Rules of Cricket
A cricket match is played between two teams of eleven
players. But it can be played with fewer members if both the sides agree to do
so. Each team plays under a captain, and the members of the team must be named
before the toss takes place. After the toss the members of a team cannot be
changed without the consent of the two Captains.
No match in which teams have more than eleven members or
less than eleven members can be regarded as First Class.
Deputy Captain
1. If a captain is not available at any time, a
deputy must act for him to deal immediately with the points arising from disputes and laws.
In Case of Illness
2. If any member cannot partake in the match due to illness or injury, a substitute may be allowed to field or run between the wickets.
No other Reason
Except for illness or injury, a substitute cannot be allowed
for any other reason without the consent of the two captains.
No Batting or Bowling
The substitute is not allowed to bat or bowl. He can only
field or run between the wickets.
The Original Player
The original player can bat or bowl, even though substitute
has acted for him previously.
Umpires
3. Before the toss for innings takes place, two
Umpires should be appointed. They control the game from either end. They should
work with absolute impartiality.
No Change
No umpire can be changed during the course of a match
without the consent of the two captains.
Punctuality
The umpires should arrive on the field thirty minutes before
the start of a play.
The Scorers
4. All runs scored must be recorded by the scorers appointed for the purpose.
Signals
All instructions and signals given by the Umpires should be
accepted and acknowledged by the Scorers.
Doubtful Points
To clear up doubtful points there should be a consultation
between the scorers and umpires.
The Ball
5. The ball should weigh not less than 5 ½ ounces, nor more than 5 ¾ ounces.
Measurement
It should measure not less than 8.13/16 inches, not more
than 9 inches in circumference.
New Ball
Each captain may demand a new ball at the start of each
innings.
Last Ball
In case of a ball having been lost, the umpires shall allow
the use of a new ball.
Life of a Ball
The life of a ball has been fixed at 200 runs. After that a
captain can demand a new ball.
The Bat
6. The bat should not be more than 4½ inches in the widest
part. It should not exceed 38 inches in length.
The Pitch
7. The Pitch is the area of the ground between the bow ling
creases. It should be five feet in width on either side of the line joining the
centre of the wickets.
Responsibility for Pitch
The executive of the ground is responsible for selection and
preparation of the pitch before the game starts. After that, its maintenance is
a responsibility of the Umpires.
No Change
The pitch cannot be changed during a play without the
consent of the two captains.
The Wickets
8. The wickets are pitched opposite and parallel to each
other at a distance of 22 yards from stump to stump.
Width
Each wicket should be nine inches in width.
Number
Each wicket consists of three stumps with two bails on top
of them.
Top
The top of the stumps must be 28 inches above the ground.
Sizes of Bails
A bail must be 4.3/8 inches in length, and should not
project more than ½ inch above the stump.
The Creases
9. The bowling crease shall be in line with the stumps. It
shall be eight feet and eight inches in length. The stumps should be in the
centre. The return crease should be at each end at right angles behind the
wicket.
The Popping Crease
The popping crease should be marked four feet in front of
and parallel with the bowling crease.
Unlimited
Both the return and the popping crease shall be deemed
unlimited, in length.
Care of Pitch
10. The pitch should not be rolled during a play except
before the start of each innings and of each day's play.
If Captains Agree
If both the captains agree, the pitch may be swept and
rolled for not more than seven minutes.
During a Play
A pitch should not be mown or watered during the play.
Covering the Pitch
11. The Pitch should not be completely covered during a
match. The covers should extend not more than 5½ feet
in front of the popping creases.
Beating and Sawdust
12. The Batsman may beat the picth with his bat, and the
players may secure their footholds by the use of sawdust.
Wet Weather
In wet weather the Umpires should see that the holes made by
the bowlers and batsmen are cleaned out and dried.
Innings
13. Each side has two innings taken alternately.
Choice by Toss
The choice of first innings is decided by tossing on the
field of play.
No Change of decision
The winner of a toss cannot alter his decision to bat or
field once it has been communicated to the other captain.
Following Innings
14. The side which bats first and leads by 150 runs in a
match of three days or more ; by 100 runs in a two- day match ; or by 75 runs
in a one-day match, shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow
their innings.
Declaration
15. In a match of three or more days, the captain of the
batting side may declare an innings closed at any time on the second and succeeding days. In a two day
match he can close only on the second day but not later than 1 hour and 40
minutes before the closing time. In a one-day match he can close at any time.
Start and Close
16. The umpire at the bowlers and calls "play" at
the start of each innings. The side refusing to play shall use the match. No
trial ball is allowed after "Play" has been called.
Intervals
The umpires shall allow 10 minutes between each innings and
two minutes for each freshman to come in.
Time for Meals
The umpires shall allow such intervals as have been agreed
upon for meals.
Outgoing and Ingoing
It is important that the in-going batsman should pass the
out-going batsman before the latter leave the field of play.
No Bowling Practice
No bowling practice on the pitch is allowed at any time
during the game.
Time to End
17. The umpires should call "Time" and remove both
the wickets on the stoppage of the bails from the play at the end of the game,
the end of the day or any interval.
Over
An "Over" should always be started if
"Time" has not been reached, and should be completed unless a batsman
is "out" and retires within 2 minutes of the completion of any period
of play.
Over in Progress
An "Over" in progress at the close of a play on
the final day of a match should be completed at the request of either captain
even if the wicket fall after "Time" has been reached.
Scoring a Run
18. A run is scored so often as the batsman after a hit, or
at any time while the ball is in play, shall have crossed and made good their
ground from end to end.
One short
If the batsmen run a short run, that run shall not be
scored.
Striker Caught
If the striker is caught, no run shall be scored.
Run Out
If a Batsman is run out, that run which was being attempted
shall not be scored.
Doundaries
19. Before the toss for innings the umpires shall agree with
both sides on the boundaries for play, and on the allowances to be made for
them.
Signal
An umpire shall call or signal "Boundary" whenever
in his opinion a ball in play hits, crosses or is carried over the Boundary.
Exceeding Allowance
The runs completed at the instant the ball reaches the
boundary shall count only should they exceed the allowance.
Wilful Act
If the boundary results from an overthrow or the wilful act
of a fieldsman, any runs already made and the allowance shall be added to the
score.
Lost Ball
20. If a ball in play cannot be found or recovered, any
fieldsman may call "Lost Ball," when 6 runs shall be added to the
score.
Runs Already Scored
If more than six have been run before "Lost Ball"
be called, as many runs as have been run shall be scored.
The Result
21. A match is won by the side which has scored more runs
than scored by the opposing side in its two completed innings.
One-day Match
One-day matches, unless played out, shall be decided by the
first innings.
Given up as Lost
A match may also be determined by giving up as lost by
either side.
Draw
A match not determined in any of these ways shall count as a
"draw".
The Over
22. The ball be bowled from each wicket alternately in Overs
of either 8 or 6 balls according to the agreed conditions of the play.
Reckoning as Over
Neither a "No Ball" nor a "Wide Ball"
shall be reckoned as an "Over".
Finishing an Over
23. A bowler shall finish an "Over” in progress unless
injured or suspended for unfair play.
Changing Ends
A bowler can change ends as often as he desires, provided
that he shall not bowl two "Overs" consecutively in an innings.
Determining Side
A bowler may require a batsman at the wicket from which he
is bowling to stand on whichever side of it he may direct.
Dead Ball
24. The ball shall be held to be "Dead" on being
finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler or on reaching
or pitching over the boundary; or lodging in the dress of a batsman or umpire;
or on the call of "Over" or "Time" or on a batsman being
out from any cause ; or on a penalty being imposed.
Ceasing to be Dead
The ball shall cease to be dead on the bowler starting his
run or bowling action.
No Ball
25. If an umpire is not satisfied with the absolute fairness
of the delivery of a ball, he shall call or signal "No Ball"
instantly upon delivery.
One Foot Behind
It is "No Ball" if the bowler has not some part of
it behind the bowling crease and within the return crease, and not touching or
grounded over either one foot or crease.
Jerked, Not Bowled
It is No Ball" if it is thrown or jerked, and not
bowled.
No Ball is Not Ball
26. The ball does not become "Dead" on the call of
"No Ball".
Hit a "No Ball"
The striker may hit a "No Ball" and whatever runs
result shall be added to his score.
Runs Made
Runs made otherwise from a "No Ball" shall be
scored "No Balls".
No Runs Made
If no runs are made, one run shall be scored.
Penalty
The penalty for a "No Ball" is only scored if no
runs result otherwise.
Wide Ball
27. If the bowler should bowl the ball so high over or so
wide of the wicket that it passes out of the reach of the striker, the umpire
shall call and signal "Wide Ball".
Wide Ball is not Dead
28. The ball does not become "Dead" on the call of
"Wide Ball". If no runs are made, one run shall be scored.
Bey
29. If the ball, not having been called "Wide or
"No Ball" passes the striker without touching his bat or person, and
any runs are scored, the umpire shall call or signal "Bye".
Leg Bye
If the ball touches any part of the striker's dress or
person except his hand, and any run be obtained, the umpire shall call or
signal "Leg Bye".
Kneeing or Kicking
The deliberate kicking or kneeing of the ball is regarded unfair
and the umpire should call for "Dead Ball".
The Wicket is Down
30. The wicket shall be held to be down if either the ball
or the striker's bat or person completely removes either bail from the top of
the stumps; or if either or both of the bails be previously off, strikes a
stump out of the ground.
Use of Hand or Arm
Any player may use his hand or arm to put the wicket down,
or even should the bails be previously off, may pull up the stump, provided
always that the bail is held in the hand or hands so used.
Disturbance is not Down
A wicket is not down merely because of the disturbance of
the bail but it is down if it lodges between two of the stumps.
Out of his Ground
31. A batsman is held to be "Out of his ground"
unless some part of his bat in hand or of his person be grounded behind the
line of the Popping Crease.
Batsman Retiring
32. A Batsman may retire at any time, but may resume his
innings without the consent of the opposing Captain, and then only on the fall
of a wicket.
Retired, Not Out
When a batsman retires on account of illness or injury, the
innings is recorded as "Retired, not out".
Bowled
33. The striker is out "Bowled" if the wicket be
bowled down, even if the ball first touch his bat or person.
Kicks or Hits
The striker, after playing the ball, is out
"Bowled", if he then kicks or hits it on to his wicket before the
completion of his stroke.
Caught
34. The striker is out "caught", if the ball, from
a stroke of the bat or of the hand holding the but not the wrist, be held by a
fieldsman before it touches the ground, even if it is hugged by the catcher or
accidentally lodged in his dress.
Playing Area
The fieldsman must have both his feet entirely within the
playing area when the catch is completed.
Handled the Ball
35. Either Batsman is not "Handled the ball" if he
touches it while in play with his hands, unless it be done at the request of
the opposite side.
Hit the Ball Twice
36. The striker is out "Hit the ball twice"-if the ball be struck is or be stopped by any part of his person,
and he wilfully strike it again except for the purpose of guarding his wicket
which he may do with his bat or anu part of his person, other than his hands.
No runs
No runs except those which result from an overthrow shall be
scored from a ball lawfully struck twice.
Don't Hit Twice to Avoid Catch
A batsman should not attempt to hit the ball twice, if so
doing he checks the wicket-keeper or any fieldsman trying to catch the ball, he
is out.
Hit the Wicket
37. The striker is out "Hit the Wicket" if in
playing at a ball he hits down his wicket with his bat or any part of his
person.
Not in Running
The batsman is not out for breaking the wicket with his bat
or person while in the act of running.
Leg Before Wicket
38. The striker is out L.B.W." if with any part of his
body except his hand he intercepts a ball which has not first touched his bat
or hand, which otherwise would have hit the wicket.
Obstructing the Field
39. Either batsman is out "Obstructing the field"
if he wilfully obstructs the opposite side, should such wilful obstruction
prevent a ball from being caught.
Run Out
40. Either batsman is out "Run Out", if in running
or at any time, while the ball is in play, he be out of his ground, and his
wicket be put down by the opposite side.
Who's Out
If the batsmen have crossed, he that runs for the wicket
that has been put down is out. If the batsmen have not crossed, that batsman is
out who has left the wicket.
Neither Run Out
If the ball is played on opposite wick, neither batsman is
"Run Out", unless the ball has been touched by a fieldsman before the
wicket is put down.
Stumped
41. A fieldsman is not "Stumped", if he be out of his
ground otherwise than in attempting a run, and the wicket be put down by the
wicket-keeper without the intervention of another fieldsman only when the ball
has touched the bat or person of the striker may the wicket- keeper take it in
front of the wicket for this purpose.
Ball Rebounding
The striker may be stumped if the wicket is broken by a ball
rebounding from the wicket-keeper's person.
The Wicket-keeper
42. The wicket-keeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket
until a ball delivered by the bowler touches the bat or person of the striker, or passes the wicket, or until
the striker attempts a run.
The Fieldsman
43. The fieldsman may stop the ball with any part of his
persons, but, if he wilfully stops it, five runs shall be added to the runs
already scored. If no runs have been made, five shall be scored.
Penalty
The penalty shall be added to the score of the striker if
the ball has been hit, but otherwise to the score of the Byes, Leg-Byes, No
balls, Wide Balls as the case may be.
Restriction
The fieldsman must not use his cap, etc. for the purpose of
fielding a ball. The five runs are a penalty and the batsman do not change
ends.
Duties of the Umpires
44. Before the toss for innings, the umpires shall acquaint
themselves with any special regulations, and shall agree with both captains on
any other conditions affecting the conduct of the match. They shall satisfy
themselves that the wickets are properly pitched. They shall agree on a watch
or a clock to be followed for the purpose of time.
45. Before and during a match the umpires shall ensure that
the conduct of the game and the implements used are strictly in accordance with
the laws. They are the sole judges of fair and unfair play. They are the final
judges of the fitness of the ground, the weather, and the light for play in the event of a decision being left to
them. All disputes shall be determined by them. Ifthey disagree the actual
state of affairs shall continue. The umpires shall change ends after each side
has had one innings.
Uninfluenced by Others
The umpires must not allow the attitude of the players or
spectators to influence their judgment and decisions.
Appeals
46. The umpires shall not order a batsman out unless
appealed to by the other side which shall be done prior to the delivery of the
next ball and before "Time" is called.
At Bowler's Wicket
The umpire at the bowler's wicket shall answer appeals
before the other umpire in all cases except those arising out of the laws 38 or
42 and out of law 41 for run out at the striker's wicket.
Unable to Give Decision
In any case in which an umpire is unable to give his
decision, he shall appeal to the other umpire whose decision shall be final.
