Quaid e Azam Premier Cricket League Cricket League, Asian cricket, Sunday Cricket League, Best Asian cricket league
Over the first two weeks of April umpires from both Quaid e Azam Premier Cricket League and Dewsbury and District Cricket League were invited to the pre-season meeting which incorporated an umpires refresher training session in particularly as the new MCC laws came into place from October 2022.
Particular attention was given to the following MCC laws changes from October 2023
Law 1 – Replacement players
The introduction of a new clause, Law 1.3, explains that replacements are to be treated as if they were the player they replaced, inheriting any sanctions or dismissals that player has done in that match.
Law 18 – Batters returning when Caught Law 18.11 has now been changed so that, when a batter is out Caught, the new batter shall come in at the end the striker was at, i.e. to face the next ball (unless it is the end of an over)
Law 21.4 – Bowler throwing towards striker’s end before delivery
If a bowler throws the ball in an attempt to run out the striker before entering their delivery stride, it will now be Dead ball. This is an extremely rare scenario, which has until now been called as a No ball.
Law 22.1 – Judging a Wide
In the modern game, batters are, more than ever, moving laterally around the crease before the ball is bowled.
It was felt unfair that a delivery might be called ‘Wide’ if it passes where the batter had stood as the bowler entered his/her delivery stride. Therefore, Law 22.1 has been amended so that a Wide will apply to where the batter is standing, where the striker has stood at any point since the bowler began their run up, and which would also have passed wide of the striker in a normal batting position.
Law 25.8 – striker’s right to play the ball
If the ball should land away from the pitch, the new Law 25.8 allows the striker to play the ball so long as some part of their bat or person remains within the pitch. Should they venture beyond that, the umpire will call and signal Dead ball. As recompense to the batter, any ball which would force them to leave the pitch will also be called No ball.
Laws 27.4 and 28.6 – Unfair movement by the fielding side
Until now, any member of the fielding side who moved unfairly, was punished only with a ‘Dead ball’ – potentially cancelling a perfectly good shot by the batter. Given the action is both unfair and deliberate, it will now see the batting side awarded 5 Penalty runs.
Law 38.3 – moving the running out of the non-striker
Law 41.16 – running out the non-striker – has been moved from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). The wording of the Law remains the same.
Law 41.3 – No saliva
The new Laws will not permit the use of saliva on the ball, which also removes any grey areas of fielders eating sugary sweets to alter their saliva to apply to the ball. Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball.
Captain and Players
1.1 Number of players
A match is played between two sides, each of eleven players, one of whom shall be captain.
1.2 Nomination and replacement of players
1.2.1 Each captain shall nominate his players in writing to one of the umpires before the toss.
1.2.2 No player may be replaced after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.
1.2.3 Any replacement player shall be considered the same player as the nominated player he replaced for the purposes of these Laws.
1.2.3.1 A replacement shall not bat in an innings in which the nominated player he is replacing has completed his innings.
1.2.3.2 Any unserved Penalty time, warnings or suspensions, that applied to the original nominated player will be inherited by his replacement.
1.3 Captain
1.3.1 If at any time the captain is not available, a deputy shall act for him.
1.3.2 If a captain is not available to nominate the players, then any person associated with that team may act as his deputy to do so.
1.3.3 At any time after the nomination of the players, only a nominated player can act as deputy in discharging the duties and responsibilities of the captain as stated in these Laws, including at the toss.
1.4 Responsibility of captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within The Spirit of Cricket as well as within the Laws.
Rolling the wicket and debris
9.1 Rolling
The pitch shall not be rolled during the match.
9.1.1 Frequency and duration of rolling
During the match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the captain of the batting side, for a period of not more than 7 minutes, before the start of each innings.
9.1.2 Rolling after a delayed start
In addition to the rolling permitted above, if, after the toss and before the first innings of the match, the start is delayed, the captain of the batting side may request that the pitch be rolled for not more than 7 minutes. However, if the umpires together agree that the delay has had no significant effect on the state of the pitch, they shall refuse such request for rolling of the pitch.
9.1.4 Timing of permitted rolling
The rolling permitted (maximum 7 minutes) before play begins on any day shall be started not more than 30 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin. The captain of the batting side may, however, delay the start of such rolling until not less than 10 minutes before the time scheduled or rescheduled for play to begin.
9.2 Clearing debris from the pitch
9.2.1 The pitch shall be cleared of any debris
Leg Before Wicket (LBW) (Law 36)
The striker is out LBW if all the circumstances set out in 36.1.1 to 36.1.5 apply.
36.1.1 The bowler delivers a ball, not being a No ball
36.1.2 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
36.1.3 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
36.1.4 the point of impact, even if above the level of the bails, either is between wicket and wicket
or if the striker has made no genuine attempt to play the ball with the bat, is between wicket and wicket or outside the line of the off stump.
36.1.5 but for the interception, the ball would have hit the wicket.
36.2 Interception of the ball
36.2.1 In assessing points in 36.1.3, 36.1.4 and 36.1.5, only the first interception is to be considered.
36.2.2 In assessing point 36.1.3, if the ball makes contact with the striker’s person and bat simultaneously, this shall be considered as the ball having first touched the bat.
36.2.3 In assessing point 36.1.5, 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.
36.3 Off side of wicket
The off side of the striker’s wicket shall be determined by the striker’s batting position at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery.
Dead Ball (Law 20)
20.1.1 The ball becomes dead when
20.1.1.1 it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or of the bowler.
20.1.1.2 a boundary is scored.
20.1.1.3 a batter is dismissed. The ball will be deemed to be dead from the instant of the incident causing the dismissal.
20.1.1.4 whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batter or between items of his clothing or equipment.
20.1.1.5 whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batter or the clothing of an umpire.
20.1.1.6 Player returning without permission or Fielding the ball, this is an offence resulting in an award of Penalty runs. The ball shall not count as one of the over.
20.1.1.7 Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side.
20.1.1.8 the match is concluded in any of the ways stated in Law 12.9 (Conclusion of match).
20.1.2 The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler’s end umpire that the fielding side and both batters at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.
20.2 Ball finally settled
Whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.
20.3 Call of Over or Time
Neither the call of Over (see Law 17.4 – Call of over), nor the call of Time (see Law 12.2 – Call of Time) is to be made until the ball is dead, either under 20.1 or under 20.4.
20.4 Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball
20.4.1 When the ball has become dead under 20.1, the bowler’s end umpire may call and signal Dead ball if it is necessary to inform the players.
20.4.2 Where either umpire is required to call and signal Dead ball under 20.4.2.1 to 20.4.2.14, the ball will be considered to be dead at the instant of the incident causing the ball to become dead. However, where the Law specifically provides for the call to be delayed, so as not to disadvantage the non-offending side, under Law 25.7 (Restriction on the Striker’s Runner), Law 34.4 (Runs permitted from the ball lawfully struck more than once), Law 41.2.1 (Unfair actions) and Law 42.1.2 (Unacceptable conduct), the ball will be considered to be dead at the point of the call.
Either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball when
20.4.2.1 intervening in a case of unfair play.
20.4.2.2 a possibly serious injury to a player or umpire occurs.
20.4.2.3 leaving his normal position for consultation.
20.4.2.4 one or both bails fall from the striker’s wicket before the striker has had the opportunity of playing the ball.
20.4.2.5 the striker is not ready for the delivery of the ball and, if the ball is delivered, makes no attempt to play it. Provided the umpire is satisfied that the striker had adequate reason for not being ready, the ball shall not count as one of the over.
20.4.2.6 the striker is distracted by any noise or movement or in any other way while preparing to receive, or receiving a delivery. This shall apply whether the source of the distraction is within the match or outside it. Note also 20.4.2.7. The ball shall not count as one of the over.
20.4.2.7 there is an instance of a deliberate attempt to distract under either of Laws 41.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) or 41.5 (Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batter). The ball shall not count as one of the over.
20.4.2.8 the bowler drops the ball accidentally before delivery.
20.4.2.9 the bowler throws the ball towards the striker’s end before entering his delivery stride
20.4.2.10 the ball does not leave the bowler’s hand for any reason other than an attempt to run out the non-striker under Law 38.3 (Non-striker leaving his ground early).
20.4.2.11 satisfied that the ball in play cannot be recovered.
20.4.2.12 he considers that either side has been disadvantaged by a person, animal or other object within the field of play. However, if both umpires consider the ball would have reached the boundary regardless of the intervention, the boundary should stand (see Law 19.2.7 – Identifying and marking the boundary).
20.4.2.13 the striker attempts to play the ball and no part of his person, whether grounded or raised, remains within the pitch as defined in Law 6.1 (Area of pitch).
20.4.2.14 he is required to do so under any of the Laws not included above.
20.5 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 there is no run-up, starts his bowling action.
20.6 Dead ball not to be revoked
Once the ball is dead, no revoking of any decision can bring the ball back into play for that delivery.
20.7 Dead ball; ball counting as one of over
20.7.1 When a ball which has been delivered is called dead or is to be considered dead then, other than as in 20.7.2,
20.7.1.1 it will not count in the over if the striker has not had an opportunity to play it.
20.7.1.2 unless No ball or Wide ball has been called, it will be a valid ball if the striker has had an opportunity to play it, except in the circumstances of 20.4.2.6 and Laws 24.4 (Player returning without permission), 28.2 (Fielding the ball), 41.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) and 41.5 (Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batter).
20.7.2 In 20.4.2.5, the ball will not count in the over only if both conditions of not attempting to play the ball and having an adequate reason for not being ready are met. Otherwise the delivery will be a valid ball.
Boundary Catching (Law 33)
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 fielder, and is subsequently held by a fielder as a fair catch, before it touches the ground.
33.2 A fair catch
33.2.1 A catch will be fair only if, in every case either the ball, at any time or any fielder in contact with the ball, is not grounded beyond the boundary before the catch is completed. 33.2.2 Furthermore, a catch will be fair if any of the following conditions applies:
33.2.2.1 the ball is held in the hand or hands of a fielder, even if the hand holding the ball is touching the ground, or is hugged to the body, or lodges in the external protective equipment worn by a fielder, or lodges accidentally in a fielder’s clothing.
33.2.2.2 a fielder catches the ball after it has been lawfully struck more than once by the striker, but only if it has not been grounded since it was first struck. See Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).
33.2.2.3 a fielder catches the ball after it has touched the wicket, an umpire, another fielder, a runner or the other batter.
33.2.2.4 a fielder catches the ball after it has crossed the boundary in the air, provided that the conditions in 33.2.1 are met.
33.2.2.5 the ball is caught off an obstruction within the boundary that is not designated a boundary by the umpires.
Fair Catch (Law 33)
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 fielder, and is subsequently held by a fielder as a fair catch, before it touches the ground.
33.2 A fair catch
33.2.1 A catch will be fair only if, in every case either the ball, at any time or any fielder in contact with the ball, is not grounded beyond the boundary before the catch is completed. 33.2.2 Furthermore, a catch will be fair if any of the following conditions applies:
33.2.2.1 the ball is held in the hand or hands of a fielder, even if the hand holding the ball is touching the ground, or is hugged to the body, or lodges in the external protective equipment worn by a fielder, or lodges accidentally in a fielder’s clothing.
33.2.2.2 a fielder catches the ball after it has been lawfully struck more than once by the striker, but only if it has not been grounded since it was first struck. See Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).
33.2.2.3 a fielder catches the ball after it has touched the wicket, an umpire, another fielder, a runner or the other batter.
33.2.2.4 a fielder catches the ball after it has crossed the boundary in the air, provided that the conditions in 33.2.1 are met.
33.2.2.5 the ball is caught off an obstruction within the boundary that is not designated a boundary by the umpires.
No Ball (Law 21)
21.1 Mode of delivery
21.1.1 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.
21.1.2 Underarm bowling shall not be permitted except by special agreement before the match.
21.2 Fair delivery – the arm
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the arm the ball must not be thrown. A ball is fairly delivered in respect of the arm if, once the bowler’s arm has reached the level of the shoulder in the delivery swing, the elbow joint is not straightened partially or completely from that instant until the ball has left the hand. This definition shall not debar a bowler from flexing or rotating the wrist in the delivery swing. Although it is the primary responsibility of the striker’s end umpire to assess the fairness of a delivery in this respect, there is nothing in this Law to debar the bowler’s end umpire from calling and signaling No ball if he considers that the ball has been thrown.
21.3 Ball thrown or delivered underarm – action by umpires
21.3.1 After the bowler has entered his delivery stride, if in the opinion of either umpire the ball has been thrown or, unless permitted by agreement in 21.1.2, delivered underarm, that umpire shall call and signal No ball and, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then
– warn the bowler, indicating that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.
– inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action.
– inform the batters at the wicket of what has occurred.
21.3.2 If either umpire considers that, in that innings, a further delivery by the same bowler is thrown or, unless permitted by agreement in 21.1.2, delivered underarm, he shall call and signal No ball and when the ball is dead inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then
– direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling. The over shall, if applicable, be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over or part thereof nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over. The bowler thus suspended shall not bowl again in that innings.
– inform the batters at the wicket and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.
21.3.3 The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain, any other individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team.
21.4 Bowler throwing towards striker’s end before delivery
If the bowler throws the ball towards the striker’s end before entering the delivery stride, it is not a No ball and the procedure stated in 21.3 shall not apply. However, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball under Law 20.4.2.9.
21.5 Fair delivery – the feet
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride
21.5.1 The bowler’s back foot must land within and not touching the return crease on the side of his stated mode of delivery.
21.5.2 the bowler’s front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised
– on the same side of the imaginary line joining the two middle stumps as the return crease described in 21.5.1, and
– behind the popping crease.
If the bowler’s end umpire is not satisfied that all of these three conditions have been met, he shall call and signal No ball. See Law 41.8 (Bowling of deliberate front foot No ball).
21.6 Bowler breaking wicket in delivering ball
21.7 Ball bouncing more than once, rolling along the ground or pitching off the pitch
The umpire shall call and signal No ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched bat or person of the striker,
– bounces more than once or rolls along the ground before it reaches the popping crease
or
– pitches wholly or partially off the pitch as defined in Law 6.1 (Area of pitch) before it reaches the line of the striker’s wicket. When a non-turf pitch is being used, this will apply to any ball that wholly or partially pitches off the artificial surface.
21.8 Ball causing the striker to leave the pitch, or 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 or is so far from the pitch that the striker would need to leave the pitch to attempt to play the ball (see Law 25.8 – Striker’s right to play the ball), without having previously touched the bat or person of the striker, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead ball.
21.9 Fielder intercepting a delivery
If, except in the circumstances of Law 27.3 (Position of wicket-keeper), a ball delivered by the bowler makes contact with any part of a fielder’s person before it either makes contact with the striker’s bat or person, or it passes the striker’s wicket, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead ball.
21.10 Ball bouncing over head height of striker
The umpire shall call and signal No ball for any delivery which, after pitching, passes or would have passed over head height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease.
21.11 Call of No ball for infringement of other Laws
In addition to the instances above, No ball is to be called and signalled as required by the following Laws.
Law 27.3 – Position of wicket-keeper, Law 28.4 – Limitation of on side fielders, Law 28.5 – Fielders not to encroach on pitch, Law 41.6 – Bowling of dangerous and unfair short pitched deliveries, Law 41.7 – Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries, Law 41.8 – Bowling of deliberate front foot No ball.
21.12 Revoking a call of No ball
An umpire shall revoke the call of No ball if Dead ball is called under any of Laws 20.4.2.4, 20.4.2.5, 20.4.2.6, 20.4.2.8 or 20.4.2.10 (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball).
21.13 No ball to override Wide
A call of No ball shall override the call of Wide ball at any time. See Laws 22.1(Judging a Wide) and 22.2 (Call and signal of Wide ball).
21.14 Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.
21.15 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, the penalty shall stand even if a batter is dismissed. It shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other runs awarded for penalties.
21.16 Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored
The one-run penalty shall be scored as a No ball extra and shall be debited against the bowler. If other Penalty runs have been awarded to either side these shall be scored as stated in Law 41.17 (Penalty runs). Any runs completed by the batters or any boundary allowance shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat; otherwise they shall also be scored as Byes or Leg byes as appropriate.
21.17 No ball not to count
A No ball shall not count as one of the over. See Law 17.3 (Validity of balls).
21.18 Out from a No ball
When No ball has been called, neither batter shall be out under any of the Laws except 34 (Hit the ball twice), 37 (Obstructing the field) or 38 (Run out).
Runners (Law 25)
25.5.1 The umpires shall allow a runner for a batter if they are satisfied
25.5.1.1 that the batter has sustained an injury that affects his ability to run and that this occurred during the match.
25.5.1.2 for any other wholly acceptable reason.
In all other circumstances, a runner is not allowed.
25.5.2 A runner shall
25.5.2.1 be a member of the batting side.
25.5.2.2 if possible, have already completed his innings; when this is not possible, if circumstances change such that a dismissed batter can act as runner, then the runner must be changed immediately.
25.5.2.3 be changed only with the consent of the umpires.
25.5.2.4 wear external protective equipment equivalent to that worn by the batter for whom he runs and shall carry a bat.
25.5.2.5 not have any unserved Penalty time as described in Law 24.2.7 (Fielder absent or leaving the field of play).
25.5.3 A batter’s runner is subject to the Laws and will be regarded as a batter except where there are special provisions for his role as a runner. See Law 30.2 (Which is a batter’s ground).
25.6 Dismissal and conduct of a batter and his runner
25.6.1 A batter who has a runner will suffer the penalty for any infringement of the Laws by the runner as if he, the batter, had been responsible for the infringement. In particular he will be out if the runner is out under either of Laws 37 (Obstructing the field) or 38 (Run out).
25.6.2 When a batter who has a runner is the striker he remains subject to the Laws and will be liable to the penalties that any infringement of them demands. In the case of Run out and Stumped, however, special provisions, set out in 25.6.3, 25.6.4 and 25.6.5, apply to him as a striker who has a runner.
25.6.3 When a batter who has a runner is the striker, his ground is always at the wicket-keeper’s end.
25.6.4 If the striker who has a runner is in his ground, and the runner is out of his ground at the wicket-keeper’s end when the wicket is fairly broken at that end, the conditions of Law 38 (Run out) shall apply.
25.6.5 If the striker who has a runner is out of his ground and the wicket at the wicket- keeper’s end is fairly broken, the striker is liable to be out under Laws 38 (Run out) or 39 (Stumped). If the runner is also out of his ground at the wicket-keeper’s end, then only Law 38 (Run out) can apply.
25.6.6 If a striker who has a runner is dismissed as in 25.6.5, the umpire shall
– disallow all runs to the batting side
– return any not out batter to his original end
– award any 5-run Penalty that is applicable.
25.6.7 When a batter who has a runner is not the striker, he
25.6.7.1 remains subject to Law 37 (Obstructing the field) but is otherwise out of the match.
25.6.7.2 shall stand where directed by the striker’s end umpire so as not to interfere with play.
25.6.7.3 will be liable, even though out of the match as in 25.6.7.1, to any penalty demanded by the Laws should he commit any act of unfair play.
Running out non Striker (law 38) – No warning required
38.3 Non-striker leaving his ground early
38.3.1 If the non-striker is out of his ground at any time from the moment the ball comes into play until the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the non-striker is liable to be Run out. In these circumstances, the non- striker will be out Run out if he is out of his ground when his wicket is broken by the bowler throwing the ball at the wicket or by the bowler’s hand holding the ball, whether or not the ball is subsequently delivered.
38.3.2 If the ball is not delivered,
– if there is an appeal, the umpire shall make his decision on the Run out.
– if there is no appeal, or if the decision is not out, he shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as possible.
– the ball shall not count as one in the over.
38.3.3 If the ball is delivered and there is an appeal,
– the umpire shall make his decision on the Run out.
– if the non-striker is not dismissed, the ball remains in play and Law 21.6 (Bowler breaking wicket in delivering ball) shall apply.
– if the non-striker is dismissed, the ball shall not count as one in the over.
Stumped (Law 39)
39.1.1 The striker is out Stumped, except as in 39.3, if a ball which is delivered is not called No ball and he is out of his ground, other than as in 39.3.1 and he has not attempted a run when his wicket is fairly broken by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another fielder.
Note, however Laws 25.6.2 and 25.6.5 (Dismissal and conduct of a batter and his runner) and 27.3 (Position of wicket-keeper).
39.1.2 The striker is out Stumped if all the conditions of 39.1.1 are satisfied, even though a decision of Run out would be justified.
39.2 Ball rebounding from wicket-keeper’s person
If the wicket is broken by the ball, it shall be regarded as having been broken by the wicket-keeper if the ball:
rebounds on to the stumps from any part of the wicket-keeper’s person or equipment or has been kicked or thrown on to the stumps by the wicket-keeper.
39.3 Not out Stumped
39.3.1 The striker will not be out Stumped if, after having received the delivery, he has left his ground in order to avoid injury.
39.3.2 If the striker is not out Stumped he may, except in the circumstances of Law 38.2.2.2 (Batter not out Run out), be out Run out if the conditions of Law 38.1 (Out Run out) apply.
39.4 Runs Scored
When a striker is dismissed Stumped from a Wide ball, the one-run penalty shall stand. Note Laws 12.9 (Conclusion of match), 16.6 (Winning hit or extras) and 22.2 (Call and signal of Wide ball) mean that if the penalty for a Wide concludes the match, then a stumping is not possible, but the one-run penalty for the wide remains.
Wide (Law 22)
22.1 Judging a Wide
22.1.1 If the bowler bowls a ball, not being a No ball, the umpire shall adjudge it a Wide if, according to the definition in 22.1.2 , the ball passes wide of where the striker is standing or has stood at any point after the ball came into play for that delivery, and which also would have passed wide of the striker standing in a normal batting position.
22.1.2 The ball will be considered as passing wide of the striker unless it is sufficiently within reach for him to be able to hit it with the bat by means of a normal cricket stroke.
22.2 Call and signal of Wide ball
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 that the bowler entered his delivery stride, even though it cannot be called Wide until it passes the striker’s wicket.
22.3 Revoking a call of Wide ball
22.3.1 The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if there is any contact between the ball and the striker’s bat or person before the ball comes into contact with any fielder.
22.3.2 The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if a delivery is called a No ball. See Law 21.13 (No ball to override Wide).
22.4 Delivery not a Wide
22.4.1 The umpire shall not adjudge a delivery as being a Wide, if the striker, by moving, either causes the ball to pass wide of him, as defined in 22.1.2 or brings the ball sufficiently within reach to be able to hit it by means of a normal cricket stroke.
22.4.2 The umpire shall not adjudge a delivery as being a Wide if the ball touches the striker’s bat or person, but only as the ball passes the striker.
22.5 Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of Wide ball.
22.6 Penalty for a Wide
A penalty of one-run shall be awarded instantly on the call of Wide ball. Unless the call is revoked under 22.3, this penalty shall stand even if a batter is dismissed, and shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other runs awarded for penalties.
22.7 Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored
All runs completed by the batters or a boundary allowance, together with the penalty for the Wide, shall be scored as Wide balls. Apart from any award of 5 Penalty runs, all runs resulting from a Wide shall be debited against the bowler.
22.8 Wide not to count
A Wide shall not count as one of the over. See Law 17.3 (Validity of balls).
22.9 Out from a Wide
When Wide ball has been called, neither batter shall be out under any of the Laws except 35 (Hit wicket), 37 (Obstructing the field), and 38 (Run out).
Batsman out of his ground
30.1 When out of his ground
30.1.1 A batter shall be considered to be out of his ground unless some part of his person or bat is grounded behind the popping crease at that end.
30.1.2 However, a batter shall not be considered to be out of his ground if, in running or diving towards his ground and beyond, and having grounded some part of his person or bat beyond the popping crease, there is subsequent loss of contact between the ground and any part of his person or bat, or between the bat and person.
30.2 Which is a batter’s ground
30.2.1 If only one batter is within a ground, it is his ground and will remain so even if he is later joined there by the other batter.
30.2.2 If both batters are in the same ground and one of them subsequently leaves it, the ground belongs to the batter who remains in it.
30.2.3 If there is no batter in either ground, then each ground belongs to whichever batter is nearer to it, or, if the batters are level, to whichever batter was nearer to it immediately prior to their drawing level.
30.2.4 If a ground belongs to one batter then, unless there is a striker who has a runner, the other ground belongs to the other batter, irrespective of his position.
30.2.5 When a batter who has a runner is striker, his ground is always at the wicket- keeper’s end. However, 30.2.1, 30.2.2, 30.2.3 and 30.2.4 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.
30.3 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.
Damaging the Pitch
41.12 Fielder damaging the pitch
41.12.1 It is unfair to cause deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch.
41.12.2 If a fielder causes deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch, other than as in 41.13.1, at the first instance the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire. The bowler’s end umpire shall then
– caution the captain of the fielding side and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings.
– inform the batters of what has occurred.
41.12.3 If, in that innings, there is any further instance of deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch, by any fielder, the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire. The bowler’s end umpire shall then
– signal No ball or Wide to the scorers, if applicable.
– award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side.
– award any other 5-run Penalty that is applicable.
– inform the fielding captain of the reason for this action.
– inform the batters and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain, any other individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team.
41.13 Bowler running on protected area
41.13.1 It is unfair for a bowler to enter the protected area in his follow-through without reasonable cause, whether or not the ball is delivered.
41.13.2 If a bowler contravenes this Law, at the first instance and when the ball is dead, the umpire shall
– caution the bowler and inform the other umpire of what has occurred. This caution shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.
– inform the captain of the fielding side and the batters of what has occurred.
41.13.3 If, in that innings, the same bowler again contravenes this Law, the umpire shall repeat the above procedure indicating that this is a final warning. This warning shall also apply throughout the innings.
41.13.4 If, in that innings, the same bowler contravenes this Law a third time, when the ball is dead, the umpire shall,
– direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling. If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over. The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.
– inform the other umpire of the reason for this action.
– inform the batters and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain, any other individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team.
41.14 Batter damaging the pitch
41.14.1 It is unfair to cause deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch. If the striker enters the protected area in playing or playing at the ball, he must move from it immediately thereafter. A batter will be deemed to be causing avoidable damage if either umpire considers that his presence on the pitch is without reasonable cause.
41.14.2 If either batter causes deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch, other than as in 41.15, at the first instance the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the occurrence. The bowler’s end umpire shall then
– warn both batters that the practice is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batter.
– inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
41.14.3 If there is any further instance of deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch by any batter in that innings, the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the occurrence.
The bowler’s end umpire shall
– disallow all runs to the batting side
– return any not out batter to his original end
– signal No ball or Wide to the scorers if applicable.
– award 5 Penalty runs to the fielding side.
– award any other 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under Law 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
– Inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain, any other individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team.
41.15 Striker in protected area
41.15.1 The striker shall not adopt a batting position in the protected area or so close to it that frequent encroachment is inevitable.
The striker may make a mark on the pitch, for the purpose of indicating his batting position, provided that no mark is unreasonably close to the protected area.
41.15.2 If there is breach of any of the conditions in 41.15.1 by the striker, the umpire seeing the contravention shall, if the bowler has not entered his delivery stride, immediately call and signal Dead ball, otherwise, he shall wait until the ball is dead and then inform the other umpire of the occurrence.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then
– warn the striker that the practice is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform the non-striker and each incoming batter.
– inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
41.15.3 If there is any further breach of any of the conditions in 41.15.1 by any batter in that innings, the umpire seeing the contravention shall, if the bowler has not entered his delivery stride, immediately call and signal Dead ball, otherwise, he shall wait until the ball is dead and then inform the other umpire of the occurrence.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then
– disallow all runs to the batting side
– return any not out batter to his original end
– signal No ball or Wide to the scorers if applicable.
– award 5 Penalty runs to the fielding side.
– award any other 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under Law
28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
– inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain, any other individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team
41.16 Batters stealing a run
It is unfair for the batters to attempt to steal a run during the bowler’s run-up. Unless the bowler attempts to run out the non- striker – see Law 38.3 (Non-striker leaving his ground early) – the umpire shall
– call and signal Dead ball as soon as the batters cross in such an attempt.
– inform the other umpire of the reason for this action.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then
– return the batters to their original ends and disallow the attempted run.
– award 5 Penalty runs to the fielding side.
– award any other 5 run Penalty that is applicable.
– inform the batters, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side, of the reason for this action.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the Executive of the offending side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain, any other individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team.
41.17 Penalty runs
41.17.1 When Penalty runs are awarded to either side, when the ball is dead the umpire shall signal the Penalty runs to the scorers. See Law 2.13 (Signals).
41.17.2 Penalty runs shall be awarded in each case where the Laws require the award, even if a result has already been achieved. See Law 16.6 (Winning hit or extras).
Note, however, that the restrictions on awarding Penalty runs, in Laws 23.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded), 25.7 (Restriction on the striker’s runner), 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) and 34.4 (Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once) will apply.
41.17.3 When 5 Penalty runs are awarded to the batting side,
– they shall be scored as Penalty extras and shall be in addition to any other penalties.
– they are awarded when the ball is dead and shall not be regarded as runs scored from either the immediately preceding delivery or the immediately following delivery and shall be in addition to any runs from those deliveries.
– the batters shall not change ends solely by reason of the 5-run penalty.
41.17.4 When 5 Penalty runs are awarded to the fielding side, 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 runs shall be added to the score in its next innings.
Hit Ball Twice (Law 34)
34.1.1 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, the striker wilfully 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 34.3 and Law 37 (Obstructing the field).
34.1.2 For the purpose of this Law ‘struck’ or ‘strike’ shall include contact with the person of the striker.
34.1.3 This Law will apply whether or not No ball is called.
34.2 Not out Hit the ball twice
The striker will not be out under this Law if he
34.2.1 strikes the ball a second or subsequent time in order to return the ball to any fielder. Note, however, the provisions of Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a fielder).
34.2.2 willfully strikes the ball after it has touched a fielder. Note, however the provisions of Law 37.1 (Out Obstructing the field).
34.3 Ball lawfully struck more than once
The striker may, solely in order to guard his wicket and before the ball has been touched by a fielder, lawfully strike the ball a second or subsequent time with the bat, or with any part of his person other than a hand not holding the bat.
The striker may guard his wicket even if the delivery is a No ball.
However, the striker may not prevent the ball from being caught by striking the ball more than once in defence of his wicket. See Law 37.3 (Obstructing a ball from being caught).
34.4 Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once
When the ball is lawfully struck more than once, as permitted in 34.3, if the ball does not become dead for any reason, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as the ball reaches the boundary or at the completion of the first run. However, he shall delay the call of Dead ball to allow the opportunity for a catch to be completed.
The umpire shall
– disallow all runs to the batting side
– return any not out batter to his original end
– signal No ball to the scorers if applicable.
-award any 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under Law 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
34.5 Bowler does not get credit
The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.
Obstructing the Field (Law 37)
37.1.1 Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, and while the ball is in play, he wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. See also Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).
37.1.2 The striker is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, he wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This will apply whether it is the first strike or a second or subsequent strike. The act of receiving the ball shall extend both to playing at the ball and to striking the ball more than once in defence of his wicket.
37.1.3 This Law will apply whether or not No ball is called.
37.2 Not out Obstructing the field
A batter shall not be out Obstructing the field if obstruction or distraction is accidental, or obstruction is in order to avoid injury, or in the case of the striker, he makes a second or subsequent strike to guard his wicket lawfully as in Law
34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once). However, see 37.3. Obstructing a ball from being caught
37.3.1 If the delivery is not a No ball, the striker is out Obstructing the field if wilful obstruction or distraction by either batter prevents the striker being out Caught.
37.3.2 37.3.1 shall apply even if an obstruction is caused by the striker in lawfully guarding his wicket under the provision of Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).
37.3.3 If an obstruction or distraction takes place from a No ball then the batter who caused the obstruction or distraction will be out Obstructing the field.
However, the striker is not out if the obstruction of a catch occurs while defending his wicket from a No ball with a lawful second strike.
37.4 Returning the ball to a fielder
Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he uses the bat or any part of his person to return the ball to any fielder.
37.5 Runs scored
When either batter is dismissed Obstructing the field,
37.5.1 unless the obstruction or distraction prevents the striker being out Caught, any runs completed by the batters before the offence shall be scored, together with any one-run Penalty for No ball or Wide, or any other award of 5 Penalty Runs to either side. See Laws 18.6 (Runs awarded for penalties) and 18.8 (Runs scored when a batter is dismissed).
37.5.2 if the obstruction or distraction prevents the striker being out Caught, any runs completed by the batters shall not be scored but any award of 5 Penalty Runs to either side shall stand. Law 18.11 (Batter returning to original end) will apply.
37.6 Bowler does not get credit
The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.
The Wicket is Down
35.1.1 The striker is out Hit wicket if, after the bowler has entered the delivery stride and while the ball is in play, his wicket is broken by either the striker’s bat or person as described in Laws 29.2.1.2 to 29.2.1.4 (Breaking the wicket fairly) in any of the following circumstances:
35.1.1.1 in the course of any action taken by him in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery,
35.1.1.2 in setting off for the first run immediately after playing or playing at the ball,
35.1.1.3 if no attempt is made to play the ball, in setting off for the first run, providing that in the opinion of the umpire this is immediately after the striker has had the opportunity of playing the ball,
35.1.1.4 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).
35.1.2 If the striker breaks his wicket in any of the ways described in Laws 29.2.1.2 to 29.2.1.4 (Breaking the wicket fairly) before the bowler has entered the delivery stride, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball.
35.2 Not out Hit wicket
The striker is not out under this Law should his wicket be broken in any of the ways referred to in 35.1 if any of the following applies:
– it occurs after the striker has completed any action in receiving the delivery, other than in 35.1.1.2 to 35.1.1.4.
– it occurs when the striker is in the act of running, other than setting off immediately for the first run.
– it occurs when the striker is trying to avoid being Run out or Stumped.
– it occurs when the striker is trying to avoid a throw in at any time.
– the bowler after entering the delivery stride does not deliver the ball. In this case either umpire shall immediately call and signal Dead ball. See Law 20.4 (Umpire calling and signaling Dead ball).
– the delivery is a No ball.
35.3 Runs scored
No runs shall be scored when the striker is dismissed Hit wicket other than the one-run penalty for a Wide and any award of 5 Penalty Runs.
Umpires Hand Signals
