BCCI Men T20 Playing Conditions 2021-22-1

BCCI - Playing Conditions for Men’s T20 Matches
(incorporating Laws of Cricket 2017 (2nd Edition – 2019))

SENIOR AND JUNIOR DOMESTIC TOURNAMENTS 2021-22
Playing Conditions for Men’s T20 Matches
Contents
P Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket 3

1 The Players 3
2 The Umpires 6
3 The Scorers 11
4 The Ball 12
5 The Bat 13
6 The Pitch 14
7 The Creases 16
8 The Wickets 17
9 Preparation and Maintenance of Playing Area 18
10 Covering the Pitch 20
11 Intervals 21
12 Start of Play; Cessation of Play 22
13 Innings 24
14 The Follow-on 27
15 Declaration and Forfeiture 27
16 The Result 27
17 The Over 32
18 Scoring Runs 34
19 Boundaries 38
20 Dead Ball 41
21 No Ball 43
22 Wide Ball 47
23 Bye and Leg Bye 48
24 Fielder’s Absence; Substitutes 49
25 Batsman’s Innings 52
26 Practice on the Field 52
27 The Wicket-Keeper 54
28 The Fielder 55
29 The Wicket is Down 59
30 Batsman out of his Ground 60
31 Appeals 61
32 Bowled 62
33 Caught 63
34 Hit the Ball Twice 64
35 Hit Wicket 65
36 Leg Before Wicket 66
37 Obstructing the Field 66
38 Run Out 68
39 Stumped 69
40 Time Out 70
41 Unfair Play 70
42 Players’ Conduct 83
A Appendix – A – Definitions 84
B Appendix – B – Equipment 90
C Appendix – C – The Venue 92
D Appendix – D – Umpire Review – Third Umpire 93
E Appendix – E – Umpire Review – Match Referee acting as Third Umpire 97
F Appendix – F – Calculations 99
G Appendix – G – Procedure for Super Over 102
H Appendix – H – Light Meter 106
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Preamble - The Spirit of Cricket

Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only
according to the Laws (which are incorporated within these Playing Conditions), but also within
the Spirit of Cricket.
The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players,
match officials and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents.
Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.
Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.
Play hard and play fair.
Accept the umpire’s decision.
Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.
Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings
together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played
within the Spirit of Cricket.
1 THE 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 11 players plus a maximum of 4 substitute fielders in writing
to the BCCI Match Referee before the toss. No player (member of the playing eleven)
may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.
1.2.2 Only those nominated as substitute fielders shall be entitled to act as substitute fielders
during the match, unless the BCCI Match Referee, in exceptional circumstances, allows
subsequent additions.
1.2.3 All those nominated including those nominated as substitute fielders, must be eligible to
play for that particular team and by such nomination the nominees shall warrant that
they are so eligible.
1.2.4 In addition, by their nomination, the nominees shall be deemed to have agreed to abide
by all the applicable BCCI Regulations pertaining to domestic cricket and in particular,
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the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, the Code of Conduct for Players and Player
Support Personnel (hereafter referred to as the BCCI Code of Conduct), the Anti-Doping
Code and the Anti-Corruption Code.
1.2.5 A player or player support personnel who has been suspended from participating in a
match shall not, from the toss of the coin and for the remainder of the match thereafter:
1.2.5.1 Be nominated as, or carry out any of the duties or responsibilities of a substitute fielder,
or
1.2.5.2 Enter any part of the playing area (which shall include the field of play and the area
between the boundary and the perimeter boards) at any time, including any scheduled
or unscheduled breaks in play.
1.2.6 A player who has been suspended from participating in a match shall be permitted from
the toss of the coin and for the remainder of the match thereafter be permitted to enter
the players’ dressing room provided that the players’ dressing room (or any part thereof)
for the match is not within the playing area described in clause 1.2.5.2 above (for
example, the player is not permitted to enter the on-field ‘dug-out’).
1.2.7 Concussion Replacement
1.2.7.1 If a player sustains a concussion or suspected concussion, as a result of a head or

neck injury during the course of the relevant match, a Concussion Replacement may
be permitted in the following circumstances:
1.2.7.1.1 the head or neck injury must have been sustained during play and within the playing
area described in clause 1.2.5.2 above;
1.2.7.1.2 a concussion or suspected concussion must have been formally diagnosed by the
Players’ Medical Team Doctor
1.2.7.1.3 the Team Manager shall submit a Concussion Replacement Request to the BCCI
Match Referee on a standard form, which shall:
1.2.7.1.3.1 identify the player who has sustained the concussion or suspected concussion;
1.2.7.1.3.2 specify the incident in which the concussion or suspected concussion was
sustained, including the time at which it occurred;
1.2.7.1.3.3 confirm that, following an examination, the Players’ Team Medical Doctor believes
or suspects that the player has sustained a concussion as a result of the incident
specified in clause 1.2.7.1.3.2 above; and
1.2.7.1.3.4 identify the requested Concussion Replacement, who shall be like-for-like

replacement for the player who has sustained the concussion or suspected
concussion.
1.2.7.2 The Concussion Replacement Request must be submitted to the BCCI Match Referee
as soon as possible after the incident specified in clause 1.2.7.1.3.2 if a Concussion
Replacement is to be permitted
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1.2.7.3 The BCCI Match Referee should ordinarily approve a Concussion Replacement
Request if the replacement is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively
advantage his team for the remainder of the match.
1.2.7.4 In assessing whether the nominated Concussion Replacement should be considered

a like-for-like player, the BCCI Match Referee should consider the likely role that the
concussed player would have played during the remainder of the match, and the
normal role that would be performed by the nominated Concussion Replacement.
1.2.7.5 If the BCCI Match Referee believes that the inclusion of the nominated Concussion
Replacement, when performing their normal role, would excessively advantage their
team, the BCCI Match Referee may impose such conditions upon the identity and
involvement of the Concussion Replacement as he/she sees fit, in line with the
overriding objective of facilitating a like-for-like replacement for the concussed player.
1.2.7.6 The BCCI Match Referee may, in reviewing a Concussion Replacement Request made
in accordance with clause 1.2.7.1.3 request any such further information as may be
required in order to make the determination required under clauses 1.2.7.4 and 1.2.7.5.
1.2.7.7 The decision of the BCCI Match Referee in relation to any Concussion Replacement
Request shall be final and neither team shall have any right of appeal.
1.2.7.8 Once the Concussion Replacement has been approved by the BCCI Match Referee,
the replaced player shall take no further part in the match
1.2.7.9 Both the Concussion Replacement and the replaced player shall be considered to
have played in the match for records and statistical purposes.
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 one of the nominated
member of playing eleven of that team may act as his deputy to do so. See clause 1.2.
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
Playing Conditions, including at the toss. See clause 13.4(The toss).
1.3.4 Each Association must nominate its ‘T20 Team Captain’ to the BCCI when appointed.
1.3.5 If the ‘T20 Team Captain’ is not participating in a match, the relevant Association must
nominate a replacement ‘T20 Team Captain’ for the match. The Association shall advise
the BCCI Match Referee.
1.3.6 If the ‘T20 Team Captain’ plays in a match without being the nominated captain for that
match, he will be deemed to be the captain should any penalties be applied for over rate
breaches under the BCCI Code of Conduct.
1.4 Responsibility of captains
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The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit
of Cricket, as well as within these Playing Conditions.
1.5 Additional Eligibility criteria for players playing in U/19 and U/16 state teams.
Only 3 players who were in the playing eleven of a senior team (Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare
Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) in the same season, can be included in the playing
eleven of U/19 and U/16 state teams.
2 THE UMPIRES
2.1 Appointment and attendance
The following rules for the selection and appointment of T20 Limited Overs Match umpires
shall be followed as far as it is practicable to do so:
2.1.1 The umpires shall control the game as required by these Playing Conditions, with
absolute impartiality and shall be present at the ground at least one and half hours before
the scheduled start of the play on the day.
2.1.2 Umpires will be appointed based on neutrality as far as possible.
2.1.3 Neutrality shall mean an umpire from a zone other than that of the teams involved in the
match.
2.1.4 For knock out matches, appointment of neutral umpires may be dispensed with if ICC
panel umpires are available.
2.1.5 In T20 Limited Overs Matches where there is a provision of live or delayed telecast of
the match, the BCCI will appoint a third umpire and will cover decisions / use protocols
as mentioned in Appendix D.
2.1.6 In T20 Limited Overs Matches, where there is no provision for live or delayed telecast,
but the match is covered by static cameras by BCCI, the Match Referee will act as third
umpire and will cover only those decisions / use protocols as mentioned in Appendix E.
2.1.7 Neither team will have a right of objection to the appointment of any umpire.
2.2 Change of umpire
An umpire shall not be changed during the match, other than in exceptional circumstances,
unless he/she is injured or ill.
2.3 Consultation with Host Association
Before the match the umpires shall consult with the Host Association to determine:
2.3.1 which clock or watch and back-up time piece is to be used during the match.
2.3.2 the boundary of the field of play. See clause 19 (Boundaries).
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2.3.3 the use of covers. See clause 10 (Covering the pitch).
2.3.4 any special conditions of play affecting the conduct of the match.
2.3.5 The host association may provide for the ringing of a bell, which shall be rung 5 minutes
before the start of the match and termination of an interval or interruption, when the
umpires shall go to the wickets.
2.4 The wickets, creases and boundaries
Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that
2.4.1 the wickets are properly pitched. See clause 8 (The wickets).
2.4.2 the creases are correctly marked. See clause 7 (The creases).
2.4.3 the boundary of the field of play complies with the requirements of clauses 19.1
(Determining the boundary of the field of play), 19.2 (Identifying and marking the
boundary) and 19.3 (Restoring the boundary).
2.5 Conduct of the match, implements and equipment
Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that
2.5.1 the conduct of the match is strictly in accordance with these Playing Conditions.
2.5.2 the implements used in the match conform to the following
2.5.2.1 clause 4 (The ball).
2.5.2.2 externally visible requirements of clause 5 (The bat).
2.5.2.3 either clauses 8.2 (Size of stumps) and 8.3 (The bails).
2.5.3 no player uses equipment other than that permitted. See paragraph 2 of Appendix A.
Note particularly therein the interpretation of ‘protective helmet’.
2.5.4 the wicket-keeper’s gloves comply with the requirements of clause 27.2 (Gloves).
2.6 Fair and unfair play
The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
2.7 Fitness for play
2.7.1 It is solely for the umpires together to decide whether either conditions of ground,
weather or light or exceptional circumstances mean that it would be dangerous or
unreasonable for play to take place.
Conditions shall not be regarded as either dangerous or unreasonable merely because

they are not ideal.
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The fact that the grass and the ball are wet does not warrant the ground conditions being
regarded as unreasonable or dangerous.
2.7.2 Conditions shall be regarded as dangerous if there is actual and foreseeable risk to the
safety of any player or umpire.
2.7.3 Conditions shall be regarded as unreasonable if, although posing no risk to safety, it
would not be sensible for play to proceed.
2.7.4 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 dangerous and unreasonable for play to take place.
2.8 Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable circumstances
2.8.1 All references to ground include the pitch. See clause 6.1 (Area of pitch).
2.8.2 The umpires shall be the final judges of the fitness of the ground, weather and light for
play. However, the umpires shall involve and consult the BCCI Match referee before
deciding not to start/recommence after an interval/interruption. They shall also involve
the Match Referee when they need to suspend or call off play in dangerous and
unreasonable conditions. However, when play is in progress, the Umpires by
themselves will take any decision regarding suspension of play.
If at any time the umpires together agree that the conditions of ground, weather or light,
or any other circumstances are dangerous or unreasonable, they shall immediately
suspend play, or not allow play to start or to recommence. The decision as to whether
conditions are so bad as to warrant such action is one for the umpires alone to make,
following consultation with the BCCI Match Referee.
2.8.3 If circumstances are warranted, the umpires shall stop play and instruct the Ground
Authority to take whatever action they can and use whatever equipment is necessary to
remove as much dew as possible from the outfield when conditions become
unreasonable or dangerous. The umpires may also instruct the ground staff to take such
action during scheduled and unscheduled breaks in play.
2.8.4 The umpires shall disregard any shadow on the pitch from the stadium or from any
permanent object on the ground.
If a shadow from a fielder falls across the striker’s half of the pitch, the fielder must
remain stationary from the time the bowler commences his run up until the striker has
received the ball. In the event of a fielder moving before the striker receives the ball, the
umpire shall call and signal ’dead ball’ if he considers the striker has been disadvantaged
by the action.
2.8.5 Light Meters (Refer Appendix H)
It is the responsibility of the Host Association to supply light meters to the match officials to be
used in accordance with these playing conditions.
2.8.5.1 All light meters shall be uniformly calibrated and supplied by BCCI.
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2.8.5.2 The umpires shall be entitled to use light meter readings as a guideline for determining
whether the light is fit for play in accordance with the criteria set out in clause 2.8.2
above.
2.8.5.3 Light meter readings may accordingly be used by the umpires:
2.8.5.3.1 To determine whether there has been at any stage a deterioration or improvement
in the light.
2.8.5.3.2 As benchmarks for the remainder of the match.
2.8.6 Use of artificial lights
Artificial Lights shall not be used in Day Matches. In day night matches BCCI Match Referee
and Umpires in consultation with the Host Association will decide when the artificial lights will
be switched on.
However in the opinion of the Umpires, Natural light is deteriorating to an unsafe level, they
will authorise the lights to be switched on earlier.
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.
2.8.7 When there is a suspension of play it is the responsibility of the umpires to monitor
conditions. They shall make inspections as often as appropriate, unaccompanied by any
players or officials. Immediately the umpires together agree that the conditions are no
longer dangerous or unreasonable they shall call upon the players to resume play.
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.
2.8.8 The safety of all persons within the ground is of paramount importance to the BCCI. In
the event that of any threatening circumstance, whether actual or perceived (including
for example weather, pitch invasions, act of God, etc.), then the umpires, on the advice
of the BCCI Match Referee, should suspend play and all 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, the BCCI Match Referee, the head of the relevant Ground Authority, the
head of ground security and/or the police as the circumstances may require.
2.8.9 Where play is suspended under clause 2.8.8 above the decision to abandon or resume
play shall be the responsibility of the BCCI Match Referee who shall act only after
consultation with the head of ground security and the police.
2.9 Position of umpires
The umpires shall stand where they can best see any act upon which their decision may be
required.
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Subject to this over-riding consideration, the bowler’s end umpire shall stand in a position so
as not to interfere with either the bowler’s run-up or the striker’s view.
The striker’s end umpire may elect to stand on the off side instead of the on side of the pitch,
provided he informs the captain of the fielding side, the striker and the other umpire.
2.10 Umpires changing ends
Shall not apply.
2.11 Disagreement and dispute
Where there is disagreement or dispute about any matter, the umpires together shall make
the final decision. See also clause 31.6 (Consultation by umpires).
2.12 Umpire’s decision
An umpire may alter any decision provided that such alteration is made promptly. This apart,
an umpire’s decision, once made, is final.
2.13 Signals
2.13.1 The following code of signals shall be used by umpires.
2.13.1.1 Signals made while the ball is in play
No ball - by extending one arm horizontally.
Out - by raising an index finger above the head. (If not out, the umpire shall call Not
out.)
Wide - by extending both arms horizontally.
Dead ball - by crossing and re-crossing the wrists below the waist.
2.13.1.2 When the ball is dead, the bowler’s end umpire shall repeat the signals in clause
2.13.1.1, with the exception of the signal for Out, to the scorers.
2.13.1.3 The signals listed below shall be made to the scorers only when the ball is dead.
Boundary 4 - by waving an arm from side to side finishing with the arm across the
chest
Boundary 6 - by raising both arms above the head.
Bye - by raising an open hand above the head.
Five Penalty runs awarded to the batting side - by repeated tapping of one shoulder
with the opposite hand.
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Five Penalty runs awarded to the fielding side - by placing one hand on the opposite
shoulder.
Leg bye - by touching a raised knee with the hand.
New ball - by holding the ball above the head.
Revoke last signal - by touching both shoulders, each with the opposite hand.
Short run - by bending one arm upwards and touching the nearer shoulder with the
tips of the fingers.
Free Hit – after signalling the No ball, the bowler’s end umpire extends one arm
straight upwards and moves it in a circular motion.
2.13.1.4 All the signals in clause 2.13.1.3 are to be made by the bowler’s end umpire except
that for Short run, which is to be signalled by the umpire at the end where short
running occurs. However, the bowler’s end umpire shall be responsible both for the
final signal of Short run to the scorers and, if more than one run is short, for informing
them as to the number of runs to be recorded.
2.13.2 The umpire shall wait until each signal to the scorers has been separately
acknowledged by a scorer before allowing play to proceed.
If several signals are to be used, they should be given in the order that the events
occurred.
2.14 Informing the umpires
Wherever the umpires are to receive information from captains or other players under these
Playing Conditions, it will be sufficient for one umpire to be so informed and for him/her to
inform the other umpire.
2.15 Correctness of scores
Consultation between umpires and scorers on doubtful points is essential. The umpires shall,
throughout the match, satisfy themselves as to the correctness of the number of runs scored,
the wickets that have fallen and, where appropriate, the number of overs bowled.
The umpires shall ensure that they are able to contact the scorers at any time during the match
and at its conclusion to address any issues relating to the correctness of scores.
2.16 Day Night Matches
2.16.1 Pads and player’s and umpire’s clothing shall be coloured.
2.16.2 Sightscreens will be black.
3 THE SCORERS
3.1 Appointment of scorers
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Two scorers shall be appointed to record all runs scored, all wickets taken and, where
appropriate, number of overs bowled.
3.2 Correctness of scores
The scorers shall frequently check to ensure that their records agree and consult with the
umpires if necessary. See clause 2.15 (Correctness of scores).
3.3 Acknowledging signals
The scorers shall accept all instructions and signals given to them by the umpires and shall
immediately acknowledge each separate signal.
4 THE BALL
4.1 Weight and size
The ball, when new, shall weigh not less than 5.5 ounces/155.9 g, nor more than 5.75
ounces/163 g, and shall measure not less than 8.81 in/22.4 cm, nor more than 9 in/22.9 cm in
circumference.
4.2 Approval and control of balls
4.2.1 The Host Association shall provide cricket balls of an approved standard and spare used
balls for changing during a match, which shall also be of the same brand.
(a) All senior tournaments Kookaburra turf white balls will be used.
(b) In Under 16 / Under 19 / Under 25 T20 games White SG Test LE balls will be used.
4.2.2 The fielding captain or his nominee may select the ball with which he wishes to bowl
from the supply provided by the Host Association in presence of the umpires.
4.2.3 The umpires shall retain possession of the match ball(s) throughout the duration of the
match when play is not actually taking place.
4.2.4 During play umpires shall periodically and irregularly inspect the condition of the ball and
shall retain possession of it at the fall of a wicket, or any other disruption in play.
4.3 New ball
4.3.1 Each fielding team shall have one new ball for its innings.
4.4 Ball lost or becoming unfit for play
If, during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or the umpires agree that it has become
unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall replace it with a ball which has had wear
comparable with that which the previous ball had received before the need for its replacement.
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, or a white ball becoming significantly discoloured and in
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the opinion of the umpires becoming 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.
When the ball is replaced, the umpires shall inform the batsmen and the fielding captain.
5 THE BAT
5.1 The bat
5.1.1 The bat consists of two parts, a handle and a blade.
5.1.2 The basic requirements and measurements of the bat are set out in this clause.
5.2 The handle
5.2.1 The handle is to be made principally of cane and/or wood.
5.2.2 The part of the handle that is wholly outside the blade is defined to be the upper portion
of the handle. It is a straight shaft for holding the bat.
5.2.3 The upper portion of the handle may be covered with a grip.
5.3 The blade
5.3.1 The blade comprises the whole of the bat apart from the handle.
5.3.2 The blade shall consist solely of wood and shall have a conventional ‘flat’ face.
5.4 Protection and repair
Provided clause 5.5 is not contravened,
The blade may be covered with material for protection, strengthening or repair. Such material
shall not exceed 1/16 in/1.56 mm in thickness.
5.5 Damage to the ball
5.5.1 For any part of the bat, covered or uncovered, the hardness of the constituent materials
and the surface texture thereof shall not be such that either or both could cause
unacceptable damage to the ball.
5.5.2 Any material placed on any part of the bat, for whatever purpose, shall similarly not be
such that it could cause unacceptable damage to the ball.
5.5.3 For the purpose of this clause, unacceptable damage is any change that is greater than
normal wear and tear caused by the ball striking the uncovered wooden surface of the
blade.
5.6 Contact with the ball
In these clauses,
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5.6.1 reference to the bat shall imply that the bat is held in the batsman’s hand or a glove worn
on his hand, unless stated otherwise.
5.6.2 contact between the ball and any of 5.6.2.1 to 5.6.2.4
5.6.2.1 the bat itself
5.6.2.2 the batsman’s hand holding the bat
5.6.2.3 any part of a glove worn on the batsman’s hand holding the bat
5.6.2.4 any additional materials permitted under 5.4 shall be regarded as the ball striking or
touching the bat or being struck by the bat.
5.7 Bat size limits
5.7.1 The overall length of the bat, when the lower portion of the handle is inserted, shall not
be more than 38 in/96.52 cm.
5.7.2 The blade of the bat shall not exceed the following dimensions:
Width: 4.25in / 10.8 cm

Depth: 2.64in / 6.7 cm
Edges: 1.56in / 4.0cm.
Furthermore, it should also be able to pass through a bat gauge as described in

paragraph 1.1 of Appendix B.
6 THE PITCH
6.1 Area of pitch
The pitch is a rectangular area of the ground 22 yards/20.12 m in length and 10 ft/3.05 m in
width. It is bounded at either end by the bowling creases and on either side by imaginary lines,
one each side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps, each parallel
to it and 5 ft/1.52 m from it. If the pitch is next to an artificial pitch which is closer than 5 ft/1.52
m from the middle stumps, the pitch on that side will extend only to the junction of the two
surfaces. See clauses 8.1 (Description, width and pitching) and 7.2 (The bowling crease).
6.2 Fitness of pitch for play
The umpires shall be the sole judges of the fitness of the pitch for play. See clauses 2.7
(Fitness for play), 2.8 (Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable conditions) and 6.4
(changing the pitch).
6.3 Selection and preparation
Before the match, the Ground Authority shall be responsible for the selection and preparation
of the pitch. During the match, the umpires shall control its use and maintenance.
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6.3.1 The Ground Authority shall ensure that during the period prior to the start of play and
during intervals, the pitch area shall be roped off so as to prevent unauthorised access.
(The pitch area shall include an area at least 2 metres beyond the rectangle made by
the crease markings at both ends of the pitch).
6.3.2 The BCCI Match Referee shall ensure that, prior to the start of play and during any
intervals, only authorised staff, the match officials, players, team coaches and
authorised television personnel shall be allowed access to the pitch area. Such access
shall be subject to the following limitations:
6.3.2.1 Only Captain and Team Head Coach may walk on the actual playing surface of the
pitch area (outside of the crease markings).
6.3.2.2 Access to the pitch area by television personnel shall be restricted to one camera crew
(including one or two television commentators) of the official licensed television
broadcaster(s) (but not news crews).
6.3.2.3 No spiked footwear shall be permitted.
6.3.2.4 No one shall be permitted to bounce a ball on the pitch, strike it with a bat or cause
damage to the pitch in any other way.
6.3.2.5 Access shall not interfere with pitch preparation.
6.3.3 In the event of any dispute, the BCCI Match Referee will rule and his ruling will be final.
6.4 Changing the pitch
6.4.1 If the on-field umpires decide that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue
on the match pitch, they shall stop play and immediately advise the BCCI Match Referee.
6.4.2 The on-field umpires and the BCCI Match Referee shall then consult with both captains.
6.4.3 If the captains agree to continue, play shall resume.
6.4.4 If the decision is not to resume play, the on-field umpires together with the BCCI Match
Referee shall consider one of the options in following sequence
6.4.4.1 Whether the existing pitch can be repaired and the match resumed from the point it
was stopped. In considering whether to authorise such repairs, the BCCI Match
Referee must consider whether this would place either side at an unfair advantage,
given the play that had already taken place on the dangerous pitch.
The supervision of the remedial work shall be responsibility of on-field umpires and
relevant ground authority.
The rescheduled starting time and the rescheduled cessation time, together with any
make-up procedure as provided herein, shall be the responsibility of on-field umpires.
The match shall start from the point stopped. The playing time lost between the
stoppage time of the match and the actual restart time of the match will be covered by
the provisions of clause 12.
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6.4.4.2 Whether an alternative pitch can be used.
The supervision of the new preparatory work shall be responsibility of on-field umpires
and relevant ground authority.
The rescheduled starting time and the rescheduled cessation time, together with any
make-up procedure as provided herein, shall be the responsibility of on-field umpires.
If a new pitch is prepared, the match shall be restarted from the first ball. (including a
new nomination of teams and toss). The playing time lost between the actual
scheduled start time of the original match and the actual start time of the new match
will be covered by provision of clause 12.
6.4.4.3 Whether match is to be abandoned.
6.4.4.3.1 In the event of the required number of overs to constitute a match having been
completed at the time the match is abandoned, the result shall be determined
according to the provisions of clause 16.4.2.
6.4.4.3.2 In the event of the required number of overs to constitute a match not having been
completed, the match will be abandoned as a no result.
If the decision is to abandon the match, the relevant officials from the tournament
committee shall agree on whether the match can be replayed within the existing
schedule.
6.4.5 Throughout the above decision making processes, the BCCI Match Referee shall keep
informed both captains and the head of the Ground Authority. The head of the Ground
Authority shall ensure that suitable and prompt public announcements are made.
6.5 Non-turf pitches
All One Day Limited Overs matches shall be played on natural turf pitches. The use of PVA
and other adhesives in the preparation of pitches is not permitted.
7 THE CREASES
7.1 The creases
The positions of a bowling crease, a popping crease and two return creases shall be marked
by white lines, as set out in clauses 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4, at each end of the pitch. See paragraph
1 of Appendix C.
7.2 The bowling crease
The bowling crease, which is the back edge of the crease marking, is the line that marks the
end of the pitch, as in clause 6.1 (Area of pitch). It shall be 8 ft 8 in/2.64 m in length.
7.3 The popping crease
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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 4 ft/1.22 m from it. The popping crease shall be
marked to a minimum of 15 yards/13.71 m on either side of the imaginary line joining the
centres of the two middle stumps and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.
7.4 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 4 ft 4 in/1.32 m 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 8 ft/2.44 m behind it and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.
7.5 Additional Crease Markings
As a guideline to the umpires for the calling of Wides on the offside, the crease markings
detailed in paragraph 1 of Appendix C shall be marked in white at each end of the pitch.
8 THE WICKETS
8.1 Description, width and pitching
Two sets of wickets shall be pitched opposite and parallel to each other in the centres of the
bowling creases. Each set shall be 9 in/22.86 cm wide and shall consist of three wooden
stumps with two wooden bails on top. See paragraph 2 of Appendix B.
8.2 Size of stumps
The tops of the stumps shall be 28 in/71.12 cm above the playing surface and shall be dome
shaped except for the bail grooves. The portion of a stump above the playing surface shall be
cylindrical apart from the domed top, with circular section of diameter not less than 1.38 in/3.50
cm nor more than 1.5 in/3.81 cm. See paragraph 2 of Appendix B.
For televised matches the Host Association may provide a slightly larger cylindrical stump to
accommodate the stump camera. When the larger stump is used, all three stumps must be
exactly the same size.
8.3 The bails
8.3.1 The bails, when in position on top of the stumps,
- shall not project more than 0.5 in/1.27 cm above them.
- shall fit between the stumps without forcing them out of the vertical.
8.3.2 Each bail shall conform to the following specifications (see paragraph 2 of Appendix B):
Overall length 4.31 in/10.95 cm
Length of barrel 2.13 in /5.40 cm
Longer spigot 1.38 in/3.50 cm
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Shorter spigot 0.81 in/2.06 cm.
8.3.3 The two spigots and the barrel shall have the same centre line.
8.3.4 Devices aimed at protecting player safety by limiting the distance that a bail can travel
off the stumps will be allowed, subject to the approval of the Host Association and the
BCCI.
8.4 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 clause 29.4 (Dispensing with bails).
8.5 LED Wickets
The use of approved LED Wickets is permitted. Refer also to paragraph 3.2 of Appendix D /
E.
9 PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PLAYING

AREA
9.1 Rolling
The pitch shall not be rolled during the match except as permitted in clauses 9.1.1 and 9.1.2.
9.1.1 Frequency and duration of rolling
During the match the pitch may be rolled at the request of the captain of the side batting
second, for a period of not more than 7 minutes, before the start of second 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.
9.1.3 Choice of rollers
If there is more than one roller available the captain of the batting side shall choose
which one is to be used.
9.1.4 Prior to the scheduled time for the toss, the artificial drying of the pitch and outfield shall
be at the discretion of the Ground Authority. Thereafter and throughout the match the
drying of the outfield may be undertaken at any time by the Ground Authority, but the
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
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dried without reference to the captains at any time they are of the opinion that it is unfit
for play.
9.1.5 The umpires may instruct the Ground Authority to use any available equipment, including
any roller for the purpose of drying the pitch and making it fit for play.
9.1.6 An absorbent roller may be used to remove water from the covers including the cover
on the match pitch.
9.2 Clearing debris from the pitch
9.2.1 The pitch shall be cleared of any debris
9.2.1.1 between innings. This shall precede rolling if any is to take place.
9.2.1.2 at all intervals for meals.
9.2.2 The clearance of debris in clause 9.2.1 shall be done by sweeping, except where the
umpires consider that this may be detrimental to the surface of the pitch. In this case the
debris must be cleared from that area by hand, without sweeping.
9.2.3 In addition to clause 9.2.1, debris may be cleared from the pitch by hand, without
sweeping, before mowing and whenever either umpire considers it necessary.
9.3 Mowing
9.3.1 Responsibility for mowing
9.3.1.1 All mowing which are carried out before the match shall be the sole responsibility of
the Ground Authority.
9.4 Watering the pitch
The pitch shall not be watered during the match.
9.5 Re-marking creases
Creases shall be re-marked whenever either umpire considers it necessary.
9.6 Maintenance of footholes
The umpires shall ensure that the holes made by the bowlers and batsmen are cleaned out
and dried whenever necessary to facilitate play.
The umpires shall allow, if necessary, the returfing of footholes made by the bowlers in their
delivery strides, or the use of quick-setting fillings for the same purpose.
In addition, 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 footholes.
9.7 Securing of footholds and maintenance of pitch
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During play, umpires shall allow the players to secure their footholds by the use of sawdust
provided that no damage to the pitch is caused and that clause 41 (Unfair play) is not
contravened.
9.8 Protection and preparation of adjacent pitches during matches
The protection (by way of an appropriate cover) and preparation of pitches which are adjacent
to the match pitch will be permitted during the match subject to the following:
9.8.1 Such measures will only be possible if requested by the Ground Authority and approved
by the umpires before the start of the match.
9.8.2 Approval should only be granted where such measures are unavoidable and will not
compromise the safety of the players or their ability to execute their actions with
complete freedom.
9.8.3 The preparation work shall be carried out under the supervision of the umpires.
9.8.4 Any necessary watering shall be carried out only to the extent necessary for such
preparations and shall not be permitted in circumstances which may in any way affect
the match pitch.
9.8.5 The consent of the captains is not required but the umpires shall advise both captains
and the BCCI Match Referee before the start of the match on what has been agreed.
10 COVERING THE PITCH

10.1 Before the match
The use of covers before the match is the responsibility of the Ground Authority and may
include full covering if required.
The pitch shall be entirely protected against rain up to the commencement of play.
However, the Ground Authority shall grant suitable facility to the captains to inspect the pitch
before the nomination of their players and to the umpires to discharge their duties as laid down
in clauses 2 (The umpires), 6 (The pitch), 7 (The creases), 8 (The wickets), and 9 (Preparation
and maintenance of the playing area).
10.2 During the match
The pitch shall be entirely protected against rain up to the commencement of play, and for the
duration of the period of the match.
The covers must totally protect the pitch and also the pitch surroundings, to a minimum of 5
metres either side of the pitch, and any worn or soft areas in the outfield.
The bowlers’ run-ups shall be covered during inclement weather, in order to keep them dry, to
a distance of at least 10 x 10 metres.
10.3 Removal of covers
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All covers (including “hessian” or “scrim” covers used to protect the pitch against the sun) shall
be removed not later than 2 ½ hours before the scheduled start of play provided it is not raining
at the time, but the pitch will be covered again if rain falls prior to the commencement of play.
In case of inclement weather and seasonal problems like fog, heavy dew etc. the ground
curator may be instructed by the umpires as to when and how to remove the covers and
umpires may also specify the time for removing and placing back the covers.
11 INTERVALS
11.1 An interval
11.1.1 The following shall be classed as intervals.
- Intervals between innings.
- Any other agreed interval.
11.1.2 Only these intervals shall be considered as scheduled breaks for the purposes of clause
24.2.6.
11.2 Duration of intervals
11.2.1 There shall be a 20 minute interval between innings, taken from the call of Time before
the interval until the call of Play on resumption after the interval.
11.3 Allowance for interval between innings
Law 11.3 of the Laws of Cricket shall not apply.
11.4 Changing agreed times of intervals
11.4.1 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. In circumstances where the side
bowling first has not completed the allotted number of overs by the scheduled or re-
scheduled cessation time for the first innings, the umpires shall reduce the length of
the interval by the amount of time that the first innings over-ran. The minimum time for
the interval will be 10 minutes.
11.4.2 However, following a lengthy delay or interruption prior to the completion of the innings
of the team batting first, the Match Referee may, at his discretion, reduce the interval
between innings from 20 minutes to not less than 10 minutes.
11.4.3 Such discretion should only be exercised after determining the adjusted overs per side
based on a 20 minute interval. If having exercised this discretion, the rescheduled
finishing time for the match is earlier than the latest possible finishing time, then these
minutes should be deducted from the length of any interruption during the second
innings before determining the overs remaining.
11.5 Intervals for drinks
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11.5.1 No drinks interval shall be permitted.
11.5.2 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. Any player taking drinks
onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire (subject to the wearing of bibs –
refer to the note in clause 24.1.4).
11.6 Scorers to be informed
The umpires shall ensure that the scorers are informed of all agreements about hours of play
and intervals and of any changes made thereto as permitted under this clause.
12 START OF PLAY; CESSATION OF PLAY

12.1 Call of Play
The bowler’s end umpire shall call Play before the first ball of the match and on the resumption
of play after any interval or interruption.
12.2 Call of Time
The bowler’s end umpire shall call Time, when the ball is dead, at the end of any session of
play or as required by these Playing Conditions. See also clause 20.3 (Call of Over or Time).
12.3 Removal of bails
After the call of Time, the bails shall be removed from both wickets.
12.4 Starting a new over
Another over shall always be started at any time during the match, unless an interval is to be
taken in the circumstances set out in clause 12.5.2, if the umpire, walking at normal pace, has
arrived at the position behind the stumps at the bowler’s end before the time agreed for the
next interval, or for the close of play, has been reached.
12.5 Completion of an over
Other than at the end of the match,
12.5.1 if the agreed time for an interval is reached during an over, the over shall be completed
before the interval is taken, except as provided for in clause 12.5.2.
12.5.2 when less than 3 minutes remains before the time agreed for the next interval, the
interval shall be taken immediately if:
either a batsman is dismissed or retires; or
the players have occasion to leave the field,
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whether this occurs during an over or at the end of an over. Except at the end of an
innings, if an over is thus interrupted it shall be completed on the resumption of play.
12.6 Conclusion of match
12.6.1 The match is concluded
12.6.1.1 as soon as a result as defined in clauses 16.1 to 16.5 (The result) is reached.
12.6.1.2 as soon as the prescribed number of overs have been completed.
12.6.2 The match is concluded if, without a conclusion having been reached under 12.6.1, the
players leave the field for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light, or in
exceptional circumstances, and no further play is possible.
12.7 Hours of Play; Minimum Overs Requirement
12.7.1 There will be 2 sessions of 1 hour and 25 minutes each, separated by a 20 minutes
interval between innings.
12.7.2 Hours of play:
Sessions Double Header Double Header Single Header

Game 1 Game 2 Game 1
First Session 08.30 am to 09.55 am 1.00 pm to 2.25 pm 12.00 pm to 01.25 pm
Break 09.55 am to 10.15 am 2.25 pm to 2.45 pm 01.25 pm to 01.45 pm
Second 10.15 am to 11.40 am 2.45 pm to 4.10 pm 01.45 pm to 03.10 pm

Session
12.8 Minimum Over Rates
12.8.1 The minimum over rate to be achieved in T20 Limited Over Matches shall be 14.11
overs per hour.
12.8.2 The actual over rate shall be calculated at the end of each innings by the umpires. The
starting time of the last over of the innings shall be considered as closing time of innings
for overrate calculation purpose.
12.8.3 In calculating the actual over rate for each innings, allowances will be given for the
events occurring before the start of the last over of the innings as follows:
12.8.3.1 The time lost as a result of treatment given to a player by an authorised medical
personnel on the field of play;
12.8.3.2 The time lost as a result of a player being required to leave the field as a result of a
serious injury;
12.8.3.3 The time taken for all third umpire referrals and consultations and any umpire reviews;
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12.8.3.4 The time lost as a result of time wasting by the batting side (which may in addition
constitute a separate offence depending on context and seriousness of incident);
12.8.3.5 in the case of an innings that has been reduced due to any delay or interruption in
play, an additional allowance of 1 minute for every full 3 overs by which the innings
is reduced will be granted.
12.8.3.6 an additional allowance of 1 minute will be given for each of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th
wickets taken during an innings.
12.8.3.7 The time lost due to all other circumstances that are beyond the control of the fielding
side.
12.8.4 In the event of any time allowances being granted to the fielding team under clause
12.8.3.4 above (time wasting by batting team), then such time shall be deducted from
the allowances granted to such batting team in the determination of its over rate.
12.8.5 If a batting team is bowled out within the time determined for that innings pursuant to
these playing conditions (taking into account all of the time allowances set out above),
the fielding side shall be deemed to have complied with the required minimum over
rate.
13 INNINGS
13.1 Number of innings
13.1.1 A match shall be one innings for each side.
13.2 Alternate innings
Each side shall take their innings alternately.
13.3 Completed innings
A side’s innings is to be considered as completed if any of the following applies
13.3.1 the side is all out.
13.3.2 at the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batsman, further balls remain to be bowled
but no further batsman is available to come in.
13.3.3 the prescribed number of overs have been bowled to the batting side.
13.4 The toss
The captains shall toss a coin for the choice of innings, on the field of play and under the
supervision of the BCCI Match Referee, not earlier than 30 minutes, nor later than 15 minutes
before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the start of play. Note, however, the
provisions of clause 1.3 (Captain).
13.5 Decision to be notified
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As soon as the toss is completed, the captain of the side winning the toss shall decide whether
to bat or to field and shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of this decision. Once
notified, the decision cannot be changed.
13.6 Duration of Match
13.6.1 All matches will consist of one innings per side, each innings being limited to a
maximum of 20 overs. All matches shall be of one day’s scheduled duration.
13.7 Length of Innings
13.7.1 Uninterrupted Matches.
13.7.1.1 Each team shall bat for 20 overs unless all out earlier.
13.7.1.2 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 not be extended and second session shall
commence at schedule time provided there is a minimum 10 minutes interval
between innings. The team batting second shall receive its full quota of 20 overs
irrespective of the number of overs it bowled in the scheduled time for the cessation
of the first innings.
13.7.1.3 If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 20 overs, the team batting second
shall be entitled to bat for 20 overs.
13.7.1.4 If the team fielding second fails to bowl 20 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.
13.7.1.5 Penalties shall apply for slow over rates (refer to the BCCI Code of Conduct).
13.7.2 Delayed or Interrupted Matches
13.7.2.1 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team Batting First (see paragraph 1 of
Appendix F)
13.7.2.1.1 When playing time has been lost the revised number of overs to be bowled in the
match shall be based on a rate of 14.11 overs per hour, in the total remaining time
available for play.
13.7.2.1.2 The revision of the number of overs should ensure, whenever possible, 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. To constitute a
match, a minimum of 5 overs have to be bowled to the side batting second, subject
to a result not being achieved earlier.
13.7.2.1.3 As soon as the total minutes of playing time remaining is less than the completed
overs faced by Team 1 multiplied by 4.25, then the first innings is terminated and
the provisions of 13.7.2.2 below take effect.
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13.7.2.1.4 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 14.11 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 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 to allow for one extra over for each team.
13.7.2.1.5 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 have been bowled or
the innings is completed.
13.7.2.1.6 Penalties shall apply for slow over rates (refer to the BCCI Code of Conduct).
13.7.2.2 Delay or Interruption to the innings of the Team Batting Second (see paragraph 2 of
Appendix F)
13.7.2.2.1 When playing time has been lost and, as a result, it is not possible for the team
batting second to have the opportunity of receiving its allocated, or revised
allocation of overs in the playing time available, the number of overs shall be
reduced at a rate of 14.11 overs per hour in respect of the lost playing time. Should
the calculations result in a fraction of an over the fraction shall be ignored.
13.7.2.2.2 In addition, should the innings of the team batting first have been completed prior
to the scheduled, or re-scheduled time for the commencement of the interval, then
any calculation relating to the revision of overs shall not be effective until an
amount of time equivalent to that by which the second innings started early has
elapsed.
13.7.2.2.3 To constitute a match, a minimum of 5 overs have to be bowled to the team batting
second subject to a result not being achieved earlier.
13.7.2.2.4 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.
13.7.2.2.5 A fixed time will be specified for the close of play by applying a rate of 14.11 overs
per hour. The timing and duration of all relative delays, extensions in playing hours
and interruptions in play, will be taken into consideration in specifying this time.
13.7.2.2.6 If the team fielding second fails to bowl the revised overs by the scheduled or
rescheduled close of play, the hours of play shall be extended until the overs have
been bowled or a result achieved.
13.7.2.2.7 Penalties shall apply for slow over rates (refer to the BCCI Code of Conduct).
13.8 Number of Overs per Bowler
13.8.1 No bowler shall bowl more than 4 overs in an innings.
13.8.2 In a delayed or interrupted match where the overs are reduced for both teams or for
the team bowling second;
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13.8.2.1 for innings of rescheduled length of at least 10 overs, no bowler may bowl more than
one-fifth of the total overs allowed. Where the total overs is not divisible by 5, one
additional over shall be allowed to the maximum number per bowler necessary to
make up the balance.
13.8.2.2 for innings of rescheduled length of less than 10 overs, no bowler may bowl more
than two overs.
13.8.3 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.
13.8.4 The scoreboard shall show the total number of overs bowled and the number of overs
bowled by each bowler.
14 THE FOLLOW-ON
Shall not apply.
15 DECLARATION AND FORFEITURE

Shall not apply.
16 THE RESULT
16.1 A Win – one-innings match
16.1.1 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. See clause 13.3
(Completed innings). Note also clause 16.5 (Winning hit or extras).
16.1.2 Save for circumstances where a match is awarded to a team as a consequence of the
opposing team’s refusal to play (clause 16.2), a result can be achieved only if both
teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 5 overs, unless one team has
been all out in less than 5 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs
to win in less than 5 overs.
16.1.3 Save for circumstances where a match is awarded to a team as a consequence of the
opposing team’s refusal to play (clause 16.2), all matches in which both teams have
not had an opportunity of batting for a minimum of 5 overs, shall be declared a No
Result.
16.2 BCCI Match Referee awarding a match
16.2.1 A match shall be lost by a side which either
16.2.1.1 concedes defeat or
16.2.1.2 in the opinion of the BCCI Match Referee refuses to play and the BCCI Match Referee
shall award the match to the other side.
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16.2.2 If an umpire considers that an action by any player or players might constitute a refusal
by either side to play then the umpires together shall inform the BCCI Match Referee
of this fact. The BCCI Match Referee shall together with the umpires ascertain the
cause of the action. If the BCCI Match Referee, after due consultation with the umpires,
then decides that this action does constitute a refusal to play by one side, he/she shall
so inform the captain of that side. If the captain persists in the action the BCCI Match
Referee shall award the match in accordance with clause 16.2.1.2 above.
16.2.3 If action as in clause 16.2.2 above takes place after play has started and does not
constitute a refusal to play the delay or interruption in play shall be dealt with in the
same manner as provided for in clauses 13.7.2 (Delayed and Interrupted Matches) and
11.4 (Changing agreed times for intervals) above.
In addition to the consequences of any refusal to play prescribed under this clause,
any such refusal, whether temporary or final, may result in disciplinary action being
taken against the captain and team responsible under the BCCI Code of Conduct.
16.3 All other matches – A Tie or Draw
16.3.1 A Tie
The result of a match shall be a Tie when all innings have been completed and the scores are
equal.
If the scores are equal, the result shall be a tie and no account shall be taken of the number
of wickets that have fallen. In the event of a tied match the teams shall compete in a Super
Over to determine the winner. If super over is tie then unless exceptional circumstances arise
(see paragraph 24 of Appendix G) subsequent super overs shall be played from the actual
finish time of the tied match for an hour’s time until there is a winner in an uninterrupted match.
Should it be not possible to complete the super overs needed to determine the winner the
match shall be tied. Refer to Appendix G.
16.3.2 No Result
See 16.1.3 above.
16.4 Prematurely Terminated Matches - Calculation of the Target Score
16.4.1 Interrupted Matches - Calculation of the Target Score
16.4.1.1 If, due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs in the
innings of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than originally allotted
(minimum of 5 overs), then a revised target score (to win) should be set for the
number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing.
This revised target is to be calculated using the VJD method. The target set will
always be a whole number and one run less will constitute a Tie.
16.4.2 Prematurely Terminated Matches
16.4.2.1 If the innings of the side batting second is suspended (with at least 5 overs bowled)
and it is not possible for the match to be resumed, the match will be decided by
comparison with the VJD ‘Par Score’ determined at the instant of the suspension by
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the VJD method. 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.
16.5 Winning hit or extras
16.5.1 As soon as a result is reached as defined in clauses 16.1, 16.2 or 16.3.1, the match is
at an end. Nothing that happens thereafter, except as in clause 41.18.2 (Penalty runs),
shall be regarded as part of it. Note also clause 16.7.
16.5.2 The side batting last will have scored enough runs to win only if its total of runs is
sufficient without including any runs completed by the batsmen before the completion
of a catch, or the obstruction of a catch, from which the striker could be dismissed.
16.5.3 If a boundary is scored before the batsmen have completed sufficient runs to win the
match, 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.
16.6 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, without having scored a total of runs in excess of the total scored by the opposing side, the
innings of the side batting last has been completed, but as the result of an award of 5 Penalty
runs its total of runs is then sufficient to win, 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.
16.7 Correctness of result
Any decision as to the correctness of the scores shall be the responsibility of the umpires. See
clause 2.15 (Correctness of scores).
16.8 Mistakes in scoring
If, after the players and umpires 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 clause 16.9, they shall adopt the following procedure.
16.8.1 If, when the players leave the field, the side batting last has not completed its innings
and
either the number of overs to be bowled in that innings, has not been completed;
or
the end of the innings has not been reached,
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then, unless one side concedes defeat, the umpires shall order play to resume.
Unless a result is reached sooner, play will then continue, if conditions permit, until the
prescribed number of overs has been completed. The number of overs remaining shall
be taken as they were at the call of Time for the supposed conclusion of the match. No
account shall be taken of the time between that moment and the resumption of play.
16.8.2 If, at this call of Time, the overs have been completed and no Playing time remains, 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.
16.9 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 clauses 2.15 (Correctness of scores) and 3.2 (Correctness of scores) – the
result cannot thereafter be changed.
16.10 Match Points
16.10.1 Preliminary Matches
1 Win Four Points
2 Tie or No Result Two Points
3 Loss Zero Points
16.10.2 Qualification for Knock out
16.10.2.1 Teams are divided in to 5 Elite groups (A to E) and 1 plate group.
Winners of each elite group will make it directly to the Quarter Final.
In the event teams finishing on equal points, which team is leading the group in the
points table will be determined as follows:
- The team with the most number of wins;
- Should there be equality in both points and wins, then the team who has won the
match against each other if they have already played against each other in the
league phase. This will be applicable if only two teams are on same number of
points and same number of wins;
- If points and wins are equal and above clause is not applicable then the team with
the highest net run rate in the tournament;
- In the unlikely event that Teams cannot be separated by the above, this will be
done by draw of Iots.
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16.10.2.2 The second placed teams from each elite group and the winner of the plate group
will Play the three Pre-Quarter Finals.
These teams will be selected on following criteria from respective groups.
Teams with highest number of points in respective groups.
In the event teams finishing on equal points, which team to qualify for Pre-Quarter
Final will be determined as follows:
- The team with the most number of wins;
- Should there be equality in both points and wins, then the team who has won the
match against each other if they have already played against each other in the
league phase; This will be applicable if only two teams are on same number of
points and same number of wins.
- If points and wins are equal and above clause is not applicable then the team with
the highest net run rate in the tournament;
- In the unlikely event that Teams cannot be separated by the above, this will be
done by draw of Iots.
16.10.3 Pre-Quarter final
16.10.3.1 Pre-Quarter final match will be played between six teams as decided as per clause
16.10.2.2.
These games will be played as mentioned below
PQF1 A2 V/S Plate 1

PQF2 B2 V/S E2
PQF3 C2 V/S D2
16.10.3.2 The winner of these games will qualify for Quarter Final (3 Teams)
16.10.4 Quarter Final
16.10.4.1 Five teams qualified as per clause 16.10.2.1 and Three teams qualified as per
clause 16.10.3.2. (Total 8 teams) will play Quarter Final.
QF1 A1 V/S Winner of PQF 3

QF2 B1 V/S Winner of PQF 2
QF3 C1 V/S Winner of PQF 1
QF4 D1 V/S E1
16.10.4.2 The winner of these games will qualify for Semi Final.
16.10.5 Semi Final
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16.10.5.1 The winners of the Quarterfinals as mentioned in clause 16.10.4.2 will play Semi
Final.
SF1 Winner of QF1 V/S Winner of QF 4

SF2 Winner of QF2 V/S Winner of QF 3
16.10.5.2 The winner of these games will qualify for Final.
16.10.6 At knock out stage up to and including the finals if result cannot be obtained, the right
to qualify for next round or winner of tournament will be decided as under:
a) Most number of wins up to the previous game including league phase.
b) Should there be equality in number of wins, then the team who has won the match
against each other if they have already played against each other in the league.
c) Should there be equality in number of wins and clause (b) is not applicable then
team with higher net run rate calculated up to previous game including league
phase.
In case of winner can not be determined after applying above clauses then winner will be
decided by spin of coin, in presence of Match Referee or the Umpires if Match Referee is not
present.
16.10.7 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 VJD System, 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. Where a match is concluded but with
VJD System having been applied at an earlier point in the match, Team 1 will be
accredited with 1 run less than the final Target Score for Team 2 off the total number
of overs allocated to Team 2 to reach the target.
17 THE OVER
17.1 Number of balls
The ball shall be bowled from each end alternately in overs of 6 balls.
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17.2 Start of an over
An over has started when the bowler starts his run-up or, if there is no run-up, starts his action
for the first delivery of that over.
17.3 Validity of balls
17.3.1 A ball shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over unless it is delivered, even though,
as in clause 41.16 (Non-striker leaving his ground early) a batsman may be dismissed
or some other incident occurs without the ball having been delivered.
17.3.2 A ball delivered by the bowler shall not count as one of the 6 balls of the over
17.3.2.1 if it is called dead, or is to be considered dead, before the striker has had an
opportunity to play it. See clause 20.6 (Dead ball; ball counting as one of over).
17.3.2.2 if it is called dead in the circumstances of clause 20.4.2.6. Note also the special
provisions of clause 20.4.2.5 (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball).
17.3.2.3 if it is a No ball. See clause 21 (No ball).
17.3.2.4 if it is a Wide. See clause 22 (Wide ball).
17.3.2.5 when any of clauses 24.4 (Player returning without permission), 28.2 (Fielding the
ball), 41.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker), or 41.5 (Deliberate distraction,
deception or obstruction of batsman) is applied.
17.3.3 Any deliveries other than those listed in clauses 17.3.1 and 17.3.2 shall be known as
valid balls. Only valid balls shall count towards the 6 balls of the over.
17.4 Call of Over
When 6 valid balls have been bowled and when the ball becomes dead, the umpire shall call
Over before leaving the wicket. See also clause 20.3 (Call of Over or Time).
17.5 Umpire miscounting
17.5.1 If the umpire miscounts the number of valid balls, the over as counted by the umpire
shall stand.
17.5.2 If, having miscounted, the umpire allows an over to continue after 6 valid balls have
been bowled, he/she may subsequently call Over when the ball becomes dead after
any delivery, even if that delivery is not a valid ball.
17.5.3 Whenever possible, the BCCI Match Referee shall liaise with the scorers and if possible
inform the on-field umpires if the over has been miscounted.
17.6 Bowler changing ends
A bowler shall be allowed to change ends as often as desired, provided he does not bowl two
overs consecutively, nor bowl parts of each of two consecutive overs, in the same innings.
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17.7 Finishing an over
17.7.1 Other than at the end of an innings, a bowler shall finish an over in progress unless
incapacitated or suspended under these Playing Conditions.
17.7.2 If for any reason, other than the end of an innings, an over is left uncompleted at the
start of an interval or interruption, it shall be completed on resumption of play.
17.8 Bowler incapacitated or suspended during an over
If for any reason a bowler is incapacitated while running up to deliver 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 consecutively, nor bowl parts of each of two consecutive overs, in that innings.
17.9 Bowler’s taping on hand
No taping is allowed for the bowler on his bowling hand for any reason. The bowler has to
remove all kind of taping from his bowling hand if he wants to bowl. This is non-negotiable. If
any plaster is worn on the back of their bowling hand it must be flesh coloured or thereabouts
which will not distract the batsman.
18 SCORING RUNS
18.1 A run
The score shall be reckoned by runs. A run is scored
18.1.1 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.
18.1.2 when a boundary is scored. See clause 19 (Boundaries).
18.1.3 when Penalty runs are awarded. See clause 18.6.
18.2 Runs disallowed
Wherever in these Playing Conditions provision is made for the scoring of runs or awarding of
penalties, such runs and penalties will be subject to any provisions that may be applicable for
the disallowance of runs or for the non-award of penalties.
When runs are disallowed, the one run penalty for No ball or Wide shall stand and 5 run
penalties shall be allowed, except for Penalty runs under clause 28.3 (Protective helmets
belonging to the fielding side).
18.3 Short runs
18.3.1 A run is short if a batsman fails to make good his ground in turning for a further run.
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18.3.2 Although a short run shortens the succeeding one, the latter if completed shall not be
regarded as short. A striker setting off for the first run from in front of the popping crease
may do so also without penalty.
18.4 Unintentional short runs
Except in the circumstances of clause 18.5,
18.4.1 if either batsman runs a short run, the umpire concerned shall, unless a boundary is
scored, call and signal Short run as soon as the ball becomes dead and that run shall
not be scored.
18.4.2 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.
18.4.3 if both batsmen run short in one and the same run, this shall be regarded as only one
short run.
18.4.4 if more than one run is short then, subject to clauses 18.4.2 and 18.4.3, all runs called
as short shall not be scored.
18.4.5 if there has been more than one short run, the umpire shall inform the scorers as to the
number of runs to be recorded.
18.5 Deliberate short runs
18.5.1 If either umpire considers that one or both batsmen deliberately ran short at that
umpire’s end, the umpire concerned shall, when the ball is dead, call and signal Short
run and inform the other umpire of what has occurred and apply clause 18.5.2.
18.5.2 The bowler’s end umpire shall
- disallow all runs to the batting side;
- return any not out batsman 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 clause
28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side);
- inform the scorers as to the number of runs to be recorded; and
- 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 may report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match
to the BCCI Match Referee.
18.6 Runs awarded for penalties
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Runs shall be awarded for penalties under clause 18.5 (Deliberate short runs), 24.4 (Player
returning without permission), 26.4 (Penalties for contravention), 21 (No ball), 22 (Wide ball),
28.2 (Fielding the ball), 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) and 41 (Unfair
play). Note, however, the restrictions on the award of Penalty runs in clause 18.5, 23.3 (Leg
byes not to be awarded), 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) , (Hit the ball
twice), 41.14 (Batsman damaging the pitch) and 41.15 (Striker in the protected area).
18.7 Runs scored for boundaries
Runs shall be scored for boundary allowances under clause 19 (Boundaries).
18.8 Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed
When a batsman is dismissed, any runs for penalties awarded to either side shall stand.
No other runs shall be credited to the batting side, except as follows.
18.8.1 If a batsman is dismissed Obstructing the field, the batting side shall also score any
runs completed before the offence.
If, however, the obstruction prevented a catch being made, no runs other than penalties
shall be scored.
18.8.2 If a batsman is dismissed Run out, the batting side shall also score any runs completed
before the wicket was put down:
18.9 Runs scored when the ball becomes dead other than at the fall of a wicket
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 these Playing Conditions, any
runs for penalties awarded to either side shall be scored. Note however the provisions of
clauses 23.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded) and 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the
fielding side).
Additionally the batting side shall be credited with all runs completed by the batsmen before
the incident or call of Dead ball and the run in progress if the batsmen had already crossed at
the instant of the incident or call of Dead ball.
Note specifically, however, the provisions of clause 41.5.8 (Deliberate distraction, deception
or obstruction of batsman).
18.10 Crediting of runs scored
Unless stated otherwise in these Playing Conditions,
18.10.1 if the ball is struck by the bat, all runs scored by the batting side shall be credited to
the striker, except for the following:
- an award of 5 Penalty runs, which shall be scored as Penalty runs
- the one run penalty for a No ball, which shall be scored as a No ball extra.
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18.10.2 if the ball is not struck by the bat, runs shall be scored as Penalty runs, Byes, Leg
byes, No ball extras or Wides as the case may be. If Byes or Leg byes accrue from
a No ball, only the one run penalty for No ball shall be scored as such, and the
remainder as Byes or Leg byes as appropriate.
18.10.3 the bowler shall be debited with:
- all runs scored by the striker
- all runs scored as No ball extras
- all runs scored as Wides.
18.11 Batsman returning to original end
18.11.1 When the striker is dismissed in any of the circumstances in clauses 18.11.1.1 to
18.11.1.5, the not out batsman shall return to his original end.
18.11.1.1 Bowled.
18.11.1.2 Stumped.
18.11.1.3 Hit the ball twice.
18.11.1.4 LBW.
18.11.1.5 Hit wicket.
18.11.2 The batsmen shall return to their original ends in any of the cases of clauses 18.11.2.1
to 18.11.2.3.
18.11.2.1 A boundary is scored.
18.11.2.2 Runs are disallowed for any reason.
18.11.2.3 A decision by the batsmen at the wicket to do so, under clause 41.5 (Deliberate
distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman).
18.12 Batsman returning to wicket he has left
18.12.1 When a batsman is dismissed in any of the ways in clauses 18.12.1.1 to 18.12.1.3,
the not out batsman shall return to the wicket he has left but only if the batsmen had
not already crossed at the instant of the incident causing the dismissal. If runs are to
be disallowed, however, the not out batsman shall return to his original end.
18.12.1.1 Caught
18.12.1.2 Obstructing the field
18.12.1.3 Run out.
18.12.2 If, while a run is in progress, the ball becomes dead for any reason other than the
dismissal of a batsman, the batsmen shall return to the wickets they had left, but only
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if they had not already crossed in running when the ball became dead. If, however,
any of the circumstances of clauses 18.11.2.1 to 18.11.2.3 apply, the batsmen shall
return to their original ends.
19 BOUNDARIES
19.1 Determining the boundary of the field of play
19.1.1 Before the toss, the umpires shall determine the boundary of the field of play, which
shall be fixed for the duration of the match. See clause 2.3.2 (Consultation with Host
Association).
19.1.2 The boundary shall be determined such that no part of any sight-screen, will, at any
stage of the match, be within the field of play.
19.1.3 The playing area shall be a minimum of 140 yards (128.01 metres) from boundary to
boundary square of the pitch, with the shorter of the two square boundaries being a
minimum 60 yards (54.86 metres). The straight boundary at both ends of the pitch shall
be a minimum of 60 yards (54.86 metres). Distances shall be measured from the centre
of the pitch to be used.
On large grounds the aim shall be to provide the largest playing area, subject to no
boundary exceeding 90 yards (82.29 metres) from the center of the pitch to be used.
19.1.4 Sight screens shall be provided at both ends of all grounds. Advertising shall be
permitted on the sight screen behind the striker, providing it is removed for the
subsequent over from that end.
Such advertising shall not contain flashing or flickering images and operators should
take particular care that the advertising is not changed at a time which is distracting to
the umpire.
In addition, advertising on perimeter boards placed in front of the sight screen’s is

permitted save that the predominant colour of such advertising shall be of a contrasting
colour to that of the ball.
19.1.5 At all times, there must be 3 yards (2.74 meters) from the boundary rope to the first
solid object (advertising boards/LEDs, photographers, cameramen, dug outs, covers,
perimeter fence) for the player’s safety run off.
19.1.6 If the boundary is positioned less than 90 yards (82.29 meters) from the centre of the
pitch, the boundary rope cannot be set at a distance of more than 10 yards (9.14
meters) from the perimeter fence. The 10 yards shall be inclusive of the 3 yards (2.74
meters) provided for the player’s safety run off.
19.2 Identifying and marking the boundary
19.2.1 All boundaries must be designated by a rope, or similar object of a minimum standard
as authorised by the BCCI from time to time.
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19.2.2 If the boundary is marked by means of an object that is in contact with the ground the
boundary will be the edge of the grounded part of the object which is nearest the pitch.
19.2.3 An obstacle within the field of play shall not be regarded as a boundary unless so
determined by the umpires before the toss. See clause 2.3.2 (Consultation with Host
Association).
19.2.4 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.
19.2.5 As a Reinforcement point from a Player safety perspective, the boundary rope
should have a minimum distance of 3 yards inside the perimeter fencing or
advertising boards.
19.3 Restoring the boundary
If a solid object used to mark the boundary is disturbed for any reason, then:
19.3.1 the boundary shall be considered to be in its original position.
19.3.2 the object shall be returned to its original position as soon as is practicable; if play is
taking place, this shall be as soon as the ball is dead.
19.3.3 if some part of a fence or other marker has come within the field of play, that part shall
be removed from the field of play as soon as is practicable; if play is taking place, this
shall be as soon as the ball is dead.
19.4 Ball grounded beyond the boundary
19.4.1 The ball in play is grounded beyond the boundary if it touches
- the boundary or any part of an object used to mark the boundary;
- the ground beyond the boundary;
- any object that is grounded beyond the boundary.
19.4.2 The ball in play is to be regarded as being grounded beyond the boundary if
- a fielder, grounded beyond the boundary as in clause 19.5, touches the ball;
- a fielder, after catching the ball within the boundary, becomes grounded beyond the
boundary while in contact with the ball, before completing the catch.
19.5 Fielder grounded beyond the boundary
19.5.1 A fielder is grounded beyond the boundary if some part of his person is in contact with
any of the following:
- the boundary or any part of an object used to mark the boundary;

- the ground beyond the boundary;
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- any object that is in contact with the ground beyond the boundary;
- another fielder who is grounded beyond the boundary.
19.5.2 A fielder who is not in contact with the ground is considered to be grounded beyond the
boundary if his final contact with the ground, before his first contact with the ball after
it has been delivered by the bowler, was not entirely within the boundary.
19.6 Boundary allowances
19.6.1 Six runs shall be allowed for a boundary 6; and 4 runs for a boundary 4. See also clause
19.7.
19.7 Runs scored from boundaries
19.7.1 A boundary 6 will be scored if and only if the ball has been struck by the bat and is first
grounded beyond the boundary without having been in contact with the ground within
the field of play. This shall apply even if the ball has previously touched a fielder.
19.7.2 A boundary 4 will be scored when a ball that is grounded beyond the boundary
- whether struck by the bat or not, was first grounded within the boundary, or
- has not been struck by the bat.
19.7.3 When a boundary is scored, the batting side, except in the circumstances of clause
19.8, shall be awarded whichever is the greater of
19.7.3.1 the allowance for the boundary
19.7.3.2 the runs completed by the batsmen together with the run in progress if they had
already crossed at the instant the boundary is scored.
19.7.4 When the runs in clause 19.7.3.2 exceed the boundary allowance they shall replace
the boundary allowance for the purposes of clause 18.12.2.
19.7.5 The scoring of Penalty runs by either side is not affected by the scoring of a boundary.
19.8 Overthrow or wilful act of fielder
If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scored
shall be
any runs for penalties awarded to either side
and the allowance for the boundary
and the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they had
already crossed at the instant of the throw or act.
Clause 18.12.2 (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant of the
throw or act.
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20 DEAD BALL
20.1 Ball is dead
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. See clause 19.7 (Runs scored from boundaries).
20.1.1.3 a batsman 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 batsman
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 batsman or the
clothing of an umpire.
20.1.1.6 there is an award of Penalty runs under either of clauses 24.4 (Player returning
without permission) or 28.2 (Fielding the ball). The ball shall not count as one of the
over.
20.1.1.7 there is a contravention of clause 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding
side).
20.1.1.8 the match is concluded in any of the ways stated in clause 12.6 (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 batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.
20.1.3 In a match where cameras are being used on or over the field of play (e.g. Spidercam),
should a ball that has been hit by the batsman make contact, while still in play, with the
camera, its apparatus or its cable, either umpire shall call and signal ‘dead ball’. The
ball shall not count as one of the over and no runs shall be scored. If the delivery was
called a No ball it shall count and the No ball penalty shall be applied. No other runs
(including penalty runs) apart from the No ball penalty shall be scored.
20.1.4 Should a ball thrown by a fielder make contact with a camera on or over the field of
play, its apparatus or its cable, either umpire shall call and signal dead ball. Unless this
was already a No ball or Wide, the ball shall count as one of the over. All runs scored
to that point shall count, plus the run in progress if the batsmen have already crossed.
20.1.5 Refer also to paragraph 2.6 of Appendix D.
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
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Neither the call of Over (see clause 17.4), nor the call of Time (see clause 12.2) is to be made
until the ball is dead, either under clauses 20.1 or 20.4.
20.4 Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball
20.4.1 When the ball has become dead under clause 20.1, the bowler’s end umpire may call
and signal Dead ball if it is necessary to inform the players.
20.4.2 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/her 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 clause 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 clauses 41.4
(Deliberate attempt to distract striker) or 41.5 (Deliberate distraction, deception or
obstruction of batsman). 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 ball does not leave the bowler’s hand for any reason other than an attempt to run
out the non-striker under clause 41.16 (Non-striker leaving his ground early).
20.4.2.10 satisfied that the ball in play cannot be recovered.
20.4.2.11 required to do so under any of the Playing Conditions 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; ball counting as one of over
20.6.1 When a ball which has been delivered is called dead or is to be considered dead then,
other than as in clause 20.6.2,
20.6.1.1 it will not count in the over if the striker has not had an opportunity to play it.
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20.6.1.2 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 clauses 20.4.2.6 and 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 batsman).
20.6.2 In clause 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.
21 NO BALL
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.
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 signalling No ball if he/she considers that the ball has been thrown.
Should either umpire or the BCCI Match Referee suspect that a bowler has used an Illegal
Bowling Action, they shall complete the BCCI Bowling Action Report Form at the conclusion
of the match, as set out in the Illegal Bowling Regulations.
21.3 Ball thrown or delivered underarm – action by umpires
21.3.1 If, in the opinion of either umpire, the ball has been thrown after the bowler has entered
his delivery stride or delivered underarm, he/she 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.
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- inform the batsmen 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 after bowler has entered his delivery stride or delivered underarm, he/she shall
call and signal No ball and when the ball is dead inform the other umpire of the reason
for the call.
- 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 batsmen at the wicket and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the
21.3.3 The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match
to the BCCI Match Referee, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate
against the bowler concerned.
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, either
umpire shall call and signal No ball. See clause 41.17 (Batsmen stealing a run).
However, the procedure stated in clause 21.3 of caution, informing, final warning, action
against the bowler and reporting shall not apply.
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 appertaining
to 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 clause 21.5.1, and
- behind the popping crease.
If the bowler’s end umpire is satisfied that any of these three conditions have not been
met, he/she shall call and signal No ball. See clause 41.8 (Bowling of deliberate front
foot No ball).
21.6 Bowler breaking wicket in delivering ball
Either umpire shall call and signal No ball if, other than in an attempt to run out the non-striker
under clause 41.16, the bowler breaks the wicket at any time after the ball comes into play
and before completion of the stride after the delivery stride. This shall include any clothing or
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other object that falls from his/her person and breaks the wicket. See Appendix A.12. Clauses
20.4.2.8, 20.4.2.9 (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball) and 21.12 will apply.
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/she 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 clause 6.1 (Area of pitch) before it
reaches the line of the striker’s wicket.
21.8 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 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 clause 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
See clauses 22.1.1.2, 41.6.4 and 41.6.5.
21.11 Call of No ball for infringement of other Playing Conditions
In addition to the instances above, No ball is to be called and signalled as required by the
following clauses:
Clause 27.3 – Position of wicket-keeper
Clause 28.4 – Limitation of on side fielders
Clause 28.5 – Fielders not to encroach on pitch
Clause 41.6 – Bowling of dangerous and unfair short pitched deliveries
Clause 41.7 – Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries
Clause 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 clauses 20.4.2.4,
20.4.2.5, 20.4.2.6, 20.4.2.8 or 20.4.2.9 (Umpire calling and signaling Dead ball).
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21.13 No ball to over-ride Wide
A call of No ball shall over-ride the call of Wide ball at any time. See clauses 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 batsman 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
clause 41.18 (Penalty runs). Any runs completed by the batsmen 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 clause 17.3 (Validity of balls).
21.18 Out from a No ball
When No ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Playing
Conditions except clause 34 (Hit the ball twice), clause 37 (Obstructing the field) or clause 38
(Run out).
21.19 Free Hit
21.19.1 In addition to the above, the delivery following a No ball called (all modes of No ball)
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.
21.19.2 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.
21.19.3 Neither field changes nor the exchange of individuals between fielding positions are
permitted for free hit deliveries unless:
21.19.3.1 There is a change of striker (the provisions of clause 41.2 shall apply), or
21.19.3.2 The No Ball was the result of a fielding restriction breach, in which case the field
may be changed to the extent of correcting the breach.
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21.19.4 For clarity, the bowler can change his mode of delivery for the free hit delivery. In such
circumstances clause 21.1 shall apply.
21.19.5 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.
22 WIDE BALL
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 clause 22.1.2
22.1.1.1 the ball passes wide of where the striker is standing and which also would have
passed wide of the striker standing in a normal guard position.
22.1.1.2 the ball passes above the head height of the striker standing upright at the popping
crease.
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.
22.1.3 Umpires are instructed to apply very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this
clause in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket.
22.2 Call and signal of Wide ball
If the umpire adjudges a delivery to be a Wide he/she 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 then 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 clause
21.13 (No ball to over-ride 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 clause 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
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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, see clause 22.3, 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 runs awarded
for penalties.
22.7 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 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 clause 17.3 (Validity of balls).
22.9 Out from a Wide
When Wide ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Playing
Conditions except clause 35 (Hit wicket), clause 37 (Obstructing the field), clause 38 (Run out)
or clause 39 (Stumped).
23 BYE AND LEG BYE

23.1 Byes
If the ball, delivered by the bowler, not being a Wide, passes the striker without touching his
bat or person, any runs completed by the batsmen from that delivery, or a boundary allowance,
shall be credited as Byes to the batting side.
Additionally, if the delivery is a No ball, the one run penalty for such a delivery shall be incurred.
23.2 Leg byes
23.2.1 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 attempted to play the ball with the bat;
or tried to avoid being hit by the ball.
23.2.2 If the umpire is satisfied that either of these conditions has been met runs shall be
scored as follows.
23.2.2.1 If there is
either no subsequent contact with the striker’s bat or person, or
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only inadvertent contact with the striker’s bat or person,
any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the
striker in the case of subsequent contact with his bat but otherwise to the batting side
as in clause 23.2.3.
23.2.2.2 If the striker wilfully makes a lawful second strike, clause 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck
more than once) and clause 34.4 (Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than
once) shall apply.
23.2.3 The runs in clause 23.2.2.1, unless credited to the striker, shall be scored as Leg byes.
Additionally, if the delivery is a No ball, the one run penalty for the No ball shall be
incurred.
23.3 Leg byes not to be awarded
If in the circumstance of clause 23.2.1 the umpire considers that neither of the conditions
therein has been met, then Leg byes shall not be awarded.
If the ball does not become dead for any other 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.
The umpire shall then:
- signal No ball to the scorers if applicable;
- award any 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under clause 28.3
(Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
24 FIELDER’S ABSENCE; SUBSTITUTES

24.1 Substitute fielders
24.1.1 The umpires shall allow a substitute fielder
24.1.1.1 if they are satisfied that a fielder has been injured or become ill and that this occurred
during the match, or
24.1.1.2 for any other wholly acceptable reason.
In all other circumstances, a substitute is not allowed.
24.1.2 A substitute shall not bowl or act as captain but may act as wicket-keeper only with the
consent of the umpires. Note, however, clause 42.4.1.
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24.1.3 A nominated player may bowl or field even though a substitute has previously acted for
him, subject to clauses 24.2 and 24.3.
24.1.4 Squad members of the fielding or batting team who are not playing in the match and
who are not acting as substitute fielders shall be required to wear a team training bib
whilst on the playing area (including the area between the boundary and the perimeter
fencing).
24.1.5 Substitute fielders shall only be permitted in cases of injury, illness or other wholly
acceptable reasons. ’Wholly acceptable reasons’ should be limited to extreme
circumstances and should not include what is commonly referred to as a ’comfort
break’.
24.2 Fielder absent or leaving the field of play
24.2.1 A player going briefly outside the boundary while carrying out any duties as a fielder is
not absent from the field of play nor, for the purposes of this clause, is he to be regarded
as having left the field of play.
24.2.2 If a fielder fails to take the field at the start of play or at any later time, or leaves the field
during a session of play,
24.2.2.1 an umpire shall be informed of the reason for this absence.
24.2.2.2 he shall not thereafter come on to the field of play during a session of play without
the consent of the umpire. See clause 24.4. The umpire shall give such consent as
soon as it is practicable.
24.2.3 If a player is absent from the field for longer than 8 minutes, the following restrictions
shall apply to their future participation in the match:
24.2.3.1 The player shall not be permitted to bowl in the match until he has either been able
to field, or his team has subsequently been batting, for the total length of playing time
for which the player was absent (hereafter referred to as Penalty time). A player’s
unexpired Penalty time shall be limited to a maximum of 40 minutes. If any unexpired
Penalty time remains at the end of an innings, it is carried forward to the next and
subsequent innings of the match.
24.2.3.2 The player shall not be permitted to bat in the match until his team’s batting innings
has been in progress for the length of playing time that is equal to the unexpired
Penalty time carried forward from the previous innings. However, once his side has
lost five wickets in its batting innings, he may bat immediately.
24.2.4 If the player leaves the field before having served all of his Penalty time, the balance is
carried forward as unserved Penalty time.
24.2.5 On any occasion of absence, the amount of playing time for which the player is off the
field shall be added to any Penalty time that remains unserved, subject to a maximum
cumulative Penalty time of 40 minutes, and that player shall not bowl until all of his
Penalty time has been served.
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24.2.6 For the purposes of clauses 24.2.3.1 and 24.2.3.2, playing time shall comprise the time
play is in progress excluding intervals, intervals between innings. For clarity, a player’s
Penalty time will continue to expire after he is dismissed, for the remainder of his team’s
batting innings.
24.2.7 If there is an unscheduled break in play, the stoppage time shall count as Penalty time
served, provided that,
24.2.7.1 the fielder who was on the field of play at the start of the break either takes the field
on the resumption of play, or his side is now batting.
24.2.7.2 the fielder who was already off the field at the start of the break notifies an umpire in
person as soon as he is able to participate, and either takes the field on the
resumption of play, or his side is now batting. Stoppage time before an umpire has
been so notified shall not count towards unserved Penalty time.
24.2.8 Any unserved Penalty time shall be carried forward into the next innings of the match,
as applicable.
24.2.9 If a player is seriously injured or any kind of injury (batsman/bowler/fielder) happens on

the field of play and requires medical attention, The maximum time allowed for that
player to recover from the injury and to be ready to participate in the match is Four
minutes. The player has to leave the field if he needs more time to recover.
24.3 Penalty time not incurred
A nominated player’s absence will not incur Penalty time if,
24.3.1 he has suffered an external blow during the match and, as a result, has justifiably left
the field or is unable to take the field.
24.3.2 in the opinion of the umpires, the player has been absent or has left the field for other
wholly acceptable reasons, which shall not include illness or internal injury.
24.3.3 the player is absent from the field for a period of 8 minutes or less.
24.4 Player returning without permission
If a player comes on to the field of play in contravention of clause 24.2.2 and comes into
contact with the ball while it is in play, the ball shall immediately become dead.
- The umpire shall award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side.
- Runs completed by the batsmen shall be scored together with the run in progress if they had
already crossed at the instant of the offence.
- The ball shall not count as one of the over.
- 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.
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- The umpires together may report the occurrence as soon as possible after the match to the
BCCI Match Referee.
25 BATSMAN’S INNINGS
25.1 Eligibility to act as a batsman
Only a nominated player may bat and, subject to clause 25.3, may do so even though a
substitute fielder has previously acted for him.
25.2 Commencement of a batsman’s innings
The innings of the first two batsmen, and that of any new batsman on the resumption of play
after a call of Time, shall commence at the call of Play. At any other time, a batsman’s innings
shall be considered to have commenced when that batsman first steps onto the field of play.
25.3 Restriction on batsman commencing an innings
25.3.1 If a member of the batting side has unserved Penalty time (see clause 24.2.7) that
player shall not be permitted to bat until that Penalty time has been served. However,
even if the unserved Penalty time has not expired, that player may bat after his side
has lost 5 wickets.
25.3.2 A member of the batting side’s Penalty time is served during Playing time. In the event
of an unscheduled stoppage, the stoppage time after the batsman notifies an umpire
in person that he is able to participate shall count as Penalty time served.
25.4 Batsman retiring
25.4.1 A batsman may retire at any time during his innings when the ball is dead. The umpires,
before allowing play to proceed, shall be informed of the reason for a batsman retiring.
25.4.2 If a batsman retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause, that
batsman is entitled to resume his innings. If for any reason this does not happen, that
batsman is to be recorded as ‘Retired – not out’.
25.4.3 If a batsman retires for any reason other than as in clause 25.4.2, the innings of that
batsman may be resumed only with the consent of the opposing captain. If for any
reason his innings is not resumed, that batsman is to be recorded as ‘Retired - out’.
25.4.4 If after retiring a batsman resumes his innings, subject to the requirements of clauses
25.4.2 and 25.4.3, it shall be only at the fall of a wicket or the retirement of another
batsman.
25.5 Runners
Runners shall not be permitted.
26 PRACTICE ON THE FIELD

26.1 Practice on the pitch or the rest of the square
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26.1.1 There shall not be any practice on the pitch at any time on any day of the match.
26.1.2 There shall not be any practice on the rest of the square at any time on any day of the
match, except with the approval of the umpires.
26.1.2.1 If approved by the umpires, the use of the square for practice on any day of any
match will be restricted to any netted practice area or bowling strips specifically
prepared on the edge of the square for that purpose.
26.1.2.2 Bowling practice on the bowling strips referred to above shall also be permitted during
the interval (and change of innings if not the interval) unless the umpires consider
that, in the prevailing conditions of ground and weather, it will be detrimental to the
surface of the square.
26.2 Practice on the outfield
26.2.1 On any day of the match, all forms of practice are permitted on the outfield
- before the start of play;
- after the close of play; and
- during the interval or between innings,
providing the umpires are satisfied that such practice will not cause significant
deterioration in the condition of the outfield.
26.2.2 Between the call of Play and the call of Time, practice shall be permitted on the outfield,
providing that all of the following conditions are met:
- only the fielders (as defined in paragraph 7 of Appendix A) participate in such practice.
- no ball other than the match ball is used for this practice.
- no bowling practice takes place in the area between the square and the boundary in
a direction parallel to the match pitch.
- the umpires are satisfied that it will not contravene either of clauses 41.3 (The match
ball changing its condition) or 41.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side).
Bowling a ball, using a short run up to a player in the outfield is not to be regarded as
bowling practice but shall be subject to the other conditions in this clause.
26.3 Trial run-up
A bowler is permitted to have a trial run-up provided the umpire is satisfied that it will not
contravene either of clauses 41.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side) or 41.12 (Fielder
damaging the pitch).
26.4 Penalties for contravention
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All forms of practice are subject to the provisions of clauses 41.13 (The match ball – changing
its condition), 41.9 (Time wasting by the fielding side) and 41.12 (Fielder damaging the pitch).
26.4.1 If there is a contravention of any of the provisions of clause 26.1 or 26.2, the umpire
shall
- warn the player that the practice is not permitted;
- inform the other umpire and, as soon as practicable, both captains of the reason for
this action.
26.4.1.1 If the contravention is by a batsman at the wicket, the umpire shall inform the other
batsman and each incoming batsman that the warning has been issued. The warning
shall apply to the team of that player throughout the match.
26.4.2 If during the match there is any further contravention by any player of that team, the
umpire shall
- award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side;
- inform the other umpire, the scorers and, as soon as practicable, both captains, and,
if the contravention is during play, the batsmen at the wicket.
27 THE WICKET-KEEPER
27.1 Protective equipment
The wicket-keeper is the only fielder permitted to wear gloves and external leg guards. If these
are worn, they are to be regarded as part of his person for the purposes of clause 28.2
(Fielding the ball). If by the wicket-keeper’s actions and positioning when the ball comes into
play it is apparent to the umpires that he will not be able to carry out the normal duties of a
wicket-keeper, he shall forfeit this right and also the right to be recognised as a wicket-keeper
for the purposes of clauses 33.2 (A fair catch), 39 (Stumped), 28.1 (Protective equipment),
28.4 (Limitation of on-side fielders) and 28.5 (Fielders not to encroach on pitch).
27.2 Gloves
27.2.1 If, as permitted under clause 27.1, 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.
27.2.2 If used, the webbing shall be a single piece of non-stretch material which, although it
may have facing material attached, shall have no reinforcements or tucks.
27.2.3 The top edge of the webbing shall not protrude beyond the straight line joining the top
of the index finger to the top of the thumb and shall be taut when a hand wearing the
glove has the thumb fully extended. See paragraph 3 of Appendix B.
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27.3 Position of wicket-keeper
27.3.1 The wicket-keeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker’s end from the
moment the ball comes into play until a ball delivered by the bowler:
touches the bat or person of the striker; or
passes the wicket at the striker’s end; or
the striker attempts a run.
27.3.2 In the event of the wicket-keeper contravening this clause, the striker’s end umpire shall
call and signal No ball as soon as applicable after the delivery of the ball.
27.4 Movement by wicket-keeper
27.4.1 After the ball comes into play and before it reaches the striker, it is unfair if the wicket-
keeper significantly alters his position in relation to the striker’s wicket, except for the
following:
27.4.1.1 movement of a few paces forward for a slower delivery, unless in so doing it brings
him within reach of the wicket.
27.4.1.2 lateral movement in response to the direction in which the ball has been delivered.
27.4.1.3 movement in response to the stroke that the striker is playing or that his actions
suggest he intends to play. However the provisions of clause 27.3 shall apply.
27.4.2 In the event of unfair movement by the wicket-keeper, either umpire shall call and signal
Dead ball.
27.5 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, clause 20.4.2.6 (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball) shall
apply.
If, however, either umpire considers that the interference by the wicket-keeper was wilful, then
clause 41.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) shall also apply.
27.6 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 clause 37.3 (Obstructing a ball
from being caught).
28 THE FIELDER
28.1 Protective equipment
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No fielder 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.
The exchange of protective equipment between members of the fielding side on the field shall
be permitted provided that the umpires do not consider that it constitutes a waste of playing
time.
28.2 Fielding the ball
28.2.1 A fielder may field the ball with any part of his person (see paragraph 12 of Appendix
A), except as in clause 28.2.1.2. However, he will be deemed to have fielded the ball
illegally if, while the ball is in play he wilfully:
28.2.1.1 uses anything other than part of his person to field the ball.
28.2.1.2 extends his clothing with his hands and uses this to field the ball.
28.2.1.3 discards a piece of clothing, equipment or any other object which subsequently
makes contact with the ball.
28.2.2 It is not illegal fielding if the ball in play makes contact with a piece of clothing,
equipment or any other object which has accidentally fallen from the fielder’s person.
28.2.3 If a fielder illegally fields the ball, the ball shall immediately become dead and
- the penalty for a No ball or a Wide shall stand.
- any runs completed by the batsmen shall be credited to the batting side, together with
the run in progress if the batsmen had already crossed at the instant of the offence.
- the ball shall not count as one of the over.
In addition the umpire shall:
- award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side.
- inform the other umpire and the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this
action.
- inform the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of
what has occurred.
28.3 Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side
28.3.1 Protective helmets, when not in use by fielders, may not be placed on the ground,
above the surface except behind the wicket-keeper and in line with both sets of stumps.
28.3.2 If the ball while in play strikes a helmet, placed as described in clause 28.3.1,
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28.3.2.1 the ball shall become dead and, subject to clause 28.3.3,
28.3.2.2 an award of 5 Penalty runs shall be made to the batting side;
28.3.2.3 any runs completed by the batsmen before the ball strikes the protective helmet shall
be scored, together with the run in progress if the batsmen had already crossed at
the instant of the ball striking the protective helmet.
28.3.3 If the ball while in play strikes a helmet, placed as described in clause 28.3.1, unless
the circumstances of clause 23.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded) or clause 34 (Hit the
ball twice), apply, the umpire shall:
- permit the batsmen’s runs as in clause 28.3.2.3 to be scored
- signal No ball or Wide ball to the scorers if applicable
- award 5 Penalty runs as in clause 28.3.2.2
- award any other Penalty runs due to the batting side.
28.3.4 If the ball while in play strikes a helmet, placed as described in clause 28.3.1, and the
circumstances of clause 23.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded) or clause 34 (Hit the ball
twice) apply, the umpire shall:
- disallow all runs to the batting side
- return any not out batsman to his original end
- signal No ball or Wide ball to the scorers if applicable
- award any 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under clause
28.3.2.
28.4 Limitation of on side fielders
28.4.1 At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than 5 fielders on the leg side.
28.4.2 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.
28.4.3. In the event of infringement of this clause by any fielder, the striker’s end umpire shall
call and signal No ball.
28.5 Fielders not to encroach on pitch
While the ball is in play and until the ball has made contact with the striker’s bat or person, 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.
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In the event of infringement of this clause by any fielder other than the wicket-keeper, the
bowler’s end umpire shall call and signal No ball as soon as possible after delivery of the ball.
Note, however, clause 27.3 (Position of wicketkeeper).
28.6 Movement by any fielder other than the wicket-keeper
28.6.1 Any movement by any fielder, excluding the wicket-keeper, after the ball comes into
play and before the ball reaches the striker, is unfair except for the following:
28.6.1.1 minor adjustments to stance or position in relation to the striker’s wicket.
28.6.1.2 movement by any fielder, other than a close fielder, towards the striker or the striker’s
wicket that does not significantly alter the position of the fielder.
28.6.1.3 movement by any fielder in response to the stroke that the striker is playing or that
his actions suggest he intends to play.
28.6.2 In all circumstances clause 28.4 (Limitation of on side fielders) shall apply.
28.6.3 In the event of such unfair movement, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball.
28.6.4 Note also the provisions of clause 41.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker). See also
clause 27.4 (Movement by wicket-keeper).
28.7 Restrictions on the placement of fielders
28.7.1 In addition to the restrictions contained in clause 28.4 above, further fielding restrictions
shall apply to certain overs in each innings. The nature of such fielding restrictions and
the overs during which they shall apply are set out in the following paragraphs.
28.7.2 Subject to 28.7.6 below these fielding restrictions shall apply to the first 6 overs of each
innings (Powerplay overs).
28.7.3 Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The semi-circles shall have as their
centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi-
circles shall be 30 yards (27.43 metres). The semi-circles shall be linked by two parallel
straight lines drawn on the field. (Refer to paragraph 2 of Appendix C). The fielding
restriction areas should be marked by continuous painted white lines or ‘dots’ at 5 yard
(4.57 metres) intervals, each ‘dot’ to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not
metal) disc measuring 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter.
28.7.4 During the powerplay overs only two fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding
restriction area at the instant of delivery.
28.7.5 During non powerplay overs, no more than five fielders shall be permitted outside this
fielding restriction area referred to in 28.7.3 at the instant of delivery.
28.7.6 In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the number
of overs within each phase of the innings shall be reduced in accordance with the table
below. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the table shall apply to both the
1st and 2nd innings of the match.
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Total overs in innings Number of overs for which fielding

restrictions in clauses 28.7.2 and
28.7.4 above will apply
5-8 2
9-11 3
12-14 4
15-18 5
19-20 6
28.7.7 If an innings is interrupted during an over and if on the resumption of play, due to the
reduced number of overs of the batting team, the required number of Powerplay overs
have already been bowled, the remaining deliveries in the over to be completed shall
not be subject to the fielding restrictions.
28.7.8 In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the square leg
umpire shall call and signal No ball.
29 THE WICKET IS DOWN

29.1 Wicket put down
29.1.1 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,
29.1.1.1 by the ball,
29.1.1.2 by the striker’s bat if held or by any part of the bat that he is holding,
29.1.1.3 for the purpose of this clause only, by the striker's bat not in hand, or by any part of
the bat which has become detached,
29.1.1.4 by the striker’s person or by any part of his clothing or equipment becoming detached
from his person,
29.1.1.5 by 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.
29.1.1.6 The wicket is also put down if a fielder strikes or pulls a stump out of the ground as
in 29.1.1.5.
29.1.2 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.
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29.2 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 clause 29.1.
29.3 Remaking wicket
If a wicket is broken or put down while the ball is in play, it shall not be remade by an umpire
until the ball is dead. See clause 20 (Dead ball).
Any fielder may, however, while the ball is in play,
- replace a bail or bails on top of the stumps.
- put back one or more stumps into the ground where the wicket originally stood.
29.4 Dispensing with bails
If the umpires have agreed to dispense with bails in accordance with clause 8.4 (Dispensing
with bails), it is for the umpire concerned to decide whether or not the wicket has been put
down.
29.4.1 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 as described in clauses 29.1.1.2, 29.1.1.3
or 29.1.1.4, or by a fielder in the manner described in clause 29.1.1.5.
29.4.2 If the wicket has already been broken or put down, clause 29.4.1 shall apply to any
stump or stumps still in the ground. Any fielder may replace a stump or stumps, in
accordance with clause 29.3, in order to have an opportunity of putting the wicket
down.
30 BATSMAN OUT OF HIS GROUND

30.1 When out of his ground
30.1.1 A batsman 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 batsman 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 batsman’s ground
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30.2.1 If only one batsman is within a ground, it is his ground and will remain so even if he is
later joined there by the other batsman.
30.2.2 If both batsmen are in the same ground and one of them subsequently leaves it, the
ground belongs to the batsman who remains in it.
30.2.3 If there is no batsman in either ground, then each ground belongs to whichever batsman
is nearer to it, or, if the batsmen are level, to whichever batsman was nearer to it
immediately prior to their drawing level.
30.2.4 If a ground belongs to one batsman then the other ground belongs to the other
batsman, irrespective of his position.
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.
31 APPEALS
31.1 Umpire not to give batsman out without an appeal
Neither umpire shall give a batsman out, even though he may be out under these Playing
Conditions, unless appealed to by a fielder. This shall not debar a batsman who is out under
these Playing Conditions from leaving the wicket without an appeal having been made. Note,
however, the provisions of clause 31.7.
31.2 Batsman dismissed
A batsman is dismissed if he is
either given out by an umpire, on appeal
or out under these Playing Conditions and leaves the wicket as in clause 31.1.
31.3 Timing of appeals
For an appeal to be valid, it must be made before the bowler begins his run-up or, if there is
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 clauses 12.2 (Call of Time) and 17.2 (Start of an
over).
31.4 Appeal “How’s That?”
An appeal “How’s That?” covers all ways of being out.
31.5 Answering appeals
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The striker’s end umpire shall answer all appeals arising out of any of clauses 35 (Hit wicket),
39 (Stumped) or 38 (Run out) when this occurs at the wicket-keeper’s end. The bowler’s end
umpire shall answer all other appeals.
When an appeal is made, each umpire shall answer on any matter that falls within his
jurisdiction.
When a batsman has been given Not out, either umpire may answer an appeal, made in
accordance with clause 31.3, if it is on a further matter and is within his jurisdiction.
31.6 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/she shall consult the latter on this point of fact and shall then give the decision. If, after
consultation, there is still doubt remaining, the decision shall be Not out.
31.7 Batsman leaving the wicket under a misapprehension
An umpire shall intervene if satisfied that a batsman, not having been given out, has left the
wicket under a misapprehension of being out. The umpire intervening shall call and signal
Dead ball to prevent any further action by the fielding side and shall recall the batsman.
A batsman may be recalled at any time up to the instant when the ball comes into play for the
next delivery, unless it is the final wicket of the innings, in which case it should be up to the
instant when the umpires leave the field.
31.8 Withdrawal of an appeal
The captain of the fielding side may withdraw an appeal only after obtaining the consent of the
umpire within whose jurisdiction the appeal falls. If such consent is given, the umpire
concerned shall, if applicable, revoke the decision and recall the batsman.
The withdrawal of an appeal must be before the instant when the ball comes into play for the
next delivery or, if the innings has been completed, the instant when the umpires leave the
field.
32 BOWLED
32.1 Out Bowled
32.1.1 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 the striker’s bat or person.
32.1.2 However, the striker shall not be out Bowled if before striking the wicket the ball has
been in contact with any other player or an umpire. The striker will, however, be subject
to clauses 37 (Obstructing the field), 38 (Run out) and 39 (Stumped).
32.2 Bowled to take precedence
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The striker is out Bowled if his wicket is put down as in clause 32.1, even though a decision
against him for any other method of dismissal would be justified.
33 CAUGHT
33.1 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 fielder, and is subsequently held by a fielder
as a fair catch, as described in clauses 33.2 and 33.3, 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. Note clauses 19.4
(Ball grounded beyond the boundary) and 19.5 (Fielder grounded beyond the
boundary).
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 clause 34 (Hit the
ball twice).
33.2.2.3 a fielder catches the ball after it has touched the wicket, an umpire, another fielder or
the other batsman.
33.2.2.4 a fielder catches the ball after it has crossed the boundary in the air, provided that
the conditions in clause 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.
33.3 Making a catch
The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with
a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and
his own movement.
33.4 No runs to be scored
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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 runs for penalties awarded to either
side shall stand. Clause 18.12 (Batsman returning to wicket he/she has left) shall apply from
the instant of the completion of the catch.
33.5 Caught to take precedence
If the criteria of clause 33.1 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.
34 HIT THE BALL TWICE

34.1 Out Hit the ball twice
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 clause 34.3 and clause 37
(Obstructing the field).
34.1.2 For the purpose of this clause ‘struck’ or ‘strike’ shall include contact with the person of
the striker.
34.2 Not out Hit the ball twice
The striker will not be out under this clause 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 clause 37.4 (Returning the ball to a fielder).
34.2.2 wilfully strikes the ball after it has touched a fielder. Note, however the provisions of
clause 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/her 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 clause 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 clause 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, the umpire shall delay
the call of Dead ball to allow the opportunity for a catch to be completed.
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The umpire shall
- signal No ball to the scorers if applicable; and
- award any 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under clause 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.
35 HIT WICKET
35.1 Out Hit wicket
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 put down by either the striker’s bat or person as
described in clauses 29.1.1.2 to 29.1.1.4 (Wicket put down) 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 clause 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).
35.1.2 If the striker puts his wicket down in any of the ways described in clauses 29.1.1.2 to
29.1.1.4 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 clause should his wicket be put down in any of the ways
referred to in clause 35.1 if any of the following applies:
- it occurs after the striker has completed any action in receiving the delivery, other
than in clauses 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.
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- 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 clause 20.4 (Umpire
calling and signalling Dead ball).
- the delivery is a No ball.
36 LEG BEFORE WICKET

36.1 Out LBW
The striker is out LBW if all the circumstances set out in clauses 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 of impact in clauses 36.1.3, 36.1.4 and 36.1.5, only the first
interception is to be considered.
36.2.2 In assessing 36.1.3, if the bowler’s end umpire is not satisfied that the ball intercepted
the batsman’s person before it touched the bat, the batsman shall be given Not out.
36.2.3 In assessing clause 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 stance at the moment
the ball comes into play for that delivery. See paragraph 13 of Appendix A.
37 OBSTRUCTING THE FIELD
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37.1 Out Obstructing the field
37.1.1 Either batsman is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of clause
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 clause 34 (Hit the ball twice).
37.1.2 The striker is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of clause 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 clause will apply whether or not No ball is called.
37.1.4 For the avoidance of doubt, if an umpire feels that a batsman, in running between the
wickets, has significantly changed his direction without probable cause and thereby
obstructed a fielder’s attempt to effect a run out, the batsman should, on appeal, be
given out, obstructing the field. It shall not be relevant whether a run out would have
occurred or not.
If the change of direction involves the batsman crossing the pitch, clause 41.14 shall
also apply. See also paragraph 2.2 of Appendix D.
37.2 Not out Obstructing the field
A batsman 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 clause 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once). However, see clause
37.3.
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 batsman 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/her wicket under the provision of Clause 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).
37.3.3 If an obstruction or distraction takes place from a No ball then the batsman who caused
the obstruction or distraction will be out Obstructing the field.
37.3.4 37.3.3 shall not apply if the striker obstructs while instinctively defending his/her wicket
with a lawful second strike.
37.4 Returning the ball to a fielder
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Either batsman 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 batsman is dismissed Obstructing the field,
37.5.1 unless the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, any runs completed by the
batsmen before the offence shall be scored, together with any runs awarded for
penalties to either side. See clauses 18.6 (Runs awarded for penalties) and 18.8 (Runs
scored when a batsman is dismissed).
37.5.2 if the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, any runs completed by the
batsmen shall not be scored but any penalties awarded to either side shall stand.
38 RUN OUT
38.1 Out Run out
Either batsman is out Run out, except as in clause 38.2, if, at any time while the ball is in play,
he is out of his ground
and his wicket is fairly put down by the action of a fielder
even though No ball has been called, except in the circumstances of clause 38.2.2.2, and
whether or not a run is being attempted.
38.2 Batsman not out Run out
38.2.1 A batsman is not out Run out in the circumstances of clauses 38.2.1.1 or 38.2.1.2.
38.2.1.1 He has been within his ground and has subsequently left it to avoid injury, when the
wicket is put down. Note also the provisions of clause 30.1.2 (When out of his
ground).
38.2.1.2 The ball, delivered by the bowler, has not made contact with a fielder before the
wicket is put down.
38.2.2 The striker is not out Run out in any of the circumstances in clauses 38.2.2.1 and
38.2.2.2.
38.2.2.1 He is out Stumped. See clause 39.1.2 (Out Stumped).
38.2.2.2 No ball has been called
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and he is out of his ground not attempting a run
and the wicket is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of
another fielder.
38.3 Which batsman is out
The batsman out in the circumstances of clause 38.1 is the one whose ground is at the end
where the wicket is put down. See clause 30.2 (Which is a batsman’s ground).
38.4 Runs scored
If either batsman is dismissed Run out, the run in progress when the wicket is put down shall
not be scored, but any runs completed by the batsmen shall stand, together with any runs for
penalties awarded to either side. See clauses 18.6 (Runs awarded for penalties) and 18.8
(Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed).
39 STUMPED
39.1 Out Stumped
39.1.1 The striker is out Stumped, except as in clause 39.3, if:
a ball which is delivered is not called No ball
and he is out of his ground, other than as in clause 39.3.1
and he has not attempted a run
when his wicket is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of
another fielder. Note, however clause 27.3 (Position of wicket-keeper).
39.1.2 The striker is out Stumped if all the conditions of clause 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 put down by the ball, it shall be regarded as having been put down 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.
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39.3.2 If the striker is not out Stumped he may, except in the circumstances of 38.2.2.2
(Batsman not out Run out), be out Run out if the conditions of clause 38.1 (Out Run
out) apply.
40 TIMED OUT
40.1 Out Timed out
40.1.1 After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batsman, the incoming batsman must,
unless Time has been called, be in position to take guard or for the other batsman to
be ready to receive the next ball within 1 minute 30 seconds of the dismissal or
retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batsman will be out, Timed out.
40.1.2 The incoming batsman is expected to be ready to make his way to the wicket
immediately a wicket falls. Dugouts shall be provided.
40.1.3 In the event of an extended delay in which no batsman comes to the wicket, the umpires
shall adopt the procedure of clause 16.2 (BCCI Match Referee awarding a match). For
the purposes of that clause the start of the action shall be taken as the expiry of the 1
minute 30 seconds referred to above.
41 UNFAIR PLAY
41.1 Fair and unfair play – responsibility of captains
The captains are responsible for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket,
as well as within these Playing Conditions.
41.2 Fair and unfair play – responsibility of umpires
41.2.1 The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play. If an umpire considers that
any action by a player, not covered in the Laws, is unfair, he/she shall call and signal
Dead ball, if appropriate, as soon as it becomes clear that the call will not disadvantage
the non-offending side, and report the matter to the other umpire.
41.2.1.1 If this is a first offence by that side, the bowler’s end umpire shall then
- summon the offending player’s captain and issue a first and final warning which
shall apply to all members of the team for the remainder of the match.
- warn the offending player’s captain that any further such offence by any member of
his/her team shall result in the award of 5 Penalty runs to the opposing team.
41.2.1.2 If this is a second or subsequent offence by that side, the bowler’s end umpire shall
then
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- summon the offending player’s captain and inform him/her that there has been a
further such offence.
- award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side
41.2.1.3 The umpires together may report the incident to the BCCI Match Referee, who shall
take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain, any other
individuals concerned and, if appropriate, the team.
41.3 The match ball – changing its condition
41.3.1 The umpires shall make frequent and irregular inspections of the ball. In addition, they
shall immediately inspect the ball if they suspect anyone of attempting to change the
condition of the ball, except as permitted in clause 41.3.2.
41.3.2 It is an offence for any player to take any action which changes the condition of the ball.
Except in carrying out his normal duties, a batsman is not allowed to wilfully damage
the ball other than, when the ball is in play, in striking it with the bat. See also clause
5.5 (Damage to the ball). A fielder may, however:
41.3.2.1 polish the ball on his clothing provided that no artificial substance or saliva is used
and that such polishing wastes no time.
41.3.2.2 remove mud from the ball under the supervision of an umpire.
41.3.2.3 dry a wet ball on a piece of cloth that has been approved by the umpires.
41.3.3 The umpires shall consider the condition of the ball to have been unfairly changed if
any action by any player does not comply with the conditions in clause 41.3.2.
41.3.4 If the umpires together agree that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed
by a member or members of either side, or that its condition is inconsistent with the
use it has received, they shall consider that there has been a contravention of this
clause and decide together whether they can identify the player(s) responsible for such
conduct.
41.3.5 If it is possible to identify the player(s) responsible for changing the condition of the ball,
the umpires shall:
41.3.5.1 Change the ball forthwith.
41.3.5.1.1 If the umpires together agree that the condition of the ball has been unfairly
changed by a member or members of the fielding side, the batsman at the wicket
shall choose the replacement ball from a selection of six other balls of various
degrees of usage (including a new ball) and of the same brand as the ball in use
prior to the contravention.
41.3.5.1.2 If the umpires together agree that the condition of the ball has been unfairly
changed by a member or members of the batting side, the umpires shall select
and bring into use immediately, a ball which shall have wear comparable to that of
the previous ball immediately prior to the contravention.
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41.3.5.2 Additionally, the bowler’s end umpire shall:
- award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side.
- if appropriate, inform the batsmen at the wicket and the captain of the fielding side
that the ball has been changed and the reason for their action.
- inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable of what has occurred.
The umpires shall then report the matter to the BCCI Match Referee who shall take
such action as is considered appropriate against the player(s) concerned.
41.3.6 If it is not possible to identify the player(s) responsible for changing the condition of the
ball, the umpires shall:
41.3.6.1 Change the ball forthwith. The umpires shall choose the replacement ball for one of
similar wear and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention.
41.3.6.2 The bowler’s end umpire shall issue the captain with a first and final warning, and
41.3.6.3 Advise the captain that should there be any further instances of changing the
condition of the ball by that team during the remainder of the match, clause 41.3.5.2
above will be adopted, with the captain deemed to be the player responsible for the
contravention.
41.3.7 If the umpires believe that saliva has been applied to the ball, the umpires shall:
41.3.7.1 If it is a first instance during an innings, summon the captain of the fielding side and
issue a first warning
41.3.7.2 If it is the second instance during an innings, summon the captain of the fielding side
and issue a second and final warning to the captain of the fielding side that any further
such offence by any member of the team during the innings shall result appropriate
sanctions.
41.3.7.3 If it is the third or subsequent instance,
If player who has applied the saliva is bowling then immediately suspend him from
bowling. He shall not be allowed to bowl in THAT PARTICULAR INNINGS. 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.
If player who has applied the saliva is a fielder then immediately remove the fielder
from the field of play for THAT PARTICULAR INNINGS. No substitute fielder will be
allowed for him during that innings.
41.3.7.4 The ball shall not be changed but the umpires shall wipe the ball with an appropriate
cloth.
41.3.8 Use of saliva in breach of clause 41.3.2.1 above shall not, in and of itself, be considered
an offence under BCCI Code of Conduct (Changing the condition of the ball in breach
of clause 41.3 of the BCCI Playing Conditions).
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41.4 Deliberate attempt to distract striker
41.4.1 It is unfair for any fielder deliberately to attempt to distract the striker while he is
preparing to receive or receiving a delivery.
41.4.2 If either umpire considers that any action by a fielder is such an attempt, he/she shall
immediately call and signal Dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for the
call. The bowler’s end umpire shall
- inform the captain of the fielding side, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the
captain of the batting side of the reason for the action.
Neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery and the ball shall not count as
one of the over.
The umpires may then report the matter to the BCCI Match Referee who shall take
such action as is considered appropriate against the fielder concerned.
41.5 Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman
41.5.1 In addition to clause 41.4, it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action,
to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball.
41.5.2 It is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction, deception or
obstruction is wilful or not.
41.5.3 If either umpire considers that a fielder has caused or attempted to cause such a
distraction, deception or obstruction, he/she shall immediately call and signal Dead ball
and inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.
41.5.4 Neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery.
41.5.5 If an obstruction involves physical contact, the umpires together shall decide whether
or not an offence under clause 42 (Players’ conduct) has been committed.
41.5.5.1 If an offence under clause 42 (Players’ conduct) has been committed, they shall apply
the relevant procedures in clause 42 and shall also apply each of clauses 41.5.6 to
41.5.10.
41.5.5.2 If they consider that there has been no offence under clause 42 (Players’ conduct),
they shall apply each of clauses 41.5.6 to 41.5.10.
41.5.6 The bowler’s end umpire 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.
41.5.7 The ball shall not count as one of the over.
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41.5.8 Any runs completed by the batsmen before the offence shall be scored, together with
any runs for penalties awarded to either side. Additionally, the run in progress shall be
scored whether or not the batsmen had already crossed at the instant of the offence.
41.5.9 The batsmen at the wicket shall decide which of them is to face the next delivery.
41.5.10 The umpires may then report the matter to the BCCI Match Referee who shall take
such action as is considered appropriate against the fielder concerned.
41.6 Bowling of dangerous and unfair short pitched deliveries
41.6.1 Notwithstanding clause 41.6.2, the bowling of short pitched deliveries is dangerous if
the bowler’s end umpire considers that, taking into consideration the skill of the striker,
by their speed, length, height and direction they are likely to inflict physical injury on
him. The fact that the striker is wearing protective equipment shall be disregarded.
In the first instance the umpire decides that the bowling of short pitched deliveries has
become dangerous under 41.6.1:
41.6.1.1 The umpire shall call and signal No ball, and when the ball is dead, caution the bowler
and inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsmen of what
has occurred. This caution shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.
41.6.1.2 If there is a second instance, the umpire shall repeat the above procedure and
indicate to the bowler that this is a final warning, which shall apply to that bowler
throughout the innings.
41.6.1.3 Should there be any further instance by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire
shall:
- call and signal No ball
- when the ball is dead, direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler
immediately from bowling
- inform the other umpire for the reason for this action.
The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.
If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have
- The umpire shall report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable,
to the captain of the batting side.
such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned.
41.6.2 A bowler shall be limited to one fast short-pitched deliveries per over.
41.6.3 A fast short-pitched delivery is defined as a ball, which passes or would have passed
above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease.
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41.6.4 The umpire at the bowler’s end shall advise the bowler and the batsman on strike when
each fast short pitched delivery has been bowled.
41.6.5 In addition, a ball that passes above head height of the batsman, standing upright at
the popping crease, that prevents him from being able to hit it with his bat by means of
a normal cricket stroke shall be called a Wide. See also clause 22.1.1.2
41.6.5.1 For the avoidance of doubt any fast short pitched delivery that is called a Wide under
this playing condition shall also count as one of the allowable short pitched deliveries
in that over.
41.6.6 In the event of a bowler bowling more than one fast short-pitched deliveries in an over
as defined in clause 41.6.3 above, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall call and signal
No ball on each occasion. A differential signal shall be used to signify a fast short
pitched delivery. The umpire shall call and signal ‘No ball’ and then tap the head with
the other hand.
41.6.7 If a bowler delivers a second fast short pitched ball in an over, the umpire, after the call
of No ball and when the ball is dead, shall caution the bowler, inform the other umpire,
the captain of the fielding side and the batsmen at the wicket of what has occurred.
This caution shall apply throughout the innings.
41.6.8 If there is a second instance of the bowler being No balled in the innings for bowling
more than one fast short pitched deliveries in an over, the umpire shall advise the
bowler that this is his final warning for the innings.
41.6.9 Should there be any further instance by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire
shall:
- The umpire shall report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable,
to the captain of the batting side.
41.6.10 Should the umpires initiate the caution and warning procedures set out in clauses
41.6.1.3, 41.6.9, and 41.7, such cautions and warnings are not to be cumulative.
41.7 Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries
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41.7.1 Any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height
of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is to be deemed to be unfair,
whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. If the bowler bowls such
a delivery the umpire shall immediately call and signal No ball.
If, in the opinion of the umpire, such a delivery is considered likely to inflict physical
injury on the batsman by its speed and direction, it shall be considered dangerous.
When the ball is dead the umpire shall caution the bowler, indicating that this is a first
and final warning. The umpire shall also inform the other umpire, the captain of the
fielding side and the batsmen of what has occurred. This caution shall apply to that
bowler throughout the innings.
41.7.2 Should there be any further instance (where a dangerous non-pitching delivery is
bowled and is considered likely to inflict physical injury on the batsman) by the same
bowler in that innings, the umpire shall:
Additionally the umpire shall
- report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, to the captain of
the batting side.
41.7.3 The warning sequence in clauses 41.7.1 and 41.7.2 is independent of the warning and
action sequence in clause 41.6.
41.7.4 If the umpire considers that a bowler deliberately bowled a high full-pitched delivery,
deemed to be dangerous and unfair as defined in clause 41.7.1, then the caution and
warning in clause 41.7.1 shall be dispensed with. The umpire shall
- immediately call and signal No ball.
immediately from bowling and inform the other umpire for the reason for this action.
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- report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, to the captain of
the batting side.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence to the BCCI Match Referee who shall
take such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned.
41.8 Bowling of deliberate front-foot No ball
If the umpire considers that the bowler has delivered a deliberate front-foot No ball, he/she
shall:
- immediately call and signal No ball.
- report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, to the captain of the
batting side.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence to the BCCI Match Referee who shall
take such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned.
41.9 Time wasting by the fielding side
41.9.1 It is unfair for any fielder to waste time.
41.9.2 If either umpire considers that the progress of an over is unnecessarily slow, or time is
being wasted in any other way, by the captain of the fielding side or by any other fielder,
at the first instance the umpire concerned shall:
- if the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball.
- inform the other umpire of what has occurred.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then:
- warn the captain of the fielding side, indicating that this is a first and final warning.
- inform the batsmen of what has occurred.
41.9.3 If either umpire considers that there is any further waste of time in that innings by any
fielder, the umpire concerned shall:
- if the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball.
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The bowler’s end umpire shall then award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side and inform
the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action.
Additionally the umpire shall inform the batsmen and, as soon as is practicable, the
captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
The umpires together may report the occurrence to the BCCI Match Referee who shall
take such action as is considered appropriate against the Captain and the team
concerned under the BCCI Code of Conduct.
41.10 Batsman wasting time
41.10.1 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.
41.10.2 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 becomes dead, as appropriate, the umpire
shall
- warn both batsmen and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning
shall apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming
batsman.
batting side of what has occurred.
41.10.3 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
- award 5 Penalty runs to the fielding side.
- inform the other umpire of the reason for this action.
- inform the other batsman, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as
practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
The umpires together may report the occurrence to the BCCI Match Referee under
the BCCI Code of Conduct.
41.11 The protected area
The protected area is defined as that area of the pitch contained within a rectangle bounded
at each end by imaginary lines parallel to the popping creases and 5 ft/1.52 m 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 1 ft/30.48 cm from it.
41.12 Fielder damaging the pitch
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41.12.1 It is unfair to cause deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch. A fielder will be
deemed to be causing avoidable damage if either umpire considers that his presence
on the pitch is without reasonable cause.
41.12.2 If a fielder causes avoidable damage to the pitch, other than as in clause 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 batsmen of what has occurred.
41.12.3 If, in that innings, there is any further instance of 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
Additionally the umpire shall
- inform the fielding captain of the reason for this action.
what has occurred.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence to the BCCI Match Referee who
shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the fielder concerned.
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 clause, 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 batsmen of what has occurred.
41.13.3 If, in that innings, the same bowler again contravenes this clause, 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 clause 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
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of the next over. The bowler taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that
innings.
what has occurred.
41.14 Batsman 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 batsman 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 batsman causes deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch, other than as
in clause 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 batsmen 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 batsman.
41.14.3 If there is any further instance of avoidable damage to the pitch by any batsman 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
- signal No ball or Wide to the scorers if applicable.
- award any other 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under
clause 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
shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the batsman concerned.
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41.15 Striker in protected area
41.15.1 The striker shall not adopt a stance in the protected area or so close to it that frequent
encroachment is inevitable.
The striker may mark a guard on the pitch provided that no mark is unreasonably
close to the protected area.
41.15.2 If either umpire considers that the striker is in breach of any of the conditions in clause
41.15.1, if the bowler has not entered the delivery stride, he/she shall immediately call Dead
ball, otherwise, wait until the ball is dead; he/she shall 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 batsman.
41.15.3 If there is any further breach of any of the conditions in clause 41.15.1 by any batsman
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/she
shall wait until the ball is dead and then inform the other umpire of the occurrence.
The bowler’s end umpire shall
- signal No ball or Wide to the scorers if applicable.
- award any other 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under
clause 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the batsman concerned.
41.16 Non-striker leaving his ground early
41.16.1 If the non-striker is out of his ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the
instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the
bowler is permitted to attempt to run him out. Whether the attempt is successful or
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not, the ball shall not count as one in the over. If the bowler fails in an attempt to run
out the non-striker, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as possible.
(Accidental run outs are not allowed).
41.16.2 If the ball is not delivered and there is an appeal,

- the umpire shall make his/her decision on the Run out. If it is not out, he/she shall
call and signal Dead ball as soon as possible.
- the ball shall not count as one in the over.
41.16.3 If the ball is delivered and there is an appeal,
- the umpire shall make his/her decision on the Run out.
- if the non-striker is not dismissed, the ball remains in play and Clause 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.
41.17 Batsmen stealing a run
41.17.1 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 clauses 41.16 and 21.4
(Bowler throwing towards striker’s end before delivery) – the umpire shall
- call and signal Dead ball as soon as the batsmen cross in such an attempt.
- return the batsmen to their original ends.
- 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.
The umpires shall then report the matter to the BCCI Match Referee who shall take
such action as is considered appropriate against the batsman concerned.
41.18 Penalty runs
41.18.1 When Penalty runs are awarded to either side, when the ball is dead the umpire shall
signal the Penalty runs to the scorers. See clause 2.13 (Signals).
41.18.2 Penalty runs shall be awarded in each case where these Playing Conditions require
the award, even if a result has already been achieved. See clause 16.6 (Winning hit
or extras).
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Note, however, that the restrictions on awarding Penalty runs, in clauses 23.3 (Leg
byes not to be awarded), 34.4 (Runs scored from ball lawfully struck more than once)
and 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side), will apply.
41.18.3 When 5 Penalty runs are awarded to the batting side under any of clauses 24.4 (Player
returning without permission), 28.2 (Fielding the ball), 28.3 (Protective helmets
belonging to the fielding side) or under 41.3, 41.4, 41.5, 41.9 or 41.12, then
- 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 batsmen shall not change ends solely by reason of the 5 run penalty.
41.18.4 When 5 Penalty runs are awarded to the fielding side, under clause 18.5.2 (Deliberate
short runs), or under 41.10, 41.14, 41.15 or 41.17, 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.
41.19 Use of Electronic communication Equipment including smart watches.
The use of electronic communication devices, equipment and Smart Watches of any kind to
communicate with players on the field of play shall not be permitted.
42 PLAYERS’ CONDUCT
42.1 Players misconduct
42.1.1 Any misconduct by the player will be dealt under Level 1 to Level 4 offences under the
BCCI Code of Conduct.
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Appendix A - Definitions
1 The match
1.1 The game is used in these Playing Conditions as a general term meaning the Game of
Cricket.
1.2 A match is a single T20 limited overs Match between two teams, played under these
Playing Conditions.
1.3 The toss is the toss for choice of innings.
1.4 Before the toss is at any time before the toss on the day the match is expected to start.
1.5 Before the match is at any time before the toss, not restricted to the day on which the
toss is to take place.
1.6 During the match is at any time after the toss until the conclusion of the match, whether
play is in progress or not.
1.7 Playing time is any time between the call of Play and the call of Time. See clauses 12.1
(Call of Play) and 12.2 (Call of Time).
1.8 Conduct of the match includes any action relevant to the match at any time on any day
of the match.
1.9 Ground Authority is the entity responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch
and other functions relating to the hosting and management of the match, including any
agents acting on their behalf (including but not limited to the curator or other ground staff).
1.10 Host Association is the BCCI member responsible for the the hosting of the match.
1.11 Visiting Association is the BCCI member responsible for the visiting team.
1.12 The Spirit of Cricket refers to the values of respect and fair play that underpin the game
of cricket, as set out in the Preamble to these Playing Conditions.
1.13 The BCCI Code of Conduct is the BCCI Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support
Personnel, as amended from time to time.
2 Implements and equipment

2.1 Implements used in the match are the bat, the ball, the stumps and bails.
2.2 External protective equipment is any visible item of apparel worn for protection against
external blows.
For a batsman, items permitted are a protective helmet, external leg guards (batting
pads), batting gloves and, if visible, forearm guards.
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For a fielder, only a protective helmet is permitted, except in the case of a wicket-keeper,
for whom wicketkeeping pads and gloves are also permitted.
2.3 A protective helmet is headwear made of hard material and designed to protect the head
or the face or both, which shall be in line with the Clothing and Equipment Regulations.
For the purposes of interpreting these Playing Conditions, such a description will include
faceguards.
2.4 Equipment – a batsman’s equipment is his bat as defined above, together with any external
protective equipment he is wearing. A fielder’s equipment is any external protective
equipment that he is wearing.
2.5 The bat – the following are to be considered as part of the bat:
- the whole of the bat itself.
- the whole of a glove (or gloves) worn on the hand (or hands) holding the bat.
- the hand (or hands) holding the bat, if the batsman is not wearing a glove on that hand
or on those hands.
2.6 Held in batsman’s hand. Contact between a batsman’s hand, or glove worn on his hand,
and any part of the bat shall constitute the bat being held in that hand.
3 The playing area

3.1 The field of play is the area contained within the boundary.
3.2 The square is a specially prepared area of the field of play within which the match pitch is
situated.
3.3 The outfield is that part of the field of play between the square and the boundary.
4 Positioning
4.1 Behind the popping crease at one end of the pitch is that area of the field of play,
including any other marking, objects and persons therein, that is on that side of the
popping crease that does not include the creases at the opposite end of the pitch. Behind,
in relation to any other marking, object or person, follows the same principle. See the
diagram in paragraph 13.
4.2 In front of the popping crease at one end of the pitch is that area of the field of play,
including any other marking, objects and persons therein, that is on that side of the
popping crease that includes the creases at the opposite end of the pitch. In front of, in
relation to any other marking, object or person, follows the same principle. See the
diagram in paragraph 13.
4.3 The striker’s end is the place where the striker stands to receive a delivery from the
bowler only insofar as it identifies, independently of where the striker may subsequently
move, one end of the pitch.
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4.4 The bowler’s end is the end from which the bowler delivers the ball. It is the other end of
the pitch from the striker’s end and identifies that end of the pitch that is not the striker’s
end as described in paragraph 4.3.
4.5 The wicket-keeper’s end is the same as the striker’s end as described in paragraph 4.3.
4.6 In front of the line of the striker’s wicket is in the area of the field of play in front of the
imaginary line joining the fronts of the stumps at the striker’s end; this line to be considered
extended in both directions to the boundary. See paragraph 4.2.
4.7 Behind the wicket is in the area of the field of play behind the imaginary line joining the
backs of the stumps at the appropriate end; this line to be considered extended in both
directions to the boundary. See paragraph 4.1.
4.8 Behind the wicket-keeper is behind the wicket at the striker’s end, as defined above, but
in line with both sets of stumps and further from the stumps than the wicket-keeper.
4.9 Off side/on (leg) side – see diagram in paragraph 13
4.10 Inside edge is the edge on the same side as the nearer wicket.
5 Umpires and decision-making

5.1 Umpire – where the description the umpire is used on its own, it always means ‘the
bowler’s end umpire’ though this full description is sometimes used for emphasis or clarity.
Similarly the umpires always means both umpires and the third umpire. An umpire and
umpires are generalised terms. Otherwise, a fuller description indicates which one of the
umpires is specifically intended. Each umpire will be bowler’s end umpire and striker’s
end umpire in alternate overs.
5.2 Bowler’s end umpire is the umpire who is standing at the bowler’s end (see paragraph
4.4) for the current delivery.
5.3 Striker’s end umpire is the umpire who is standing at the striker’s end (see paragraph
4.3), to one side of the pitch or the other, depending on his/her choice, for the current
delivery.
5.4 On-field umpires shall mean, collectively, the bowler’s end umpire and the striker’s end
umpire.
5.5 Third umpire is the umpire who may use television evidence and other available
technology in order review a decision of the on-field umpires, by way of an Umpire Review
under the protocol set out in Appendix D.
5.6 Umpires together agree applies to decisions which the umpires are to make jointly,
independently of the players.
5.7 Umpire Review is the process set out in Appendix D / E by which an on-field umpire has
the discretion to refer a decision to the third umpire or, under certain circumstances, to
consult with the third umpire before making a decision.
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5.8 Soft Signal is the visual communication by the bowler’s end umpire to the third umpire
(accompanied by additional information via two-way radio where necessary) of his/her
initial on-field decision prior to initiating an Umpire Review.
5.9 A Fair Catch is a catch that has been taken cleanly by the fielder in accordance with
clause 33.
5.10 A Bump Ball is where the ball has made contact with the ground shortly after making
contact with the striker’s bat.
6 Batsmen
6.1 Batting side is the side currently batting, whether or not play is in progress.
6.2 Member of the batting side is one of the players nominated by the captain of the batting
side, or any authorised replacement for such nominated player.
6.3 A batsman’s ground – at each end of the pitch, the whole area of the field of play behind
the popping crease is the ground at that end for a batsman.
6.4 Original end is the end where a batsman was when the ball came into play for that
delivery.
6.5 Wicket he has left is the wicket at the end where a batsman was at the start of the run in
progress.
6.6 Guard position is the position and posture adopted by the striker to receive a ball
delivered by the bowler
6.7 For the purposes of these Laws, waist height is defined as the point at which the top of
the batsman’s trousers would conventionally be when he/she is standing upright at the
popping crease.
7 Fielders
7.1 Fielding side is the side currently fielding, whether or not play is in progress.
7.2 Member of the fielding side is one of the players nominated by the captain of the fielding
side, or any authorised replacement or substitute for such nominated player.
7.3 Fielder is one of the 11 or fewer players who together represent the fielding side on the
field of play. This definition includes not only both the bowler and the wicket-keeper but
also nominated players who are legitimately on the field of play, together with players
legitimately acting as substitutes for absent nominated players. It excludes any nominated
player who is absent from the field of play, or who has been absent from the field of play
and who has not yet obtained the umpire’s permission to return. A player going briefly
outside the boundary in the course of discharging his duties as a fielder is not absent from
the field of play nor, for the purposes of clause 24.2 (Fielder absent or leaving the field of
play), is he to be regarded as having left the field of play.
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8 Substitutes
8.1 A Substitute is a player who takes the place of a fielder on the field of play, but does not
replace the player for whom he substitutes on that side’s list of nominated players. A
substitute’s activities are limited to fielding.
9 Bowlers
9.1 Over the wicket / round the wicket – If, as the bowler runs up between the wicket and
the return crease, the wicket is on the same side as his bowling arm, he is bowling over
the wicket. If the return crease is on the same side as his bowling arm, he is bowling round
the wicket.
9.2 Delivery swing is the motion of the bowler’s arm during which he normally releases the
ball for a delivery.
9.3 Delivery stride is the stride during which the delivery swing is made, whether the ball is
released or not. It starts when the bowler’s back foot lands for that stride and ends when
the front foot lands in the same stride. The stride after the delivery stride is completed
when the next foot lands, i.e. when the back foot of the delivery stride lands again.
10 The ball
10.1 The ball is struck/strikes the ball unless specifically defined otherwise, mean ‘the ball
is struck by the bat’/‘strikes the ball with the bat’.
10.2 Rebounds directly/strikes directly and similar phrases mean ‘without contact with any
fielder’ but do not exclude contact with the ground.
10.3 Full-pitch describes a ball delivered by the bowler that reaches or passes the striker
without having touched the ground. Sometimes described as non-pitching.
11 Runs
11.1 A run to be disallowed is one that in these Playing Conditions should not have been
taken. It is not only to be cancelled but the batsmen are to be returned to their original
ends.
11.2 A run not to be scored is one that is not illegal, but is not recognised as a properly
executed run. It is not a run that has been made, so the question of cancellation does
not arise. The loss of the run so attempted is not a disallowance and the batsmen will
not be returned to their original ends on that account.
12 The person
12.1 Person; A player’s person is his physical person (flesh and blood) together with any
clothing or legitimate external protective equipment that he is wearing except, in the
case of a batsman, his bat.
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A hand, whether gloved or not, that is not holding the bat is part of the batsman’s person.
No item of clothing or equipment is part of the player’s person unless it is attached to

him.
For a batsman, a glove being held but not worn is part of his person.
For a fielder, an item of clothing or equipment he is holding in his hand or hands is not
part of his person.
12.2 Clothing – anything that a player is wearing, including such items as spectacles or
jewellery, that is not classed as external protective equipment is classed as clothing,
even though he may be wearing some items of apparel, which are not visible, for
protection. A bat being carried by a batsman does not come within this definition of
clothing.
12.3 Hand for batsman or wicket-keeper shall include both the hand itself and the whole of a
glove worn on the hand.
13 Off side / on side; in front of / behind the popping crease.
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Appendix B - Equipment
1 The Bat
1.1 Bat Gauge
All bats must meet the specifications defined in clause 5.7. They must also, with or without
protective coverings permitted in clause 5.4, be able to pass through a bat gauge, the
dimensions and shape of which are shown in the following diagram:
2 The wickets
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2.1 Bails
Overall 4.31 in / 10.95 cm
a = 1.38 in / 3.50 cm
b = 2.13 in / 5.40 cm
c = 0.81 in / 2.06 cm
2.2 Stumps
Height (d) = 28 in / 71.1 cm
Diameter (e) - maximum = 1.5 in / 3.81 cm; minimum = 1.38 in / 3.50 cm
2.3 Overall
Width (f) of wicket 9 in / 22.86 cm
3 Wicket-keeping gloves
3.1 The images below illustrate the requirements of clause 27.2 in relation to:
• no webbing between the fingers;
• a single piece of non-stretch material between finger and thumb as a means of support; and
• when a hand wearing the glove has the thumb fully extended, the top edge being taut and
not protruding beyond the straight line joining the top of the index finger to the top of the thumb.
3.2 Note also the requirement for wicket-keeping gloves to comply with the Clothing and
Equipment Regulations in relation to the size and position of marks and logos.
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Appendix C - The venue

1 The pitch and the creases
2 Restriction on the placement of fielders
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Appendix D – Umpire Review – Third Umpire

1 General
1.1 Wherever there is a provision of live or delayed telecast of the match, the BCCI will appoint
a third umpire.
1.2 The host association will ensure that a separate room is provided for the third umpire and
that he has access to a television monitor and direct sound link with the television control
broadcast director to facilitate as many replays as is necessary to assist him in making a
decision.
1.3 The third umpire shall call for as many replays from any camera angle as is necessary to
reach a decision.
1.4 The third umpire shall only have access to TV replays. Other technology which may be in
use by the broadcaster for telecast purposes (Ball tracking, stump microphone, Ultra-edge
etc.) shall not be permitted.
2 Umpire Review – Third Umpire
In the circumstances detailed in paragraphs 2.1, 2.2 below, the on-field umpire shall have the
discretion to refer the decision to the third umpire or, in the case of paragraphs 2.3, 2.4, 2.5
and 2.6, to consult with the third umpire before making the decision.
Players may not appeal to the on-field umpires to use the Umpire Review. Breach of this
provision may constitute dissent and the player may be subject to disciplinary action under the
BCCI Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
2.1 Run Out, Stumped, Bowled and Hit Wicket Decisions
2.1.1 The relevant on-field umpire shall be entitled to refer an appeal for run-out, stumped,
bowled or hit wicket to the third umpire.
2.1.2 An on-field umpire wishing to refer a decision to the third umpire shall signal to the third
umpire by making the shape of a TV screen with his/her hands.
2.1.3 In the case of a referral of a bowled, hit wicket or stumped decision, the third umpire
shall first check the fairness of the delivery (all modes of No ball except for the bowler
using an Illegal Bowling Action). If the delivery was not a fair delivery the third umpire
shall indicate that the batsman is Not out and advise the on-field umpire to signal No
ball. See also paragraph 2.5 below.
2.1.4 Additionally, if the third umpire finds the batsman is Out by another mode of dismissal
(excluding LBW), or Not out by any mode of dismissal (excluding LBW), he/she shall
notify the on-field umpire so that the correct decision is made.
2.1.5 If the third umpire decides that the batsman is Out, a red light shall be displayed; if the
third umpire decides that the batsman is Not out, a green light shall be displayed. Should
the third umpire be temporarily unable to respond, a white light (where available) shall
remain illuminated throughout the period of interruption to signify to the on-field umpires
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that Umpire Reviews are temporarily unavailable, in which case the decision shall be
taken by the on-field umpire. As an alternative to the red/green light system, the big
replay screen (where available) may be used for the purpose of conveying the third
umpire’s decision.
2.2 Caught Decisions, Obstructing the Field
2.2.1 Where the bowler’s end umpire is unable to decide upon a Fair Catch or a Bump Ball,
or if, on appeal from the fielding side, the batsman obstructed the field, he/she shall first
consult with the striker’s end umpire.
2.2.2 Should both on-field umpires require assistance from the third umpire to make a
decision, the bowler’s end umpire shall firstly take a decision on-field after consulting
with the striker’s end umpire, before consulting by two-way radio with the third umpire.
Such consultation shall be initiated by the bowler’s end umpire to the third umpire by
making the shape of a TV screen with his/her hands, followed by a Soft Signal of Out or
Not out made with the hands close to the chest at chest height. If the third umpire advises
that the replay evidence is inconclusive, the on-field decision communicated at the start
of the consultation process shall stand.
2.2.3 The third umpire shall determine whether the batsman has been caught, whether the
delivery was a Bump Ball, or if the batsman obstructed the field. However, in reviewing
the television replay(s), the third umpire shall first check the fairness of the delivery for
all decisions involving a catch (all modes of No ball except for the bowler using an Illegal
Bowling Action) and whether the batsman has hit the ball. If the delivery was not a fair
delivery or if it is clear to the third umpire that the batsman did not hit the ball he/she
shall indicate to the bowler’s end umpire that the batsman is Not out caught, and in the
case of an unfair delivery, advise the bowler’s end umpire to signal No ball. See also
paragraph 2.5 below.
Additionally, if it is clear to the third umpire that the batsman is Out by another mode of
dismissal (excluding LBW), or Not out by any mode of dismissal (excluding LBW), he/she
shall notify the bowler’s end umpire so that the correct decision can be made.
2.2.4 The third umpire shall communicate his/her decision as set out in paragraph 2.1.5.
2.3 Boundary Decisions
2.3.1 The bowler’s end umpire shall be entitled to refer to the third umpire for a decision on:
2.3.1.1 whether a four or six has been scored;
2.3.1.2 whether a fielder had any part of his person in contact with the ball when he touched
the boundary; or
2.3.1.3 whether the fielder had any part of his person in contact with the ball when he had any
part of his person grounded beyond the boundary.
2.3.2 A decision shall be made immediately and cannot be changed thereafter.
2.3.3 If the television evidence is inconclusive as to whether or not a boundary has been
scored, the default presumption shall be in favour of no boundary being awarded.
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2.3.4 Where the bowler’s end umpire wishes to use the assistance of the third umpire in this
circumstance, he/she shall communicate with the third umpire by use of a two-way radio
and the third umpire shall convey his/her decision to the bowler’s end umpire by the
same method.
2.3.5 The third umpire may initiate contact with the on-field umpire by two-way radio if TV
coverage shows a boundary line infringement or incident that appears not to have been
acted upon by the on-field umpires.
2.4 Batsmen Running to the Same End
2.4.1 Where both batsmen have run to the same end and the on-field umpires are uncertain
over which batsman made his ground first, the on-field umpires may consult with the
third umpire.
2.4.2 The procedure set out in paragraph 2.3.4 shall apply.
2.5 No Balls
2.5.1 If the bowler’s end umpire is uncertain as to the fairness of the delivery following a
dismissal, either affecting the validity of the dismissal or which batsman is dismissed,
he/she shall be entitled to request the batsman to delay leaving the field and to check
the fairness of the delivery with the third umpire. Communication with the third umpire
shall be by two-way radio.
2.5.2 The third umpire shall check all modes of No ball except for the bowler using an Illegal
Bowling Action. The third umpire shall apply clause 21.5 when deciding whether a No
ball should have been called (and must therefore be satisfied that none of the three
conditions in clause 21.5 have been met before calling a No ball).
2.5.3 If the delivery was not a fair delivery, the bowler’s end umpire shall indicate that the
batsman is Not out and signal No ball (except in the case of a dismissal for obstructing
the field, which may still be effected despite a No ball being called, in which case the
bowler’s end umpire shall indicate that the relevant batsman is Out and additionally call
a No ball).
2.5.4 If a No ball is called following the check by the third umpire, the batting side shall benefit
from the reversal of the dismissal and the one run for the No ball, but shall not benefit
from any runs that may subsequently have accrued from the delivery had the on-field
umpire originally called a No ball. Where the batsmen crossed while the ball was in the
air before being caught, the batsmen shall remain at the same ends as if the striker had
been dismissed, but no runs shall be credited to the striker even if one (or more) runs
were completed prior to the catch being taken.
2.6 Cameras On or Over the Field of Play
2.6.1 The on-field umpires shall be entitled to refer to the third umpire for a decision as to
whether the ball has at any time during the normal course of play come into contact with
any part of the camera, its apparatus or its cables above the playing area, as
contemplated in clause 20.1.3.
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2.6.2 Where an on-field umpire wishes to use the assistance of the third umpire in this
circumstance, he/she shall communicate with the third umpire by use of a two-way radio
and the third umpire shall convey his/her decision to the bowler’s end umpire by the
same method.
2.6.3 A decision shall be made immediately and cannot be changed thereafter. If the television
evidence is inconclusive as to whether or not the ball has come into contact with any
part of the camera, its apparatus or its cables above the playing area, the default
presumption shall be in favour of no contact having been made.
2.6.4 The third umpire may initiate contact with the on-field umpire by two-way radio if TV
coverage shows the ball to have been in contact with any part of the camera or its cables
above the playing area as envisaged under this paragraph.
3 Interpretation of Playing Conditions
3.1 When using a replay to determine the moment at which the wicket has been put down (as
per clause 29.1), the third umpire shall deem this to be the first frame in which one of the
bails is shown (or can be deduced) to have lost all contact with the top of the stumps and
subsequent frames show the bail permanently removed from the top of the stumps.
3.2 Where LED Wickets are used (as provided for in paragraph 3.8.1.6) the moment at which
the wicket has been put down (as per clause 29.1) shall be deemed to be the first frame
in which the LED lights are illuminated and subsequent frames show the bail permanently
removed from the top of the stumps.
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Appendix E – Umpire Review – When Match Referee acting

as Third Umpire
1 General
1.1 In all T-20 Matches, where there is no provision for live or delayed telecast, but the match
is covered by static cameras by BCCI, the Match Referee will act as third umpire.
2 Umpire Review – When Match Referee acting as Third Umpire
In the circumstances detailed in paragraphs 2.1 below, the on-field umpire shall have the
discretion to refer the decision to the third umpire before making the decision.
Players may not appeal to the on-field umpires to use the Umpire Review. Breach of this
provision may constitute dissent and the player may be subject to disciplinary action under the
BCCI Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
2.1 Run Out, Stumped and Hit Wicket Decisions
2.1.1 The relevant on-field umpire shall be entitled to refer an appeal for run-out, stumped or
hit wicket to the third umpire.
2.1.2 An on-field umpire wishing to refer a decision to the third umpire shall signal to the third
umpire by making the shape of a TV screen with his/her hands.
2.1.3 In the case of a referral of a hit wicket or stumped decision, the third umpire shall first
check the fairness of the delivery (Only with respect to foot faults or bowler breaking the
wicket). If the delivery was not a fair delivery the third umpire shall indicate that the
batsman is Not out and advise the on-field umpire to signal No ball. See also paragraph
2.2 below.
2.1.4 If the third umpire decides that the batsman is Out, a red light shall be displayed; if the
third umpire decides that the batsman is Not out, a green light shall be displayed. Should
the third umpire be temporarily unable to respond, a white light (where available) shall
remain illuminated throughout the period of interruption to signify to the on-field umpires
that Umpire Reviews are temporarily unavailable, in which case the decision shall be
taken by the on-field umpire. As an alternative to the red/green light system, red/green
flags may be used for the purpose of conveying the third umpire’s decision.
In a match where only static cameras are used, when viewing a Stumping or Hit wicket referral,
if the BCCI Match Referee has conclusive evidence of the Wicket keeper’s encroachment, he
shall advise the striker’s end umpire to signal a No ball, and the striker shall not be dismissed.
Also, when viewing a Stumping or Hit wicket referral, if the BCCI Match Referee finds that the
batsman is bowled then he must convey his decision as out bowled (Lights/Flags).
2.2 No Balls
2.2.1 If the bowler’s end umpire is uncertain as to the fairness of the delivery (only with respect
to foot faults and bowler breaking the wicket) following a dismissal, either affecting the
validity of the dismissal or which batsman is dismissed, he/she shall be entitled to
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request the batsman to delay leaving the field and to check the fairness of the delivery
(only with respect to foot fault and bowler breaking the wicket) with the third umpire.
Communication with the third umpire shall be by two-way radio.
2.2.2 The third umpire shall check for No ball (only with respect to foot faults and bowler
breaking the wicket). The third umpire shall apply clause 21.5 when deciding whether a
No ball should have been called (and must therefore be satisfied that none of the three
conditions in clause 21.5 have been met before calling a No ball).
2.2.3 If the delivery was not a fair delivery, the bowler’s end umpire shall indicate that the
batsman is Not out and signal No ball (except in the case of a dismissal for obstructing
the field, which may still be effected despite a No ball being called, in which case the
bowler’s end umpire shall indicate that the relevant batsman is Out and additionally call
a No ball).
2.2.4 If a No ball is called following the check by the third umpire, the batting side shall benefit
from the reversal of the dismissal and the one run for the No ball, but shall not benefit
from any runs that may subsequently have accrued from the delivery had the on-field
umpire originally called a No ball. Where the batsmen crossed while the ball was in the
air before being caught, the batsmen shall remain at the same ends as if the striker had
been dismissed, but no runs shall be credited to the striker even if one (or more) runs
were completed prior to the catch being taken.
3 Interpretation of Playing Conditions
3.1 When using a replay to determine the moment at which the wicket has been put down (as
per clause 29.1), the third umpire shall deem this to be the first frame in which one of the
bails is shown (or can be deduced) to have lost all contact with the top of the stumps and
subsequent frames show the bail permanently removed from the top of the stumps.
3.2 Where LED Wickets are used (as provided for in paragraph 3.8.1.6) the moment at which
the wicket has been put down (as per clause 29.1) shall be deemed to be the first frame
in which the LED lights are illuminated and subsequent frames show the bail permanently
removed from the top of the stumps.
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Appendix F – Calculations
Table 1: Calculation sheet for use when a delay or interruptions occur in the First
Innings
Time :
Net playing time available at start of the match 170 (A)
Time innings in progress (B)
Playing time lost (C)
Extra time available (D)
Time made up from reduced interval (E)
Effective playing time lost [C – (D + E)] (F)
Remaining playing time available (A - F) (G)
G divided by 4.25 (to 2 decimal places) (H)
Max overs per team [H/2] (round up fractions) (I)
Maximum overs per bowler [I / 5]
Duration of Powerplay Overs (initial, batting side)
Rescheduled Playing Hours
First session to commence or recommence
Length of innings [I x 4.25] (round up fractions)
Rescheduled first innings cessation time [J + (K – B)]
Length of interval
Second innings commencement time [L + M]
Rescheduled second innings cessation time [N + K]
* Ensure that the match is not finishing earlier than the original or rescheduled cessation time
by applying clause 13.7.2. If so, add at least one over to each team and recalculate (I) to (O)
above to prevent this from happening.
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Table 2: Calculation sheet to check whether an interruption during the First Innings
should terminate the innings
Proposed re-start time (P)
Rescheduled cut-off time allowing for full use of any extra time (Q)
provision
Minutes between P and Q (R)
Potential overs to be bowled [R / 4.25] (round up fractions) (S)
Number of complete overs faced to date in first innings (T)
If S is greater than T then revert to Table 1
If S is less than or equal to T then the first innings is terminated - go to Table 3
Table 3: Calculation sheet for the start of the Second Innings
Maximum overs to be bowled:
(If first innings was terminated, S from Table 2)
Scheduled length of innings: [A x 4.25] (round up fractions)
Start time
Scheduled cessation time [C + B]
Overs per bowler and fielding restrictions
Maximum overs per bowler [A / 5]
Duration of Powerplay overs (initial, batting side)
Page | 100
Table 4: Calculation sheet for use when interruption occurs after the start of the Second
Innings
Time:
Time at start of innings (A)
Time at start of interruption (B)
Time innings in progress (C)
Restart time (D)
Length of interruption [D – B] (E)
Additional time available: (F)

(Any unused provision for ‘Extra Time’ or for earlier than
scheduled start of second innings)
Total playing time lost [E – F] (G)
Overs
Maximum overs at start of innings (H)
Overs lost [G / 4.25] (rounded down) (I)
Adjusted maximum length of innings [H – I] (J)
Rescheduled length of innings [J x 4.25 rounded up] (K)
Amended cessation time of innings [D + (K – C)] (L)
Overs per bowler and Fielding Restrictions
Maximum overs per bowler [J / 5]
Duration of Powerplay overs (initial, batting side)
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Appendix G
Procedure for the Super Over
The following procedure shall apply where the Playing Conditions provide for a Super Over to
determine the winner of a tied match. Other than where expressly stated in this Appendix (or
by necessary implication), all relevant Playing Conditions for the match shall apply to the
Super Over.
1. A Super Over involves each team facing an over of six ball (unless ended earlier as provided
for in paragraph 2), and the winner shall be the team scoring the greater number of runs,
irrespective of the number of wickets lost.
2. The loss of two wickets in the over ends the team’s one over innings.
3. If the Super Over is a tie, subsequent Super Overs shall be played until a winner is
determined. Other than in exceptional circumstances (As set out in paragraph 24 below),
an unlimited number of Super Overs may be played where necessary to determine a result.
4. Subject to weather conditions, the Super Over shall take place on the scheduled day of the
match at a time to be determined by the BCCI Match Referee. In normal circumstances it
shall commence 10 minutes after the conclusion of the match.
5. The Super Over shall be played until completion, but if there are any delays or interruptions
during the Super Over, extra time is allocated to complete the Super Over or any
subsequent Super Overs. (The changeover period (10 minutes) for a Super Over after the
main match is not to be taken into account when applying permitted extra time available).
The amount of extra time allocated to the Super Over is the greater of;
a. If innings of side batting second finishes before the scheduled closing time for the match
then the amount of extra time available to the Super Over is the gap between the actual
end of the match and the time the original match would have been scheduled to finish;
or
b. 20 minutes.
6. The Super Over shall take place on the pitch allocated for the match, unless otherwise
determined by the umpires in consultation with the Ground Authority and BCCI Match
Referee.
7. Only nominated players in the match (including Concussion/Covid Replacements) may

participate in the Super Over.
8. Any penalty time being served in the match shall be carried forward to the Super Over.
9. The umpires shall stand at the same end as that in which they finished the match.
10. The team batting second in the match shall bat first in the Super Over.
11. The captain of the fielding team (or his nominee) shall select the ball which the fielding
team shall bowl its over in the Super Over from the box of spare balls provided by the
umpires (which shall include the balls used in the match, but not new balls). The team
fielding second may then choose to use the same ball as chosen by the team bowling first
Page | 102
or choose another ball from the same box. If the ball needs to be changed the relevant
Playing Conditions as they apply in the match shall also apply in the Super Over.
12. The fielding side shall choose the end from which it is to bowl its one over
13. The Super Over shall be played with the same fielding restrictions as would be applicable
for the last over in match played in an uninterrupted match.
14. The interval between the two overs in the Super Over shall be 5 minutes.
TIED SUPER OVER – REPEATING THE SUPER OVER PROCEDURE
15. If the Super Over is tied, then subsequent Super Over will be played until there is a winner
(subject to paragraph 25).
16. In normal circumstances any subsequent Super Over will start 5 minutes after the previous
Super Over ends.
17. The team batting second in the previous Super Over will bat first in the subsequent Super
Over.
18. The balls selected for use by each team in the previous Super Over shall be used again
by the same team in subsequent Super Over(s).
19. The fielding side must bowl its over in a subsequent Super Over from the opposite end to
which it bowled from in the previous Super Over.
20. Any batsman dismissed in any previous Super Over shall be ineligible to bat in the
following Super Over.
21. Any bowler who bowled in the previous Super Over shall be ineligible to bowl in the
subsequent Super Over.
22. In all other ways the procedure for a subsequent Super Over shall be the same as for the
initial Super Over.
SUPER OVER UNABLE TO BE COMPLETED
23. Where the Super Over or subsequent Super Overs are abandoned for any reason prior to
the completion then the match shall be declared a tie and points allocated as in Clause
16.10.1
24. In circumstances where there are unavoidable time constraints (for example, a
requirement to switch off floodlights at a certain time) which do not allow the completion
of multiple Super Over(s), the BCCI Match Referee may limit the number of possible
Super Overs and shall advise both captains accordingly prior to the start of the first Super
Over.
25. If the 1st S/O is a Tie, Then the 2nd S/O over HAS TO BE Played in every case TO SATISFY
THE PURPOSE OF MULTIPLE SUPER OVERS. (extra time permitting)
FOR INTERRUPTED GAMES MAX TWO Super overs WILL BE PLAYED.
Page | 103
Paragraph 5 examples:
Schedule close 4.10 pm.
Scenario 1:
In case the match ends in a tie at 3.45 pm.
Super over to be started at 3.55 pm.
Extra time in this case is greater of a OR b
a. 4.10 pm – 3.45 pm i.e. 25 minutes
b. 20 minutes
So as a is greater the extra time available for super overs is 25 minutes. The super
over shall start or resume at the latest by 4.20 pm. (in case of any interruption).
Scenario 2:
Match ends in a tie at 4.25 pm,
Super over to be started at 4.35 pm.
a. 4.10 pm – 4.25 pm i.e. 0 minutes (as match has over run the schedule close time)
b. 20 minutes
So as b is greater the extra time available for super overs is 20 minutes. The super
over shall start or resume at the latest by 4.55 pm. (in case of any interruption).
Scenario 3:
Match ends in a tie at 4.25 PM but due to rain the first super over is delayed and starts
at 4.45 pm instead of 4.35 PM and finishes in a tie at 5.00 pm.
Next super over to start at 5.05 pm
How much extra time available for next super over –
Original extra time available 20 minutes.
Already utilised 10 minutes – 4.45 pm – 4.35 pm
Balance extra time available for 2nd super over is 10 minutes.
So next super over to start by 5.15 pm and it will be the last super over.
Page | 104
Scenario 4:
Uninterrupted match finishes in a Tie at 4.20 PM. We can play multiple super overs till 5.20
PM.
Scenario 5:
Main match finishes at 4.20 PM.
Cut off time for multiple super overs will be 5.20 PM. (60 minutes from end of tied match)
Extra time available will be
a. 4.10 pm – 4.20 pm i.e. 0 minutes (as match has over run the schedule close time)
b. 20 minutes
So as b is greater the extra time available for super overs is 20 minutes.
1st super over started at 4.30 PM and is interrupted at 4.40 PM. We will wait up to 5.00 PM (as
extra time is available is 20 minutes) for super over to restart.
Super over restarts at 4.55 PM and also ends as a Tie at 5.00 PM. Next super over has to
start by 5.10 PM and it will be the last super over.
Page | 105
Appendix – H : Guidelines for applying Playing Conditions and the use of Light Meter
1.1 The umpires shall use light meter readings as a guideline for determining whether the light
is unfit/fit for play.
1.2 Light meter readings may be used by the umpires:
(a) At any time to determine whether there has been a deterioration or improvement in
the light.
(b) As benchmarks for the remainder of a stoppage in the match
The terms ‘unsuitable’ or ‘unfair’ are not valid reasons for suspending play.
Conditions need to be ‘safe’ to continue playing and ‘unsafe’ to suspend play.
Umpires should only suspend play when conditions are ‘dangerous.
In practice the processes will work as follows:
(a) On the first occasion when bad light is approaching in a match, the umpires shall consult.
Unless the conditions have suddenly become unsafe with light deteriorating quickly (in
which case the umpires shall stop play immediately), this first consultation will normally
result in the umpires agreeing to re-evaluate again at a later stage - should the light
conditions deteriorate.
NB. A light reading may be taken at this stage to assist the umpires in assessing whether
the light is deteriorating or not. (For clarification, this reading, if taken, has nothing to do
with any sort of benchmark related to suspension or resumption of play)
(b) This initial consultation should also alert the fielding captain to reassess his bowling
options, if necessary. Unless conditions are unsafe, the umpires will issue a clear
instruction that play is to continue.
(c) After this first consultation, if either of the umpires then considers that the light has
deteriorated further, and it is now unsuitable for play, the umpires shall consult again.
(d) A further light reading shall be taken to check that the light has in fact deteriorated. The
umpires shall again determine whether the conditions are unsafe for play, taking into
account the bowler who is bowling at the time.
NB. In an ideal situation this might be the best time to suspend play.
(e) However other issues may arise:
If a fast/fast medium bowler is bowling and the umpires are of the view that the light is
unfit for this type of bowling but would be satisfactory for a medium/slow bowler they shall
inform the fielding captain.
(f) If the fielding captain chooses not to change the bowler then the umpires shall suspend
play. A light reading shall be taken at this point, which will act as the benchmark for all
future light decisions in respect of fast/fast medium bowlers.
Page | 106
(g) If the fielding captain changes the bowler to a medium/slow bowler, the umpires have
another decision to make and shall probably allow play to continue again.
(h) If either of the umpires decides that the light has deteriorated further, to the extent that it
is now unsafe for medium/slow bowlers, then the umpires shall again consult. If the
umpires agree that the light is unfit for play, then play will be suspended and the light
reading is taken as the future benchmark for medium/slow bowlers. A light reading shall
be taken at this point, which will act as the benchmark for all future light decisions in
respect of medium/slow bowlers.
Light meters should be used only to assist the umpires in their decision-making. They are to
be used only as a guide, once a previous benchmark has already been set.
Setting a “soft” benchmark early in the match could make getting a result and playing
longer,
much more difficult at the end.
Approaches to consider when deciding whether to come off for bad light.
1. The first time that play is suspended for bad light – that reading becomes the benchmark
(guide) for the match. That is the time to push the boundaries hard, every time.
2. There should be visible proof of light affecting the fielder’s ability to see the ball – not just
one occurrence and it should be genuine and not game tactic related.
3. Grounds are different – Each ground is different. So readings at each ground will be
different.
Umpiring Technique – judgment
Factors to consider when judging the light (for batsmen)
i. Type of bowling (fast or slow)
ii. Are the batsmen hitting boundaries and scoring freely?
iii. Factors to consider when judging the light (for all players - unsafe to continue)
iv. Standing at square leg - do you lose the ball in the ”V” as it is delivered to the batsman
v. Are the fielders losing the ball in the background?
vi. Are lights in and around the ground really bright?
Teamwork
i. Use only one (1) light meter - the same one between umpires for the match
ii. Use signals to know when to consult and to communicate dropping or improving light
iii. Keep consultations brief (30 seconds maximum)
Page | 107
iv. A mid over suspension of play may deny the fielding captain from changing his bowlers
from fast to slow to extend the possibility of playing. If the light drops sharply during an over
- you do not have to wait until the end of the over.
Maximize play where possible by keeping the fielding captain in the loop with your thoughts.
‘We’ are not too far away from considering the light”.
Standing near the center of the pitch, record readings from both ends and in the same spot
for consistency - write the readings down.
When the on field umpires are finding it difficult to pick up the ball, this is considered the correct
time for the umpires to confer and consider the light and discuss the options. Both on field
umpires must agree to suspend play. If only one on field umpire believes that play should be
suspended, then play should continue.
Once the umpires have made the decision to suspend play there should be no further debate
with the fielding captain. When umpires have made decisions - clear information is to be given
to : both captains; the ground authorities; and the official broadcasters.
The umpires should still endeavour to ensure that:
1) Playing time is maximized within the parameters set out in the Laws and the playing
conditions.
2) Umpires should not suspend play as soon as conditions become less than perfect, but only
when the conditions are unsafe for play to continue.
Page | 108

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BCCI - Playing Conditions for Men’s T20 Matches

(incorporating Laws of Cricket 2017 (2nd Edition – 2019))

P Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket 3

Preamble - The Spirit of Cricket

Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.

Play hard and play fair.

Accept the umpire’s decision.

Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.

1.2 Nomination and replacement of players

1.2.7 Concussion Replacement

1.2.7.1 If a player sustains a concussion or suspected concussion, as a result of a head or

1.2.7.1.3.4 identify the requested Concussion Replacement, who shall be like-for-like

1.2.7.4 In assessing whether the nominated Concussion Replacement should be considered

1.4 Responsibility of captains

2.1.2 Umpires will be appointed based on neutrality as far as possible.

2.2 Change of umpire

2.3 Consultation with Host Association

2.3.2 the boundary of the field of play. See clause 19 (Boundaries).

2.3.3 the use of covers. See clause 10 (Covering the pitch).

2.4 The wickets, creases and boundaries

2.5 Conduct of the match, implements and equipment

2.5.2 the implements used in the match conform to the following

2.5.2.1 clause 4 (The ball).

2.5.2.2 externally visible requirements of clause 5 (The bat).

2.6 Fair and unfair play

2.7 Fitness for play

Conditions shall not be regarded as either dangerous or unreasonable merely because

2.8 Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable circumstances

2.8.5 Light Meters (Refer Appendix H)

2.8.5.3 Light meter readings may accordingly be used by the umpires:

2.8.5.3.2 As benchmarks for the remainder of the match.

2.8.6 Use of artificial lights

2.9 Position of umpires

2.10 Umpires changing ends

Shall not apply.

2.11 Disagreement and dispute

2.12 Umpire’s decision

2.13.1 The following code of signals shall be used by umpires.

2.13.1.1 Signals made while the ball is in play

No ball - by extending one arm horizontally.

Wide - by extending both arms horizontally.

Boundary 6 - by raising both arms above the head.

Bye - by raising an open hand above the head.

Leg bye - by touching a raised knee with the hand.

New ball - by holding the ball above the head.

2.14 Informing the umpires

2.15 Correctness of scores

2.16 Day Night Matches

2.16.1 Pads and player’s and umpire’s clothing shall be coloured.

2.16.2 Sightscreens will be black.

3.2 Correctness of scores

3.3 Acknowledging signals

4.2 Approval and control of balls

4.3 New ball

4.4 Ball lost or becoming unfit for play

5.1.1 The bat consists of two parts, a handle and a blade.

5.2 The handle

5.2.1 The handle is to be made principally of cane and/or wood.

5.3 The blade