (see 3 above), this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed, and shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.

 

6.     Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored

All runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance, together with the penalty for the Wide, shall be scored as Wide balls. Apart from any award of a 5 run penalty, all runs resulting from a Wide shall be debited against the bowler.

 

7.      Wide not to count

A Wide shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.4 (Balls not to count in the over).

 

8.     Out from a Wide

When Wide ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws except;

Law 33 (Handled the ball),

Law 35 (Hit wicket),

Law 37 (Obstructing the field),

Law 38 (Run out) or

Law 39 (Stumped).

 

Law 26 - Bye and Leg Bye

1.     Byes

If the ball, not being a No ball or a Wide, passes the striker without touching his bat or person, any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited as Byes to the batting side.

 

2.     Leg byes

a.     If a ball delivered by the bowler first strikes the person of the striker, runs shall be scored only if the umpire is satisfied that the striker has

either              (i) attempted to play the ball with his bat,

or                    (ii) tried to avoid being hit by the ball.

If the umpire is satisfied that either of these conditions has been met, and the ball makes no subsequent contact with the bat, runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the batting side as in (b). Note, however, the provisions of Laws 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once) and 34.4 (Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once)

 

b.     The runs in (a) above shall,

                      i.        if the delivery is not a No Ball, be scored as Leg byes.

                     ii.        if No ball has been called, be scored together with the penalty for the No ball as No ball extras.

 

3.     Leg byes not to be awarded

If in the circumstances of 2(a) above the umpire considers that neither of the conditions (i) and (ii) therein has been met, then Leg byes will not be awarded. The batting side shall not be credited with any runs from that delivery apart from the one run penalty for a No ball if applicable. Moreover, no other penalties shall be

awarded to the batting side when the ball is dead. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). The following procedure shall be adopted.

c.     If no run is attempted but the ball reaches the boundary, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball, and disallow the boundary.

d.     If runs are attempted and if

                      i.        neither batsman is dismissed and the ball does not become dead for any other reason, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary. The batsmen shall return to their original ends. The run or boundary shall be disallowed.

                     ii.        before one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary, a batsman is dismissed, or the ball becomes dead for any other reason, all the provisions of the Laws will apply, except that no runs and no penalties shall be credited to the batting side, other than the penalty for a No
 ball if applicable.

 

Law 27 - Appeals

 

1.     Umpire not to give batsman out without an appeal

Neither umpire shall give a batsman out, even though he may be out under the Laws, unless appealed to by the fielding side. This shall not debar a batsman who is out under any of the Laws from leaving his wicket without an appeal having been made. Note, however, the provisions of 7 below.

 

2.     Batsman dismissed

A batsman is dismissed if either (a) he is given out by an umpire, on appeal or (b) he is out under any of the Laws and leaves his wicket as

in 1 above.

 

3.     Timing of appeals

For an appeal to be valid it must be made before the bowler begins his run up or, if he has no run up, his bowling action to deliver the next ball, and before Time has been called. The call of Over does not invalidate an appeal made prior to the start of the following over provided Time has not been called. See Laws 16.2 (Call of Time) and 22.2 (Start of an over).

 

4.     Appeal "How's That?"

An appeal "How's That?" covers all ways of being out.

 

5.     Answering appeals

The umpire at the bowler's end shall answer all appeals except those arising out of any of Laws 35 (Hit wicket), 39 (Stumped) or 38 (Run out) when this occurs at the striker's wicket. A decision Not out by one umpire shall not prevent the other umpire from giving a decision, provided that each is considering only matters within his jurisdiction.

 

When a batsman has been given Not out, either umpire may, within his jurisdiction, answer a further appeal provided that it is made in accordance with 3 above.

 

6.     Consultation by umpires

Each umpire shall answer appeals on matters within his own jurisdiction. If an umpire is doubtful about any point that the other umpire may have been in a better position to see, he shall consult the latter on this point of fact and shall then give his decision. If, after consultation, there is still doubt remaining the decision shall be Not out.

 

7.     Batsman leaving his wicket under a misapprehension

An umpire shall intervene if satisfied that a batsman, not having been given out, has left his wicket under a misapprehension that he is out. The umpire intervening shall call and signal Dead ball to prevent any further action by the fielding side and shall recall the batsman.

 

8.     Withdrawal of an appeal

The captain of the fielding side may withdraw an appeal only with the consent of the umpire within whose jurisdiction the appeal falls and before the outgoing batsman has left the field of play. If such consent is given the umpire concerned shall, if applicable, revoke his decision and recall the batsman.

 

9.     Umpire's decision

An umpire may alter his decision provided that such alteration is made promptly. This apart, an umpire's decision, once made, is final.

 

4.     Law 28 - The Wicket is Down

1.     Wicket put down

a.     The wicket is put down if a bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or a stump is struck out of the ground by

                      i.        the ball.

                     ii.        the striker's bat, whether he is holding it or has let go of it.

                    iii.        the striker's person or by any part of his clothing or equipment becoming detached from his person.

                    iv.        a fielder, with his hand or arm, providing that the ball is held in the hand or hands so used, or in the hand of the arm so used.

The wicket is also put down if a fielder pulls a stump out of the ground in the same manner.

b.     The disturbance of a bail, whether temporary or not, shall not constitute its complete removal from the top of the stumps, but if a bail in falling lodges between two of the stumps this shall be regarded as complete removal.

2.     One bail off

If one bail is off, it shall be sufficient for the purpose of putting the wicket down to remove the remaining bail, or to strike or pull any of the three stumps out of the ground, in any of the ways stated in 1 above.

 

3.     Remaking the wicket

If the wicket is broken or put down while the ball is in play, the umpire shall not remake the wicket until the ball is dead. See Law 23 (Dead ball). Any fielder, however, may

                      i.        replace a bail or bails on top of the stumps.

                     ii.        put back one or more stumps into the ground where the wicket originally stood.

 

4.     Dispensing with bails

If the umpires have agreed to dispense with bails, in accordance with Law 8.5 (Dispensing with bails), the decision as to whether the wicket has been put down is one for the umpire concerned to decide.

a.     After a decision to play without bails, the wicket has been put down if the umpire concerned is satisfied that the wicket has been struck by the ball, by the striker's bat, person, or items of his clothing or equipment separated from his person as described in 1(a)(ii) or 1(a)(iii) above, or by a fielder with the hand holding the ball or with the arm of the hand holding the ball.

b.     If the wicket has already been broken or put down, (a) above shall apply to any stump or stumps still in the ground. Any fielder may replace a stump or stumps, in accordance with 3 above, in order to have an opportunity of putting the wicket down.

 

Law 29 - Batsman out of His Ground

1.     When out of his ground

A batsman shall be considered to be out of his ground unless his bat or some part of his person is grounded behind the popping crease at that end.

 

If the running batsman has grounded any part of his foot behind the popping crease, then any subsequent loss of contact with the ground of his person or bat, during his continuing forward momentum, should not be interpreted as being ‘out of his ground’.

 

2.     Which is a batsman's ground

a.     If only one batsman is within a ground

                      i.        it is his ground.

                     ii.        it remains his ground even if he is later joined there by the other batsman.

b.     If both batsmen are in the same ground and one of them subsequently leaves it, (a)(i) above applies.

                      i.        If there is no batsman in either ground, then each ground belongs to whichever of the batsmen is nearer to it, or, if the batsmen are level, to whichever was nearer to it immediately prior to their drawing level.

                     ii.        If a ground belongs to one batsman then, unless there is a striker with a runner, the other ground belongs to the other batsman irrespective of his position.

                    iii.        When a batsman with a runner is striker, his ground is always that at the wicket-keeper's end. However, (a), (b), (c) and (d) above will still apply, but only to the runner and the non-striker, so that that ground will also belong to either the non-striker or the runner, as the case may be.

 

3.     Position of non-striker

The non-striker, when standing at the bowler's end, should be positioned on the opposite side of the wicket to that from which the ball is being delivered, unless a request to do otherwise is granted by the umpire.

 

Law 30 - Bowled

1.     Out Bowled

a.     The striker is out Bowled if his wicket is put down by a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a No ball, even if it first touches his bat or person.

b.     Notwithstanding (a) above he shall not be out Bowled if before striking the wicket the ball has been in contact with any other player or with an umpire. He will, however, be subject to Laws 33 (Handled the ball), 37 (Obstructing the field), 38 (Run out) and 39 (Stumped).

2.     Bowled to take precedence

The striker is out Bowled if his wicket is put down as in 1 above, even though a decision against him for any other method of dismissal would be justified.

 

Law 31 - Timed Out

1.     Out Timed out

a.     Unless Time has been called, the incoming batsman must be in position to take guard or for his partner to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the fall of the previous wicket. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batsman will be out, Timed out.

b.     In the event of protracted delay in which no batsman comes to the wicket, the umpires shall adopt the procedure of Law 21.3 (Umpires awarding a match). For the purposes of that Law the start of the action shall be taken as the expiry of the 3 minutes referred to above.

2.     Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

 

Law 32 – Caught

1.     Out Caught

The striker is out Caught if a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a No ball, touches his bat without having previously been in contact with any member of the fielding side and is subsequently held by a fielder as a fair catch before it touches the ground.

2.     Caught to take precedence

If the criteria of 1 above are met and the striker is not out Bowled, then he is out Caught, even though a decision against either batsman for another method of dismissal would be justified. Runs completed by the batsmen before the completion of the catch will not be scored. Note also Laws 21.6 (Winning hit or extras) and 42.17(b) (Penalty runs).

3.     A fair catch

A catch shall be considered to have been fairly made if

a.     throughout the act of making the catch

                      i.        any fielder in contact with the ball is within the field of play. See 4 below.

                     ii.        the ball is at no time in contact with any object grounded beyond the boundary.

The act of making the catch shall start from the time when a fielder first handles the ball and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control both over the ball and over his own movement.

b.     the ball is hugged to the body of the catcher or accidentally lodges in his clothing or, in the case of the wicket-keeper, in his pads. However, it is not a fair catch if the ball lodges in a protective helmet worn by a fielder. See Law 23 (Dead ball).

c.     the ball does not touch the ground, even though the hand holding it does so in effecting the catch.

d.     a fielder catches the ball after it has been lawfully struck more than once by the striker, but only if the ball has not touched the ground since first being struck.

e.     a fielder catches the ball after it has touched an umpire, another fielder or the other batsman. However, it is not a fair catch if the ball has touched a protective helmet worn by a fielder, although the ball remains in play.

f.      a fielder catches the ball in the air after it has crossed the boundary provided that

                        i.      he has no part of his person touching, or grounded beyond, the boundary at any time when he is in contact with the ball.

                       ii.      the ball has not been grounded beyond the boundary. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).

g.     the ball is caught off an obstruction within the boundary, provided it has not previously been decided to regard the obstruction as a boundary.

 

4.     Fielder within the field of play

a.     A fielder is not within the field of play if he touches the boundary or has any part of his person grounded beyond the boundary. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).

b.     6 runs shall be scored if a fielder

                      i.        has any part of his person touching, or grounded beyond, the boundary when he catches the ball.

                     ii.        catches the ball and subsequently touches the boundary or grounds some part of his person over the boundary while carrying the ball but before completing the catch.

See Laws 19.3 (Scoring a boundary) and 19.4 (Runs allowed for boundaries).

5.     No runs to be scored

If the striker is dismissed Caught, runs from that delivery completed by the batsmen before the completion of the catch shall not be scored, but any penalties awarded to either side when the ball is dead, if applicable, will stand. Law 18.12(a) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply from the instant of the catch.

 

Law 33 - Handled the Ball

1.     Out Handled the ball

Either batsman is out Handled the ball if he willfully touches the ball while in play with a hand or hands not holding the bat unless he does so with the consent of the opposing side.

2.     Not out Handled the ball

Notwithstanding 1 above, a batsman will not be out under this Law if

                      i.        he handles the ball in order to avoid injury.

                     ii.        he uses his hand or hands to return the ball to any member of the fielding side without the consent of that side. Note, however, the provisions of Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a member of the fielding side).

3.     Runs scored

If either batsman is dismissed under this Law, any runs completed before the offence, together with any penalty extras and the penalty for a No ball or Wide, if applicable, shall be scored. See Laws 18.10 (Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed) and 42.17 (Penalty runs).

4.     Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

 

Law 34 - Hit the Ball Twice

1.     Out Hit the ball twice

a.     The striker is out Hit the ball twice if, while the ball is in play, it strikes any part of his person or is struck by his bat and, before the ball has been touched by a fielder, he willfully strikes it again with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, except for the sole purpose of guarding his wicket. See 3 below and Laws 33 (Handled the ball) and 37 (Obstructing the field).

b.     For the purpose of this Law, 'struck' or 'strike' shall include contact with the person of the striker.

2.     Not out Hit the ball twice

Notwithstanding 1(a) above, the striker will not be out under this Law if

                      i.        he makes a second or subsequent stroke in order to return the ball to any member of the fielding side. Note, however, the provisions of Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a member of the fielding side).

                     ii.        he wilfully strikes the ball after it has touched a fielder. Note, however, the provisions of Law 37.1 (Out Obstructing the field).

3.     Ball lawfully struck more than once

Solely in order to guard his wicket and before the ball has been touched by a fielder, the striker may lawfully strike the ball more than once with his bat or with any part of his person other than a hand not holding the bat.

Notwithstanding this provision, the striker may not prevent the ball from being caught by making more than one stroke in defence of his wicket. See Law 37.3 (Obstructing a ball from being caught).

4.     Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once

When the ball is lawfully struck more than once, as permitted in 3 above, only the first strike is to be considered in determining whether runs are to be allowed and how they are to be scored.

a.     If on the first strike the umpire is satisfied that

either                      (i) the ball first struck the bat

or                            (ii) the striker attempted to play the ball with his bat

or                            (iii) the striker tried to avoid being hit by the ball then any penalties to the batting side that are applicable shall be allowed.

b.     If the conditions in (a) above are met then, if they result from overthrows, and only if they result from overthrows, runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary will be allowed in addition to any penalties that are applicable. They shall be credited to the striker if the first strike was with the bat. If the first strike was on the person of the striker they shall be scored as Leg byes or No ball extras, as appropriate. See Law 26.2 (Leg byes).

c.     If the conditions of (a) above are met and there is no overthrow until after the batsmen have started to run, but before one run is completed,

                        i.        only subsequent completed runs or a boundary shall be allowed. The first run shall count as a completed run for this purpose only if the batsmen have not crossed at the instant of the throw.

                       ii.        if in these circumstances the ball goes to the boundary from the throw then, notwithstanding the provisions of Law 19.6 (Overthrow or wilful act of fielder), only the boundary allowance shall be scored.

                    iii.        if the ball goes to the boundary as the result of a further overthrow, then runs completed by the batsmen after the first throw and before this final throw shall be added to the boundary allowance. The run in progress at the first throw will count only if they have not crossed at that moment; the run in progress at the final throw shall count only if they have crossed at that moment. Law 18.12 (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the moment of the final throw.

d.     If, in the opinion of the umpire, none of the conditions in (a) above have been met then, whether there is an overthrow or not, the batting side shall not be credited with any runs from that delivery apart from the penalty for a No ball if applicable. Moreover, no other penalties shall be awarded to the batting side when the ball is dead. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).

5.     Ball lawfully struck more than once – action by the umpire

If no runs are to be allowed, either in the circumstances of 4(d) above, or because there has been no overthrow and

a.     if no run is attempted but the ball reaches the boundary, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball and disallow the boundary.

b.     (b) if the batsmen run and

                        i.        neither batsman is dismissed and the ball does not become dead for any other reason, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary. The batsmen shall return to their original ends. The run or boundary shall be disallowed.

                       ii.        a batsman is dismissed, or if for any other reason the ball becomes dead before one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary, all the provisions of the Laws will apply except that the award of penalties to the batting side shall be as laid down in 4(a) or 4(d) above as appropriate.

6.     Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

 

Law 35 - Hit Wicket

1.     Out Hit wicket

a.     The striker is out Hit wicket if, after the bowler has entered his delivery stride and while the ball is in play, his wicket is put down either by the striker’s bat or by his person as described in Law 28.1(a)(ii) and (iii) (Wicket put down)

either      (i) in the course of any action taken by him in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery,

or            (ii) in setting off for his first run immediately after playing, or playing at, the ball,

or            (iii) if he makes no attempt to play the ball, in setting off for his first run, providing that in the opinion of the umpire this is immediately after he has had the opportunity of playing the ball,

or            (iv) in lawfully making a second or further stroke for the purpose of guarding his wicket within the provisions of Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).

b.     If the striker puts his wicket down in any of the ways described in Law 28.1(a)(ii) and (iii) (Wicket put down) before the bowler has entered his delivery stride, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball.

2.     Not out Hit wicket

Notwithstanding 1 above, the batsman is not out under this Law should his wicket be put down in any of the ways referred to in 1 above if

a.     it occurs after he has completed any action in receiving the delivery, other than in 1(a)(ii), (iii) or (iv) above.

b.     it occurs when he is in the act of running, other than in setting off immediately for his first run.

c.     it occurs when he is trying to avoid being run out or stumped.

d.     it occurs while he is trying to avoid a throw-in at any time.

e.     the bowler, after entering his delivery stride, does not deliver the ball. In this case either umpire shall immediately call and signal Dead ball. See Law 23.3 (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball).

f.      the delivery is a No ball.

 

Law 36 - Leg Before Wicket

1.     Out LBW

The striker is out LBW in the circumstances set out below.

a.     The bowler delivers a ball, not being a No ball and

b.     the ball, if it is not intercepted full pitch, pitches in line between wicket and wicket or on the off side of the striker's wicket and

c.     the ball not having previously touched his bat, the striker intercepts the ball, either full pitch or after pitching, with any part of his person and

d.     the point of impact, even if above the level of the bails

either      (i) is between wicket and wicket

or            (ii) is either between wicket and wicket or outside the line of the off stump, if the striker has made no genuine attempt to play the ball with his bat and

e.     but for the interception, the ball would have hit the wicket.

2.     Interception of the ball

a.     In assessing points (c), (d) and (e) in 1 above, only the first interception is to be considered.

b.     In assessing point (e) in 1 above, it is to be assumed that the path of the ball before interception would have continued after interception, irrespective of whether the ball might have pitched subsequently or not.

3.     Off side of wicket

The off side of the striker's wicket shall be determined by the striker's stance at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery.

 

Law 37 - Obstructing the Field

1.     Out Obstructing the field

Either batsman is out Obstructing the field if he wilfully obstructs or distracts the opposing side by word or action. It shall be regarded as obstruction if either batsman wilfully, and without the consent of the fielding side, strikes the ball with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, after the ball has touched a fielder. See 4 below.

2.     Accidental obstruction

It is for either umpire to decide whether any obstruction or distraction is wilful or not. He shall consult the other umpire if he has any doubt.

3.     Obstructing a ball from being caught

The striker is out should wilful obstruction or distraction by either batsman prevent a catch being made. This shall apply even though the striker causes the obstruction in lawfully guarding his wicket under the provisions of Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).

4.     Returning the ball to a member of the fielding side

Either batsman is out under this Law if, without the consent of the fielding side and while the ball is in play, he uses his bat or person to  return the ball to any member of that side.

5.     Runs scored

If a batsman is dismissed under this Law, runs completed by the batsmen before the offence shall be scored, together with the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable. Other penalties that may be awarded to either side when the ball is dead shall also stand. See Law 42.17(b) (Penalty runs).

 

If, however, the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, runs completed by the batsmen before the offence shall not be scored, but other penalties that may be awarded to either side when the ball is dead shall stand. See Law 42.17(b) (Penalty runs).

6.     Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

 

Law 38 - Run Out

1.     Out Run out

a.     Either batsman is out Run out, except as in 2 below, if at any time while the ball is in play

                        i.        he is out of his ground and

                       ii.        his wicket is fairly put down by the opposing side.

b.     (a) above shall apply even though No ball has been called and whether or not a run is being attempted, except in the circumstances of Law 39.3(b) (Not out Stumped).

2.     Batsman not Run out

Notwithstanding 1 above, a batsman is not out Run out if

a.     he has been within his ground and has subsequently left it to avoid injury, when the wicket is put down.

b.     the ball has not subsequently been touched again by a fielder, after the bowler has entered his delivery stride, before the wicket is put down.

c.     the ball, having been played by the striker, or having come off his person, directly strikes a helmet worn by a fielder and without further contact with him or any other fielder rebounds directly on to the wicket. However, the ball remains in play and either batsman may be Run out in the circumstances of 1 above if a wicket is subsequently put down.

d.     he is out Stumped. See Law 39.1(b) (Out Stumped).

e.     he is out of his ground, not attempting a run and his wicket is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another member of the fielding side, if No ball has been called. See Law 39.3(b) (Not out Stumped).

3.     Which batsman is out

The batsman out in the circumstances of 1 above is the one whose ground is at the end where the wicket is put down. See Laws 2.8

(Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner) and 29.2 (Which is a batsman's ground).

4.     Runs scored

If a batsman is dismissed Run out, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the dismissal, together with the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable. Other penalties to either side that may be awarded when the ball is dead shall also stand. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).

 

If, however, a striker with a runner is himself dismissed Run out, runs completed by the runner and the other batsman before the dismissal shall not be scored. The penalty for a No ball or a Wide and any other penalties to either side that may be awarded when the ball is dead shall stand. See Laws 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner) and 42.17(b) (Penalty runs).

5.     Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

 

Law 39 - Stumped

1.     Out Stumped

a.     The striker is out Stumped if

                          i.        he is out of his ground AND

                         ii.        he is receiving a ball which is not a No ball AND

                        iii.        he is not attempting a run AND

                        iv.        his wicket is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another member of the fielding side. Note Law 40.3 (Position of wicketkeeper).

b.     The striker is out Stumped if all the conditions of (a) above are satisfied, even though a decision of Run out would be justified.

2.     Ball rebounding from wicket-keeper's person

a.     If the wicket is put down by the ball, it shall be regarded as having been put down by the wicket-keeper if the ball

                          i.        rebounds on to the stumps from any part of his person or equipment, other than a protective helmet OR

                         ii.        has been kicked or thrown on to the stumps by the wicket-keeper.

b.     If the ball touches a helmet worn by the wicket-keeper, the ball is still in play but the striker shall not be out Stumped. He will, however, be liable to be Run out in these circumstances if there is subsequent contact between the ball and any member of the fielding side. Note, however, 3 below.

3.     Not out Stumped

a.     If the striker is not out Stumped, he is liable to be out Run out if the conditions of Law 38 (Run out) apply, except as set out in (b) below.

b.     The striker shall not be out Run out if he is out of his ground, not attempting a run, and his wicket is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another member of the fielding side, if No ball has been called.

 

Law 40 - The Wicket-Keeper

1.     Protective equipment

The wicket-keeper is the only member of the fielding side permitted to wear gloves and external leg guards. If he does so, these are to be regarded as part of his person for the purposes of Law 41.2 (Fielding the ball). If by his actions and positioning it is apparent to the umpires that he will not be able to discharge his duties as a wicket-keeper, he shall forfeit this right and also the right to be recognised as a wicket-keeper for the purposes of Laws 32.3 (A fair catch), 39 (Stumped), 41.1 (Protective equipment), 41.5 (Limitation of on side fielders) and 41.6 (Fielders not to encroach on the pitch).

2.     Gloves

If, as permitted under 1 above, the wicket-keeper wears gloves, they shall have no webbing between the fingers except joining index finger and thumb, where webbing may be inserted as a means of support. If used, the webbing shall be

a.     a single piece of non-stretch material which, although it may have facing material attached, shall have no reinforcement or tucks.

b.     such that the top edge of the webbing

                        i.      does not protrude beyond the straight line joining the top of the index finger to the top of the thumb.

                       ii.      is taut when a hand wearing the glove has the thumb fully extended. See Appendix C.

3.     Position of wicket-keeper

The wicket-keeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker's end from the moment the ball comes into play until

a.     a ball delivered by the bowler

either      (i) touches the bat or person of the striker

or            (ii) passes the wicket at the striker's end OR

b.     the striker attempts a run.

 

In the event of the wicket-keeper contravening this Law, the umpire at the striker's end shall call and signal No ball as soon as possible after the delivery of the ball.

4.     Movement by wicket-keeper

It is unfair if the wicket-keeper standing back makes a significant movement towards the wicket after the ball comes into play and before it reaches the striker. In the event of such unfair movement by the wicket-keeper, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball. It will not be considered a significant movement if the wicketkeeper moves a few paces forward for a slower delivery.

5.     Restriction on actions of wicket-keeper

If, in the opinion of either umpire, the wicket-keeper interferes with the striker’s right to play the ball and to guard his wicket, Law 23.3(b)(vi) (Umpire calling and signaling Dead ball) shall apply.

 

If, however, the umpire concerned considers that the interference by the wicket-keeper was wilful, then Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) shall apply.

6.     Interference with wicket-keeper by striker

If, in playing at the ball or in the legitimate defence of his wicket, the striker interferes with the wicket-keeper, he shall not be out, except as provided for in Law 37.3 (Obstructing a ball from being caught).

 

Law 41 - Fielder

1.     Protective equipment

No member of the fielding side other than the wicket-keeper shall be permitted to wear gloves or external leg guards. In addition, protection for the hand or fingers may be worn only with the consent of the umpires.

2.     Fielding the ball

A fielder may field the ball with any part of his person but if, while the ball is in play he wilfully fields it otherwise,

a.     the ball shall become dead and 5 penalty runs shall be awarded to the batting side. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). The ball shall not count as one of the over.

b.     the umpire shall inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

c.     the umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player concerned.

3.     Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side

Protective helmets, when not in use by fielders, shall only be placed, if above the surface, on the ground behind the wicketkeeper and in line with both sets of stumps. If a helmet belonging to the fielding side is on the ground within the field of play, and the ball while in play strikes it, the ball shall become dead. 5 penalty runs shall then be awarded to the batting side. See Laws 18.11 (Runs scored when ball becomes dead) and 42.17 (Penalty runs).

4.     Penalty runs not to be awarded

Notwithstanding 2 and 3 above, if from the delivery by the bowler the ball first struck the person of the striker and if, in the opinion of the umpire, the striker

neither                   (i) attempted to play the ball with his bat,

nor                          (ii) tried to avoid being hit by the ball,

then no award of 5 penalty runs shall be made and no other runs or penalties shall be credited to the batting side except the penalty for a No ball if applicable. See Law 26.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded).

5.     Field Restriction

a.     Mandatory Power play

                        i.        MCC league has introduced the Mandatory, Batting and Bowling power plays since 2011 season. The Power play overs shall be as follows;

Super League                                      : Overs 01 to 09 – Mandatory Power play   5 overs bowling power play and 4 overs batting powerplay

Division 1                                              : Overs 01 to 08 – Mandatory Power play  4 overs bowling power play and 4 overs batting powerplay

Division Thirty-30                                : Overs 01 to 06 – Mandatory Power play  3 overs bowling power play and 3 overs batting powerplay

Abid Laheri Night                                : Overs 01 to 04 – Mandatory Power play

In the event of reduction of overs, the mandatory Power play overs shall be proportionately reduced to a number equivalent to 30% of the newly stipulated number of overs. Any fractions during this calculation shall be ignored.

 

                       ii.        Mandatory powerplay is to be taken at the start of each innings introduced this season

                      iii.        No more than 2 players outside the 30 yard circle

                      iv.        At least 2 fielders within the 15 yard circle, in stationery position

b.     Bowling Powerplay can be taken by the fielding team captain at any time during the innings. Fielding captain can notify the umpire about PP at any time before the over commences.  No more than 3 players outside the 30 yard circle

c.     Batting powerplay can be taken by the batsmen on the field who is considered acting captain. Batsman must notify the umpire about PP no later than the moment umpire takes his position before the over starts -  No more than 3 players outside the 30 yard circle

d.     Should no team opt for the PP in Super League, the first set of power plays shall commence from 38-41 overs and the second set from 42-45 overs

e.     Should no team opt for the PP in Div 1, the first set of power plays shall commence from 33-36 overs and the second set from 37-40 overs

f.      Umpire shall sign to the scorer at the start of Fielding Power play, by rotating the palm in the shape of Big ‘O’.

·         A minimum of 2 fielders in stationary position within the 15 yards circle from the bat.

·         A maximum of 2 fielders outside the 30 yards circle. (If the fielding team has less than 11 players in  the game, they shall have to have 9 players within the 30 yard circle)

 

g.     On completion of the Power play overs, at the point of delivery, there shall be a minimum of 4 players, other than the wicket keeper and bowler, within the 30 yards circle

h.     At no point during the match should any team have more than 5 players on the On Side.

i.      At the instant of the bowler's delivery there shall not be more than two fielders, other than the wicket-keeper, behind the popping crease on the on side. A fielder will be considered to be behind the popping crease unless the whole of his person, whether grounded or in the air, is in front of this line.

In the event of infringement of this Law by the fielding side, the umpire at the striker's end shall call and signal No ball.

 

6.     Fielders not to encroach on the pitch

While the ball is in play and until the ball has made contact with the bat or person of the striker, or has passed the striker's bat, no fielder, other than the bowler, may have any part of his person grounded on or extended over the pitch.

 

In the event of infringement of this Law by any fielder other than the wicket-keeper, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal No ball as soon as possible after the delivery of the ball. Note, however, Law 40.3 (Position of wicket-keeper).

7.     Movement by fielders

Any significant movement by any fielder after the ball comes into play and before the ball reaches the striker is unfair. In the event of such unfair movement, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball. Note also the provisions of Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker).

8.     Definition of significant movement

a.     For close fielders anything other than minor adjustments to stance or position in relation to the striker is significant.

b.     In the outfield, fielders are permitted to move in towards the striker or striker's wicket, provided that 5 above is not contravened. Anything other than slight movement off line or away from the striker is to be considered significant.

c.     For restrictions on movement by the wicket-keeper see Law 40.4 (Movement by wicket-keeper).

 

Law 42 - Fair and Unfair Play

1.     Fair and unfair play – responsibility of captains

The responsibility lies with the captains for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit and traditions of the game, as described in The Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket, as well as within the Laws.

 

2.     Fair and unfair play – responsibility of umpires

The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play. If either umpire considers an action, not covered by the Laws, to be unfair, he shall intervene without appeal and, if the ball is in play, shall call and signal Dead ball and implement the procedure as set out in 18 below. Otherwise the umpires shall not interfere with the progress of play, except as required to do so by the Laws.

 

3.     The match ball – changing its condition

a.     Any fielder may

                                i.        polish the ball provided that no artificial substance is used and that such polishing wastes no time.

                               ii.        remove mud from the ball under the supervision of the umpire.

                              iii.        dry a wet ball on a towel.

b.     It is unfair for anyone to rub the ball on the ground for any reason, interfere with any of the seams or the surface of the ball, use any implement, or take any other action whatsoever which is likely to alter the condition of the ball, except as permitted in (a) above.

c.     The umpires shall make frequent and irregular inspections of the ball.

d.     In the event of any fielder changing the condition of the ball unfairly, as set out in (b) above, the umpires after consultation shall

                                i.        change the ball forthwith. It shall be for the umpires to decide on the replacement ball, which shall, in their opinion, have had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received immediately prior to the contravention.

                               ii.        inform the batsmen that the ball has been changed.

                              iii.        award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See 17 below.

                              iv.        inform the captain of the fielding side that the reason for the action was the unfair interference with the ball.

                               v.        inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable of what has occurred.

                              vi.        report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and team concerned.

e.     If there is any further instance of unfairly changing the condition of the ball in that innings, the umpires after consultation shall

                                i.        repeat the procedure in (d)(i), (ii) and (iii) above.

                               ii.        inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for the action taken and direct him to take off forthwith the bowler who delivered the immediately preceding ball. The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

                              iii.        inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable of what has occurred.

                              iv.        report this further occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and team concerned.

 

4.     Deliberate attempt to distract striker

It is unfair for any member of the fielding side deliberately to attempt to distract the striker while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery.

a.     If either umpire considers that any action by a member of the fielding side is such an attempt, at the first instance he shall

                                i.        immediately call and signal Dead ball.

                               ii.        warn the captain of the fielding side that the action is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning.

                              iii.        inform the other umpire and the batsmen of what has occurred.

 

Neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery and the ball shall not count as one of the over.

b.     If there is any further such deliberate attempt in that innings, by any member of the fielding side, the procedures, other than warning, as set out in (a) above shall apply. Additionally, the umpire at the bowler's end shall

                                i.        award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See 17 below.

                               ii.        inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action and, as soon as practicable, inform the captain of the batting side.

                              iii.        report the occurrence, together with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

 

5.     Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsma

In addition to 4 above, it is unfair for any member of the fielding side, by word or action, wilfully to attempt to distract or to obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball.

a.     It is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction or obstruction is wilful or not.

b.     If either umpire considers that a member of the fielding side has wilfully caused or attempted to cause such a distraction or obstruction he shall

                                i.        immediately call and signal Dead ball.

                               ii.        inform the captain of the fielding side and the other umpire of the reason for the call.

Additionally,

                              iii.        neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery.

                              iv.        5 penalty runs shall be awarded to the batting side. See 17 below. In this instance, the run in progress shall be scored, whether or not the batsmen had crossed at the instant of the call. See Law 18.11 (Runs scored when ball becomes dead).

                               v.        the umpire at the bowler's end shall inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action and, as soon as practicable, inform the captain of the batting side.

                              vi.        the ball shall not count as one of the over

                             vii.        the batsmen at the wicket shall decide which of them is to face the next delivery

                            viii.        the umpires shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

 

6.     Dangerous and unfair bowling

 

a.     Bowling of fast short pitched balls

                                i.        The bowling of fast short pitched balls is dangerous and unfair if the umpire at the bowler's end considers that by their repetition and taking into account their length, height and direction they are likely to inflict physical injury on the striker, irrespective of the protective equipment he may be wearing. The relative skill of the striker shall be taken into consideration.

                               ii.        Any delivery which, after pitching, passes or would have passed over head height of the striker standing upright at the crease, although not threatening physical injury, shall be included with bowling under (i) both when the umpire is considering whether the bowling of fast short pitched balls has become dangerous and unfair and after he has so decided. One bouncer per over is allowed. Subsequent bouncers will result in the umpire calling and signaling NO BALL for each such delivery.  Any short pitched delivery that goes over the head will be considered as WIDE BALL. It will also count as one allowed bouncer for the over..

 

b.     Bowling of high full pitched balls

                              iii.        Any delivery, whether slow or fast paced, which passes or would have passed on the full above waist height of the striker standing upright at the crease is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. The umpire shall call and signal No ball for each such delivery.

                              iv.        slow delivery which passes or would have passed on the full above shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. The umpire shall call and signal No ball for each such delivery.

 

7.     Dangerous and unfair bowling – action by the umpire

a.     As soon as the umpire at the bowler’s end decides under 6(a) above that the bowling of fast short pitched balls has become dangerous and unfair, or, except as in 8 below, there is an instance of dangerous and unfair bowling as defined in 6(b) above, he shall call and signal No ball and, when the ball is dead, caution the bowler, inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsman of what has occured. This caution shall continue to apply throughout the innings.

b.     If there is any further instance of dangerous and unfair bowling by the same bowler in the same innings, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall repeat the above procedure and indicate to the bowler that this is a final warning. Both the above caution and final warning shall continue to apply even though the bowler may later change ends.

c.     Should there be any further repetition by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire shall

                                i.        call and signal No ball.

                               ii.        direct the captain, when the ball is dead, to take the bowler off forthwith. The over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over. The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

                              iii.        report the occurrence to the other umpire, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side.

                              iv.        report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and bowler concerned.

 

8.     Deliberate bowling of high full pitched balls

If the umpire considers that a high full pitch which is deemed to be dangerous and unfair, as defined in 6(b) above, was deliberately bowled, then the caution and warning prescribed in 7 above shall be dispensed with. The umpire shall

a.     call and signal No ball.

b.     direct the captain, when the ball is dead, to take the bowler off forthwith.

c.     implement the remainder of the procedure as laid down in 7(c) above.

 

9.     Time wasting by the fielding side

It is unfair for any member of the fielding side to waste time.

a.     If the captain of the fielding side wastes time, or allows any member of his side to waste time, or if the progress of an over is unnecessarily slow, at the first instance the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball if necessary and

                                i.        warn the captain, and indicate that this is a first and final warning.

                               ii.        inform the other umpire and the batsmen of what has occurred.

b.     If there is any further waste of time in that innings, by any member of the fielding side, the umpire shall

either            (i) if the waste of time is not during the course of an over, award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See 17 below.

or                  (ii) if the waste of time is during the course of an over, when the ball is dead, direct the captain to take the bowler off forthwith. If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over.

 

The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

                                i.        inform the other umpire, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

                               ii.        report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and team concerned.

 

10.   Batsman wasting time

It is unfair for a batsman to waste time. In normal circumstances the striker should always be ready to take strike when the bowler is ready to start his run up.

a.     Should either batsman waste time by failing to meet this requirement, or in any other way, the following procedure shall be adopted. At the first instance, either before the bowler starts his run up or when the ball is dead, as appropriate, the umpire shall

                                i.        warn the batsman and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall continue to apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.

                               ii.        inform the other umpire, the other batsman and the captain of the fielding side of what has occurred.

                              iii.        inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable.

b.     if there is any further time wasting by any batsman in that innings, the umpire shall, at the appropriate time while the ball is dead

                                i.        award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See 17 below.

                               ii.        inform the other umpire, the other batsman, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

                              iii.        report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the batting side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players and, if  appropriate, the team concerned.

 

11.   Damaging the pitch – area to be protected

a.     It is incumbent on all players to avoid unnecessary damage to the pitch. It is unfair for any player to cause deliberate damage to the pitch.

b.     An area of the pitch, to be referred to as 'the protected area', is defined as that area contained within a rectangle bounded at each end by imaginary lines parallel to the popping creases and 5ft/1.52m in front of each and on the sides by imaginary lines, one each side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps, each parallel to it and 1ft/30.48cm from it.

 

12.   Bowler running on the protected area after delivering the ball

a.     If the bowler, after delivering the ball, runs on the protected area as defined in 11(b) above, the umpire shall at the first instance, and when the ball is dead,

                                i.        caution the bowler. This caution shall continue to apply throughout the innings.

                               ii.        inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsmen of what has occurred.

b.     If, in that innings, the same bowler runs on the protected area again after delivering the ball, the umpire shall repeat the above procedure, indicating that this is a final warning.

c.     If, in that innings, the same bowler runs on the protected area a third time after delivering the ball, when the ball is dead the umpire shall

                                i.        direct the captain of the fielding side to take the bowler off forthwith. If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over. The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

                               ii.        inform the other umpire, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

                              iii.        report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and bowler concerned.

 

13.   Fielder damaging the pitch

a.     If any fielder causes avoidable damage to the pitch, other than as in 12(a) above, at the first instance the umpire shall, when the ball is dead,

                              iv.        caution the captain of the fielding side, indicating that this is a first and final warning. This caution shall continue to apply throughout the innings.

                               v.        inform the other umpire and the batsmen of what has occurred.

 

b.     If there is any further avoidable damage to the pitch by any fielder in that innings, the umpire shall, when the ball is dead,

                                i.        award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See 17 below.

                               ii.        inform the other umpire, the batsmen, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

                              iii.        report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

 

14.   Batsman damaging the pitch

a.     If either batsman causes avoidable damage to the pitch, at the first instance the umpire shall, when the ball is dead,

                                i.        caution the batsman. This caution shall continue to apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.

                               ii.        inform the other umpire, the other batsman, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side.

b.     If there is a second instance of avoidable damage to the pitch by any batsman in that innings

                                i.        the umpire shall repeat the above procedure, indicating that this is a final warning.

                               ii.        additionally he shall disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable. The batsmen shall return to their original ends.

c.     If there is any further avoidable damage to the pitch by any batsman in that innings, the umpire shall, when the ball is dead,

                                i.        disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable. The batsmen shall return to their original ends.

                               ii.        additionally award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See 17 below.

                              iii.        inform the other umpire, the other batsman, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

                              iv.        (iv) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the batting side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

 

15.   Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery

The bowler is permitted, before entering his delivery stride, to attempt to run out the non-striker. The ball shall not count in the over. The umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as possible if the bowler fails in the attempt to run out the non-striker.

 

16.   Batsmen stealing a run

It is unfair for the batsmen to attempt to steal a run during the bowler's run up. Unless the bowler attempts to run out either batsman – see 15 above and Law 24.4 (Bowler throwing towards striker's end before delivery) – the umpire shall

                                i.        call and signal Dead ball as soon as the batsmen cross in any such attempt.

                               ii.        return the batsmen to their original ends.

                              iii.        award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See 17 below.

                              iv.        inform the other umpire, the batsmen, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for the action taken.

                               v.        report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the batting side and any Governing Body  responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

 

17.   Penalty runs

a.     When penalty runs are awarded to either side, when the ball is dead the umpire shall signal the penalty runs to the scorers as laid down in Law 3.14 (Signals).

b.     Notwithstanding the provisions of Law 21.6 (Winning hit or extras), penalty runs shall be awarded in each case where the Laws require the award. Note, however, that the restrictions on awarding penalty runs in Laws 26.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded), 34.4(d) (Runs permitted from ball struck lawfully more than once) and Law 41.4 (Penalty runs not to be awarded) will apply.

c.     When 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side, under either Law 2.6 (Player returning without permission) or Law 41 (The fielder) or under 3, 4, 5, 9 or 13 above, then

1.     they shall be scored as penalty extras and shall be in addition to any other penalties.

2.     they shall not be regarded as runs scored from either the immediately preceding delivery or the following delivery, and shall be in addition to any runs from those deliveries.

3.     the batsmen shall not change ends solely by reason of the 5 run penalty.

d.     When 5 penalty runs are awarded to the fielding side, under Law 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs), or under 10, 14 or 16 above, they shall be added as penalty extras to that side's total of runs in its most recently completed innings. If the fielding side has not completed an innings, the 5 penalty extras shall be added to its next innings.

 

18.   Players' conduct

If there is any breach of the Spirit of the Game by a player failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, or criticising his decisions by word or action, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall immediately report the matter to the other umpire.

The umpires together shall

                                i.        inform the player's captain of the occurrence, instructing the latter to take action.

                               ii.        warn him of the gravity of the offence, and tell him that it will be reported to higher authority.

                              iii.         report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the player's team and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players, and, if appropriate, the team concerned.