Quaid e Azam Premier Cricket League Cricket League, Asian cricket, Sunday Cricket League, Best Asian cricket league
1. The league shall be known as the Quaid e Azam Premier Cricket League.
2. Membership. The League shall consist of 38 clubs divided into four sections Premier Section, Crescent Section and a pyramid structure of Jinnah Section and Star Section.
3. Club Registration. Every member club will be required to register with the league annually by completing the online league registration forms and transferring the subscription funds consisting of League Membership, cost of handbooks, YCB/ECB affiliation fee, the cost of 3 annual awards ceremony tickets as agreed at the AGM.
3a. New club application must be received no later than the league’s AGM or before the deadline set by the YCB/ECB if the applicant plays in another YCB/ECB affiliated league. All new applications will be assessed based on the new application process and if successful will be required to deposit a 3-year refundable bond of £200.00 during the first season subscription payment. The refundable bond will be returned to the club after the completion of the club’s 2nd season.
3b. Current member club of the league wishing to resign from league must notify the league in writing of their decision prior to the AGM of the current season. If all the outstanding dues have been settled and the championship trophies have been returned the league will acknowledge the member club’s resignation in writing within 14 days, however the member club will have 7 day cooling off period from the date of their resignation confirmed by the league. Once the league confirms the resignation, the club will have no right to claim for compensation against the league or be repaid any monies that may have been subscribed by it including any bonds
i) If the club wishes to resume its membership with the league after the cooling off period it will be required to re‑apply by completing a new application form. If the application is successful, the club will be treated as a new member and restarts its membership in the lower section of the league.
ii) Any club resigning from the league without settling their dues or/and returning championship trophies will be reported to Yorkshire Cricket Board. Any outstanding dues and cost of replacing championship trophies will be equally divided between all registered players for the club who participated in 50% or more completed fixtures with the exception of those aged 21 and under as at 1st September of the previous season.
3c. Any club resigning from the league after the AGM will be fined the same as the broken engagement for each game and rule 3b-ii will apply to the players.
3d. Any member clubs wishing to change their club’s name can do so by informing league, however the name change must not reflect any name of the existing club. Request to change team name must be made before the deadline of the annual club registration process.
4. Promotion/Relegation. At the end of each season the two bottom member clubs in Premier Section will be relegated down, whilst the two clubs at the top of the Crescent Section shall be promoted up to the Premier Section. In the event of a club resigning or a structure change in Premier Section the club in 3rd place of the Crescent Section would be promoted to the Premier Sections. In the event more than one cub resigns or a structure change in the league then priority would be given to the 9th and 10th club in the respective Premier section.
4a. If two or more clubs finish the season on the same points, the championship/relegation will be based upon the number of outright wins if this is the same for two or more clubs the championship/relegation will be decided on the better net run rate (batting average divided by bowling average).
5. Annual General Meeting. At the leagues AGM, the executive committee will present a report for the completed season, along with a statement of accounts. The league officials will be elected annually by ballot box at the AGM and form the executive committee of the league. The league will be administrated by the Executive Committee consisting of an Executive Chairperson, Executive Vice Chairperson, Executive Chief Officer, Executive Finance Officer, Executive Results and Registration Officer and Executive Umpires Officer.
5a. Any proposed for new rules or amendments and nomination for the Executive Committee must be received by the league on the 23rd October.
5b. Consideration shall be given to any proposed new rules or amendment(s) to existing rules at the AGM of the league or at a special meeting of the league called by 20 members clubs who would need to write directly to the league. No alterations of the rules will be effective nor will any new rule(s) be made unless at least two thirds of the clubs present vote in favour.
5c. Each club is allowed one vote at the AGM. One representative being the member club secretary or a nominated person from the member club will be allowed to attend the AGM. The nominated person must be appointed by the member club secretary and registered with the club.
5d. Any member failing to attend the AGM will be fined £50.00.
6. League Accounts. Every member club has a right to exam the league accounts and may do so only at a general meeting. A copy of annual financial report will be given to every member club representative at the AGM. Member clubs not settling their accounts by the due date will be fined £5.00 per week from the due date.
6a. Annual subscriptions must be settled by the date set at the AGM or as stated on the annual application. If annual subscription is not paid by this date then no game for that club will go ahead until the club settles the balance and points will be awarded accordingly to the opposition.
6b. Outstanding balances for the previous season must be settled on or before AGM or an extension period agreed by the member clubs at the AGM, If the member clubs does not clear its previous seasons balance by the AGM or the agreed extension date then the executive committee has the right to terminate the club’s membership from the league as agreed at the AGM.
7. Executive Committee, Disciplinary and Appeal Panel . The executive committee reserve the right to require any member club or member of a club to attend and address the Disciplinary and Appeal Panel meetings on a specific matter should the need arise. The member shall only address the meeting on that specific matter and shall not participate in any further proceedings of that meeting.
7a. The executive committee shall manage the administrative affairs of the league and do all such things which the executive committee require to be done to ensure the effective running of the league
7b. Decision of the Disciplinary and Appeal Panel shall be notified in writing within seven days to the member clubs involved.
7c. At all meeting the Chairperson of the panels shall have a casting vote.
7d. The executive committee shall be permitted to co-opt an unspecified number of further officers, as and when required, to fulfil any duties of the league the executive committee deems necessary.
7e. No member can be elected/serve as a member of the executive committee if they have or found to be found guilty of a level 4 offence.
8. League Meeting. League meetings shall be held at a venue organised by the Executive Committee. All league meeting shall start at 6.30pm.
8a. One representative being the secretary or other nominated person from each member club will be allowed to attend the league general meetings. The nominated person must be appointed by the club secretary and registered with the club.
8b. Any club failing to send a representative to the general meetings shall be fined a sum of £20.00.
8c. The Executive Chairperson reserves the right to remove any club representative from the meeting in the event of disorderly conduct by any such representative.
9. Registration of Players. Registration of players will only be accepted on league play-cricket website. An unlimited number of players may be registered by a member club, however if a player is removed from the clubs play cricket site the player will become free to register with another club regardless if they played in the previous season.
9a. A electronic image must be uploaded on to the club’s Play-cricket site showing the player head and shoulders (unless the registration is relating to a transfer or the player is a minor under 18)). Play-cricket system registration will not be accepted unless the player’s photograph is uploaded and the head and shoulder are clearly visible.
9b. When a player registration has been approved by the league the player photograph and their details, including date of registration will be uploaded to the appropriate member club webpage to confirm registration.
9c. Member club shall keep a written record of all outstanding obligations of their members of the club and shall be the responsibility of the member club to obtain acknowledgement in writing of that obligation from the player concerned.
9d. Any person(s) who has played men’s and women’s first class cricket, which shall include T20 internationals, ODI internationals and Test matches, within five years of application will be classed as a professional & shall not be eligible to register with any member club. Any domestic first class cricket who has played 3 or less first class games will be allowed to register with a member club.
9e. Each club can register up to 4 overseas amateur cricketers in any one season, but only 2 players can play in any one match. The definition of an overseas amateur cricketers is that their sole purpose to come to the UK is to play cricket and have been sponsored by one of our member clubs or they have registered and confirmed as the overseas player for an affiliated Saturday cricket club regardless of their visa status.
9f. Players must be registered with the league by Thursday, 5.00pm before they can participate in the following Sunday/Monday matches at the earliest. Registration of new players will cease after 31st July.
10. Transfer. No player shall play for more than one club, unless he receives a transfer from his former club. A player, who has not fulfilled his financial obligations to his former club, shall not be allowed to play for his new club until he does so. This applies only to players who appear on club’s play cricket site for the previous & current season. To restrict an upper limit of outstanding financial obligation made by the former member club an amount of £80.00 will apply which could include, club subscription, clothing and equipment. Evidence must be provided by the former member club to justify the outstanding obligations
10a. No transfer will be accepted after 30th June. Transfer will only be accepted on the league online registration system or in the case of other Sunday cricket league a YCB transfer form must be completed and should be signed or approval obtained by email/text by one or both secretaries of the clubs involved and the player.
10b. If the transfer is refused then the holding club must outline reason(s) for not allowing the transfer to take place within 7 days of the request to the league. If the club fails to provide reason(s) for the objection within the timescale the transfer will be allowed to take place, this also applies to clubs not member of the league. The player will not be able to participate during the 7 days period. Both the holding club and the player will be informed in writing of the decision by the disciplinary panel. If the matter goes to appeal then the player will not participate in any games until the outcome of the appeal.
10c. If the transfer dispute arises before the transfer deadline, the player will be able to transfer to the new club after the deadline if his transfer is successful.
10d. A player can seek only one transfer in any one season but in exceptional circumstances may request a 2nd transfer for the committee to consider. The period of transfer commences from the AGM to the 30th June. A transfer is not required if a player has not played in any games in the previous season of the league or other YCB/ECB affiliated league or removed from the last club play cricket site he played for.
leagues.
10e. A maximum of 2 players will be allowed to be transferred from Club A to Club B over the course of the season. This limit also applies if a player goes to an intermediate club from club A, before going on to register to Club B.
10f. An oversea amateur player can only transfer to another club once in the season and can only seek a transfer if the club he is received by is in a different section.
10f. In the event a player misinforms the member club regarding his previous registration history the disciplinary panel will take appropriate action against club and the individual.
11. The team. List of players taking part in the match before play commences must be given to the umpires before the teams toss.
11a. If a player arrives after 30 minutes from the official start time of the game he will not be eligible to participate in the game as a player or a substitute. Both the umpires and the opposing captain must be informed if a player is expected to arrive late.
11b. If the umpires are satisfied that a player has been injured or become ill during the match, they shall allow that player to have a substitute acting for him in the field. However, for a rearranged rain affected continuation of a cup game, substitutions will be allowed.
11c. A minimum of seven players must be present to represent a team before any match can be started. A fine of £2.00 per player will apply if less than 11 players are present.
11d. All clubs must provide a scorer. If any club fails to provide a scorer at the start official start time a fine of £10.00 will apply.
11e. Any player registration matters must be raised with the opposing club before the official start time of the match, failing to do this the concerned club loses the right to refer the matter to the disciplinary panel unless it relates to rule 9d and 9e.
12. The 30 yard inner circle with field restriction with apply for all league and cup matches. First 10 overs – 2 fielders out and last 10 overs – 5 fielders. Only 4 fielders out from the 11 over and to the over before the last 10 overs.
13. Time of Matches. All league and cup matches must start at 1.00pm except for games in April & September when the start time is 12.30pm.
13a. A game will be called off 45 minutes after the official start time if the opposing or home team has not arrived to the agreed venue.
13b. The two captains and at least six of his registered players must be present for the toss of the coin to take place at 15 minutes before the start time. In the event of a captain and at least six players not being present the team will be deemed to have lost the toss. In the case where both teams are late they will be required to toss before they take to the field.
13c. In the event a member clubs changes their normal home venue then they must notify the away club and the league secretary no later than 8.30pm the evening before the day of the match. Failure to comply will results as a broken engagement.
14. Late Starts. Umpires must report late starts. Any club responsible for a late start will be fined £1.00 per minutes for the first 10 minutes and 50 pence for every minute up to the next 35 minutes.
14a. No club may cancel a match on account of weather conditions or the state of the ground and no game shall be abandoned before the authorised time for commencement of the match unless it involves a lot of traveling and that the two teams agree to cancel the game.
14b. Any games not started due to weather and/or ground condition, the match will be reduced by one over for every 3
minutes (after the first 15 minutes). If the match has not started by 3.00pm (2.30pm in April and Sept) or the team batting first has not played at least 25 overs in their allocated time of 3 hours from the official start time then the match will be deemed to be abandoned by the umpire and appropriate points will be awarded.
14c. Any games interrupted in the first half of the match by weather, the match will be reduced as per rule 14b. The team batting second will be given the same number of overs as the first team regardless of any further interruption due to rain. The game will continue if the light is judged to be satisfactory by the umpire.
14d. Both teams must inform the league in writing to confirm a incomplete (not due to weather) fixture within seven days of the match not taking place. The team responsible for the incomplete fixture shall write to the league to explain the reason for the incomplete fixture. The team responsible will be fined £150.00 as a broken engagement and will also compensate reasonable cost incurred for ground hire and umpires fees.
15. Each innings shall not exceed 45 6 ball over. Late start due to weather or any other reasons the umpires will need to apply rule
16. No bowler can bowl more than nine overs, this shall be reduced accordingly if restricted by a late start due to rain or other reason. 45 overs to be bowled within 3 hours, failing to ball within the allocated hours the fielding side will be required to bring a fielder within the 30 yards circle for each over bowled after 3 hours. The umpires have the discretion to 5 penalty run for batter(s) wasting time.
17. A new Readers Sovereign cricket ball must be used for each game, any second balls used in any match must also be the league approved Readers Sovereign cricket balls.
18. For all matches any ball which passes outside the batsman’s legs when the batsman is taking a normal stance shall be called by the umpire to be a wide ball
18a. For all matches any illegal ball (front foot, side line and waist high without pitching) must be signalled No ball followed by signally a free hit.
19. Rolling the wicket. The responsibility of supervising the rolling of the wicket before play will in the first-place rest with the umpire. The ground may be rolled for seven minutes before a match begins and during the interval (at the request of the opposing Captain) but the roller must be off the ground so as to allow play to commence at the stipulated time.
19a. A visiting captain may object to the condition or fitness of the wicket, other than damage caused by inclement weather, before commencement of the game. The umpires shall decide whether or not the objection shall be allowed and their decision shall be final. If no other wicket is available and the objection is upheld by the umpires, then the match should take place, if this is not possible then the visiting team must lodge a complaint in written to the league who will then investigate the matter and take such action deemed necessary.
20. Points. A maximum 20 points system will be in place. 10 points for a win and 5 points each for batting (100 runs – 1 point, 120 – 2 points, 140 – 3 points, 160 – 4 points and 180+ – 5 points) and bowling (2 wickets – 1 point, 4 wickets – 2 points, 6 wicket – 3 points, 8 wickets – 4 points and 10 wickets – 5 points). 8 points for a tie (same score and loss of wickets), 6 points for rain off match.
20a. Forfeited games will be allocated rained off points in the event if all the other games are rained off without a ball being bowled in their respective section.
21. Cup matches. Each player playing in the quarter finals cup/shield/round should have played in one completed league game for the same club he is representing for the club to qualify, a player can only represent one club in each season and will be deemed cup tied if he then transfers to another club. For both the semi-finals and final, players must have played in 2 completed league fixtures for the same club he is representing in the cup game to qualify.
21a. All games will be played on the ground of the first drawn club in each pairing, except for the final which will be played on a neutral ground in coloured kit with an inner circle & field restrictions will apply.
21b. If the total scores are level after both teams have completed their innings then the winner shall be decided on the team losing fewer wickets. If this is also the same then the winning team will be determined by a ball out. Each team will field 5 ballers who will attempt to hit three stumps in turn with the other team. The team hitting the most number of stumps will be determined as the winner. If all 5 ballers hit the stumps the next player for each team will attempt to hit the stumps in turn, the first team to strike the stumps will be deemed the winner if both teams have balled the same number of balls.
21c. If a result cannot be determined because of weather conditions on the specific date, the match shall be continued on the following available evenings/day. Where both teams cannot agree the match must be played over two evening before the next round. Failure to re-arrange the fixture may result in both teams being eliminated from the cup round.
21d. Umpires fee will be the same as for the league matches, both competing teams to share the expenses, except the final, where umpires will be paid by the league.
21e. The cup shall be held by the winning team and shall be returned to the league secretary by 30th June.
21f. Should any dispute occur that is not covered by the league rules, and MCC then the disciplinary panel decision will be final.
21g. On the day of the league cup final any club or its members taking part in any competition that is not affiliated to YCB/ECB will be banned from taking part in the leagues cup competition for the following season. The length of the ban will be on the discretion of the disciplinary panel.
21h. For all matches any ball which passes outside the batsman’s legs when the batsman is taking a normal stance shall be called by the umpire to be a wide ball.
21i. NO CLUB WILL HAS THE RIGHT OF AN APPEAL FOR ANY CUP MATTERS, OTHER THAN WHERE IT INVOLVES PLAYER DISCIPLINE.
22. Refreshments may be available at the discretion of the home club during the interval. The break between innings shall not last more than twenty minutes.
23. Umpires. Umpires’ fixtures will be posted monthly on the league’s umpires and secretaries WhatsApp group. Both teams will be responsible for the payment of £45.00 umpire’s fee. The overall responsibility for the payment lies with the home team. For a match not played due to weather conditions the umpire’s expense fee will be £10.00 per umpire (or £5.00 per team if only one umpire is present). When it is necessary for an umpire to officiate at both ends, he shall be paid an extra fee of £15.00. If any appointed umpire has to travel outside his normal postcode he will be reimbursed by a further payment of £5.00 (unless the transport has been arranged by the Home team).
23a. All games will be under the control of the umpires appointed by the league. In cases where an appointed umpire does not put in appearance at the match, the two captains must agree on a substitute umpire. Preference shall be given in all cases to umpires currently registered with the league or overseas cricketer whether in the UK or Overseas, or failing all else, an agreed member of the attending public, including member clubs players. In all cases the agreement of both captains must be obtained.
23b. Any complaint regarding the behaviour of an umpire or his handling of the match must be made in writing within seven clear days of the completion of the match and must be accompanied by a fee of £25.00 which shall be forfeited if the complaint is dismissed, or the disciplinary panel consider the complaint vexatious, frivolous or otherwise unreasonable. Decisions of the umpire in connection with dismissal of any batsman will not be considered.
23c. All new member clubs must nominate at least 2 umpires who will be required to officiate in at least 12 games in the current season, failure to do so will warrant a fine of £10.00 per game per umpire which will be charged to the nominating member club.
24. All clubs are required to take out appropriate insurance cover. The league is not responsible for any clubs or their members in the event of a claim against them.
24b. All home clubs must have access to adequate first aid facilities at every match.
25. Results/Scoresheets. All games are required to report live scoring for every league fixtures using the play cricket app. If both clubs fail to provide live scoring a fine of £3.00 will apply and will be required to report the match results on the same day by 8.30pm by sending a text to the QEAPCL Secretaries group. Any club failing to do the above will be fined £3.00.
25a. All scoresheets should be fully completed. Any club failing to complete the scoresheets will be fined £10.00 for the first and non consecutive breaches for both scoresheet and confirmation of results. If the breach continues after the first week, 1 point will be deducted for each consecutive week breach. Home teams are responsible for updating the scoresheet on Play Cricket by Wednesday and away team to verify the results on Thursday.
25. Averages. At the end of the season all club secretaries shall submit to the league secretary, on or before September general meeting, full details of the following:-
i) Batting Average Award – Min 300 runs
ii) Bowling Average Award – Min 20 wickets
iii) Wicket Keeper’s Award – Total dismissals
iv) Highest Individual Batting Award – Highest score in one innings
v) Best Bowling Award – Highest number of wicket in one innings
vi) Best All Rounder Award – Highest batting and bowling average
vii) Best Partnership Award – Highest runs scored between two individual in one innings
viii) Highest Run maker – Most runs scored in the season
ix) Highest Wicket taker – Most wicket taken in the season
x) Best Fielding Award – Highest number of point awarded by umpires
xi) Best Umpire (Premier Section) – Highest number of points awarded by umpires
xi) Best Umpire (Non Premier Section) – Highest number of points awarded by umpires
In all cases participation in a minimum of 9 completed league matches. Only league match performance to be taken into consideration to qualify for any of the above categories. There are separate prizes for both sections.
26. Discipline. Every person, member club and their spectators should try to promote the league by:-
i) Acting in a gentlemanly fashion on or off the field.
ii) Wearing proper cricket gear (white socks and shoes)
ANY PERSON OR CLUB REPORTED TO THE LEAGUE MORE THAN ONCE FOR BREACH OF THESE RULES WILL BE DEALTH WITH SEVERLY.
26a. All members clubs of the league and all players and spectator in the league shall abide by the decision of the league and obey the league rules. Should any club, player or member of the league act by its act or omission involve the league in any avoidable expenses, then the league reserves the right to seek indemnity from the club, player or member of the league, in part or whole.
26b. Any allegation of misconduct, impropriety, unsportman-like behaviour, persistent breaches of the league rules, other conduct detrimental to the interest and reputation of the league made against a club or any member of the club shall be referred to the league. The matter will be decided by the disciplinary panel who is empowered to impose such penalties on the person(s) or club concerned in accordance with the league constitution and within the league decision making framework.
26c. The disciplinary panel also reserve the right to increase ban/deduct points and/or impose a fine on a club or its members who are reported on more than one occasion during the season, in line with the leagues decision making framework.
27. Complaints. All protests and complaints on any matter in dispute or otherwise must be made in writing and must be in the hands of the league and the secretary of the allegedly offending club or in the case of an individual within seven clear days (except registration of players which is within 14 days) of the completion of the match and shall be accompanied by the fee of £25.00 which
shall be forfeited if the complaint is considered frivolous, vexation or otherwise unreasonable by the disciplinary panel.
27a. Complaints will be dealt with accordance to the league rules as listed in the handbook and MCC rules and regulations. The disciplinary panel will use its discretion should a dispute arise that is not covered by the league or MCC rules and regulations.
27b. If the complaint is upheld, the disciplinary/appeal panel shall have power to impose such penalties as are laid down in these rules and the decision making framework. The following may be imposed:-
i) to deduct up to twenty points from the offending club for each breach and/or
ii) to award up to twenty points to the non-offending club for each breach and /or
iii) to fine/suspend the offending club an amount/period to reflect the gravity of the offence
28. Appeals. In the event of offending party being aggrieved by the decision of the disciplinary panel, then the aggrieved party shall have the right of appeal against that decision to the appeals panel. Any such appeal must be in writing and made within seven clear days of the receipt by the appellant of the decision of the disciplinary panel. All such appeals must be accompanied by a one flat fee of £50.00 which shall be forfeited if the elements or whole appeal is dismissed, or considered to be frivolous, vexatious or otherwise unreasonable.
28a. On appeal, the appeals panel shall have all powers of the disciplinary panel to deal with the original matters and shall not be bound by the original decision of the executive committee. The appeal panel can either agree or reduce the original decision made by the disciplinary panel and would work within the decision making framework.
29. Misuse of the Social Media. Clubs are expected/required to ensure that all their members are aware of the misuse of social and other media as outlined below and be aware of the possible consequences faced by individuals and/or the club if such misuse happens.
29a. Any public or circulated comment brought to the attention of the League in any form of social media ( eg Websites, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs etc ) or in the general media ( eg press, radio, television, general websites , club programmes etc ) that is detrimental to the league , officials or the game in general by a Club, Officials, Players, Club Member or someone acting on their behalf may be viewed as unsatisfactory conduct under the leagues code and procedures and therefore is a disciplinary offence and may result in due disciplinary procedure against the Individual(s) or Club
29b. It can be viewed as a secondary offence to re-send or re-circulate any such detrimental comments and as primary offence to ask someone to do this on your behalf and this will be treated as unsatisfactory conduct and can be treated as a disciplinary offence in its own right
