MCC Rules Discussion

[Aman]

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has today announced amendments to the Laws of Cricket to use the gender-neutral terms “batter” and “batters”, rather than “batsman” or “batsmen”. These changes have been approved by the MCC Committee, following initial discussion by the Club’s specialist Laws sub-committee.

MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all. The amendments are a natural evolution from work already undertaken in this area as well as an essential part of MCC’s global responsibility to the sport.

The changes are effective immediately and updates have been made to the Laws of Cricket with the Laws of Cricket App and printed editions to be amended accordingly at their next updates.

A number of Governing Bodies and media organisations are already using the term “batter” in their Playing Conditions and reporting. We expect and encourage others to adopt the updated terminology following today’s announcement of the change to the Laws.

At the time of the last redraft in 2017 it was agreed, following consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and key figures within women’s cricket, that the terminology would remain as “batsman” and “batsmen” within the Laws of the game. The changes announced today reflect the wider usage of the terms “batter” and “batters” which has occurred in cricketing circles in the intervening period. The move to “batter” is a natural progression, aligning with the terms of bowlers and fielders that already sit within the Laws.

Women’s cricket has enjoyed unprecedented growth at all levels around the world in the same period. England’s victory over India in the 2017 World Cup Final took place in front of a capacity crowd at Lord’s. A record international crowd saw Australia defeat India in the T20 World Cup Final in Melbourne three years later and earlier this year, Lord’s broke the record for a domestic women’s match as 17,116 watched Oval Invincibles defeat Southern Brave.

Jamie Cox, Assistant Secretary (Cricket and Operations) at MCC said: “MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognises the changing landscape of the game in modern times.

“Use of the term “batter” is a natural evolution in our shared cricketing language and the terminology has already been adopted by many of those involved in the sport. It is the right time for this adjustment to be recognised formally and we are delighted, as the Guardians of the Laws, to announce these changes today.”

 

[DrSchultz]

It's fine for me. Doesn't really adversely effect anyone (except Piers Morgan) but does make women cricketers feel more included.

 

[wajid]

Okay. Good to know that MCC cares about even a small group of society and wants to be inclusive.

Sad to know that NZ and ECB doesn’t care about an entire cricketing nation. But of course I am guessing that small minority for whom everyone is so worried are living in MCC’s home country. Geographical location as we all know is very important.

 

[leonidas_alexandar]

I will continue to use the terms 'batsman' and 'batswoman' - for example when I write here on PakPassion. Will use "batter" for any player who publicly requests to be referred as such.

 

[TheSultan]

The world has gone mad!

 

[HitWicket]

Okay. Good to know that MCC cares about even a small group of society and wants to be inclusive.

Sad to know that NZ and ECB doesn’t care about an entire cricketing nation. But of course I am guessing that small minority for whom everyone is so worried are living in MCC’s home country.

Erm, I'd call women a bit more than a small group of society and they tend to be a bit more widespread than just living in the UK...

 

[wajid]

Erm, I'd call women a bit more than a small group of society and they tend to be a bit more widespread than just living in the UK...

Erm…… I would say that I was talking about Trans community. Women are not gender neutral, right?

And I would hazard a guess that trans movement is orders of magnitude more prevalent in England than countries like Pakistan, right?

 

[Mamoon]

So Third Man is now Third Person or Third Player or Third Fielder?

I would say it is probably going to be Third Player or Fielder, because one day some lunatic might identify as a garden chair and would take offense to being called a “person”.

 

[HitWicket]

So Third Man is now Third Person or Third Player or Third Fielder?

I would say it is probably going to be Third Player or Fielder, because one day some lunatic might identify as a garden chair and would take offense to being called a “person”.

Several commentators (and many in club cricket actually) already just refer to it as "third".

Erm…… I would say that I was talking about Trans community. Women are not gender neutral, right?

And I would hazard a guess that trans movement is orders of magnitude more prevalent in England than countries like Pakistan, right?

Gender-neutral refers to the language not referring to just a specific gender (usually men) therefore intending to make it more inclusive of everyone, in this case including women.

 

[Rafa]

Reminds me of Trudeau starting the movement for Mankind to be called Peoplekind, as it's more inclusive.

 

[wajid]

Several commentators (and many in club cricket actually) already just refer to it as "third".



Gender-neutral refers to the language not referring to just a specific gender (usually men) therefore intending to make it more inclusive of everyone, in this case including women.

In recently concluded women’s hundred tournament, batswoman was being used etc.

So I think it was not intended for women as those terms like batswoman are already used.

But if they really meant it for women then of course I support it.

 

[Mamoon]

Reminds me of Trudeau starting the movement for Mankind to be called Peoplekind, as it's more inclusive.

That doesn’t solve the issue because some people are deranged to the point that they don’t identify as people.

They make the gender neutrality folks look sane.

 

[Robert]

I’ve said batter for about the last 20 years anyway.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

The world has gone mad!

Looks like folks got nothing better to do.

And I won't fully blame them either as now, the game of chess is being called racist because white makes the first move.

Cameraman
Sportsman
baseman.
Chapman.
Freeman.
Lineman.
Goodman.
Foreman.
Fireman.
Ottoman


There is a list to go.

 

[JattMaula]

Glad MCC are open to change for better.

 

[MenInG]

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has today announced its new code of Laws for 2022, which will come into force from 1 October.

The alterations to the Laws of Cricket in October 2017 were the most significant that have been made for almost two decades. The code was well received and has had a positive impact on cricket all over the world, but even in the five years since publication, the game has evolved and the MCC Laws sub-committee has suggested several changes for the 2022 Code, which were subsequently approved at the Club’s Main Committee meeting last week.

Whilst the amendments are being announced now, they will not come into force until October. However, in the intervening time the relevant materials will be updated by MCC to assist with umpire and official training on a global basis. The changes are intended to shape the game of cricket as it should be played.

There are several notable changes, as below:

Law 1 – Replacement players

The introduction of a new clause, Law 1.3, explains that replacements are to be treated as if they were the player they replaced, inheriting any sanctions or dismissals that player has done in that match.

Law 18 – Batters returning when Caught

First trialled by the ECB in The Hundred at the suggestion of MCC, Law 18.11 has now been changed so that, when a batter is out Caught, the new batter shall come in at the end the striker was at, i.e. to face the next ball (unless it is the end of an over).

Law 20.4.2. 12 – Dead ball

The new edition sees several changes to the Dead ball Law, the most significant of which is the calling of Dead ball if either side is disadvantaged by a person, animal or other object within the field of play. From a pitch invader to a dog running onto the field, sometimes there is outside interference – if this is the case, and it has a material impact on the game, the umpires will call and signal Dead ball.

Law 21.4 – Bowler throwing towards striker’s end before delivery

If a bowler throws the ball in an attempt to run out the striker before entering their delivery stride, it will now be Dead ball. This is an extremely rare scenario, which has until now been called as a No ball.

Law 22.1 – Judging a Wide

In the modern game, batters are, more than ever, moving laterally around the crease before the ball is bowled.

It was felt unfair that a delivery might be called ‘Wide’ if it passes where the batter had stood as the bowler entered his/her delivery stride. Therefore, Law 22.1 has been amended so that a Wide will apply to where the batter is standing, where the striker has stood at any point since the bowler began their run up, and which would also have passed wide of the striker in a normal batting position.

Law 25.8 – striker’s right to play the ball

If the ball should land away from the pitch, the new Law 25.8 allows the striker to play the ball so long as some part of their bat or person remains within the pitch. Should they venture beyond that, the umpire will call and signal Dead ball. As recompense to the batter, any ball which would force them to leave the pitch will also be called No ball.

Laws 27.4 and 28.6 – Unfair movement by the fielding side

Until now, any member of the fielding side who moved unfairly, was punished only with a ‘Dead ball’ – potentially cancelling a perfectly good shot by the batter. Given the action is both unfair and deliberate, it will now see the batting side awarded 5 Penalty runs.

Law 38.3 – moving the running out of the non-striker

Law 41.16 – running out the non-striker – has been moved from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). The wording of the Law remains the same.

Law 41.3 – No saliva

When cricket resumed following the onset of Covid-19, playing conditions were written in most forms of the game stating that applying saliva to the ball was no longer permitted. MCC’s research found that this had little or no impact on the amount of swing the bowlers were getting. Players were using sweat to polish the ball, and this was equally effective.

The new Laws will not permit the use of saliva on the ball, which also removes any grey areas of fielders eating sugary sweets to alter their saliva to apply to the ball. Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball.

Fraser Stewart, MCC Laws Manager, said: “Since the publication of the 2017 Code of the Laws of Cricket, the game has changed in numerous ways. The 2nd edition of that Code, published in 2019, was mostly clarification and minor amendments, but the 2022 Code makes some rather bigger changes, from the way we talk about cricket to the way it’s played.

“It is important that we announce these changes now as part of the Club’s global commitment to the game, giving officials from all over the world the chance to learn under the new Code ahead of the Laws coming into force in October.”

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Skimmed through it and these two sounded interesting.

Law 18 – Batters returning when Caught

First trialled by the ECB in The Hundred at the suggestion of MCC, Law 18.11 has now been changed so that, when a batter is out Caught, the new batter shall come in at the end the striker was at, i.e. to face the next ball (unless it is the end of an over).

So no more "crossing of the batsmen before the catch was taken. A the batsman will face unless it was last ball of the over.

Law 20.4.2. 12 – Dead ball

The new edition sees several changes to the Dead ball Law, the most significant of which is the calling of Dead ball if either side is disadvantaged by a person, animal or other object within the field of play. From a pitch invader to a dog running onto the field, sometimes there is outside interference – if this is the case, and it has a material impact on the game, the umpires will call and signal Dead ball.

This is also interesting especially when we have drone cameras flying all over the ground.
A powerful hit in the air that might for a six or a four, if hits the drone camera, it will be a dead ball. Of it catch pops up, but hits the drone, it's a dead ball.

 

[Firebat]

Law 18 – Batters returning when Caught

First trialled by the ECB in The Hundred at the suggestion of MCC, Law 18.11 has now been changed so that, when a batter is out Caught, the new batter shall come in at the end the striker was at, i.e. to face the next ball (unless it is the end of an over).

This is an unnecessary change IMO. Adds interesting nuance to the game, especially in the latter stages of limited over chases.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

This is an unnecessary change IMO. Adds interesting nuance to the game, especially in the latter stages of limited over chases.

Yep, I didn't like it either.
It totally kills a the possibility of a very interesting twist in the match that can potentially change the result.

The game gets even one more step closer to be boring.

Modern day cricket philosophers don't understand that UNCERTAINTY, is THE BIGGEST factor to make ANY sports interesting.

We are already bored of watching those 6 after 6 after 6 after 4 after 6, and no ball free hit type junk in a 60 yard boundary.

Why is baseball still so much interesting? It's ALL because of the very high uncertainty factor behind every single pitch.

 

[par]

Law 38.3 – moving the running out of the non-striker

Law 41.16 – running out the non-striker – has been moved from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). The wording of the Law remains the same.

Ashwin will sleep well today.

 

[MenInG]

The MCC World Cricket committee (WCC) has unanimously agreed that the Law regarding the act of non-strikers leaving their ground early and subsequently being run out is not only correct and necessary but issued a ‘call for calm’ to the global game.

Last month, MCC issued a clarification to the wording of the Law following an incident in which bowler Adam Zampa attempted to Run out non-striker Tom Rogers, in a men’s Big Bash game in early January.

The clarification involved changing the wording of Law 38.3 to deliver better clarity. The Club also issued a Frequently Asked Questions document, which aims to dispel misconceptions on this Law in general. The overriding factor is that there is a simple way that all confusion and controversy around this form of dismissal can be eradicated - by non-strikers complying with the Law and remaining within their ground until they have seen the ball being released from the bowler’s hand.

The WCC, which met at the ICC headquarters in Dubai last week, is now calling for calm across all levels of the game, from the grassroots level of recreational cricket to the elite level, given that the act of running out a non-striker who opts to steal ground is within the Laws of the game.

Part of the discussion in Dubai touched on the growing narrative for the bowler to be vilified for this type of dismissal. The committee members were unanimous in their view that the batter stealing ground is the one breaking the Laws of the game and therefore deserving of recrimination. They were also in agreement that there is no precedent to require a bowler to give a warning to a batter, confirming they are completely within their right to dismiss the batter on the first occasion they break the Law.

Mike Gatting, Chair of WCC, said: “There have been several high-profile incidents in a relatively short space of time, which has led to there being an increased amount of media coverage on this topic. Whilst this dismissal is in the Laws, it doesn’t have to dominate matches.

“We have seen suggestions that this method of dismissal will be attempted more and more at recreational level and there is the possibility of matches descending into chaos. Whilst attempts may increase in the short term, we would expect batters to learn their responsibilities under the Laws very quickly and drive it out of prominence. Although the wording of the Law has recently been clarified, the timing of when the run out can be attempted is unchanged since 2017, so very little has actually changed.

“Our stance on this is simple – batters must not steal ground if they do not wish to be given out in this manner. Nor should they be expecting to be given a warning if they do. If all non-strikers only left the popping crease once the ball had been released, there would never be the need for such a dismissal again.

“The game is in a place where it should be able to self-regulate on this dismissal but there needs to be a Law in place, as we can’t have a situation whereby batters are able to gain ground without bowlers being able to do anything about it.”

Kumar Sangakkara, WCC member, said: “The bowler is not the villain here. Every batter has a choice; to stay in their ground, or risk being given out if they try to steal ground. If they choose the latter, they are the ones who are breaking the Law.”

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Sometimes keeper or silly point fielders put the their helmet behind the keeper - and if the ball touches it during the play - it’s 5 penalty runs - we all know this.

Now, during the play, the keeper tries to stop the ball after a snick or wide ball or the batsman gets beaten but the keeper does not collect it cleanly and the ball ricochets and travels towards the boundary.

Keeper takes off one of his gloves, runs after the ball, pick and throws it towards the stump, the batsman is already home but the ball hits the keeper’s gloves that was sitting on the ground - is it still a penalty?

 

[HitWicket]

Sometimes keeper or silly point fielders put the their helmet behind the keeper - and if the ball touches it during the play - it’s 5 penalty runs - we all know this.

Now, during the play, the keeper tries to stop the ball after a snick or wide ball or the batsman gets beaten but the keeper does not collect it cleanly and the ball ricochets and travels towards the boundary.

Keeper takes off one of his gloves, runs after the ball, pick and throws it towards the stump, the batsman is already home but the ball hits the keeper’s gloves that was sitting on the ground - is it still a penalty?

Yes, 5 penalty runs.

 

[MenInG]

The MCC World Cricket committee (WCC), who recently met in Dubai, unanimously concluded that the game has reached an important crossroads, recommending urgent intervention from the game’s leaders to ensure international and franchise cricket can thrive together harmoniously.

Background to the WCC’s position is that, in many ways, the global game has never been in a healthier position. There has never been more money circulating through the global cricket economy, the quality of all formats of international cricket continues to thrill, and the number of playing opportunities for both men and women continue to grow.

However, the committee felt strongly that the opportunity to better balance the global economics of the game must be seized now so that this current position of strength can help secure the sustainability of the international game for all ICC Member nations and future generations.

The majority of the committee’s meeting centred on the future of the game, specifically what global cricket might look like in ten years’ time should it be left to evolve organically. The purpose of such foresight was to examine how international cricket can be protected, amidst a global cricketing schedule that is increasingly filled with short-form franchise tournaments.

The men’s cricket schedule in 2023 is saturated with franchise competitions, which overlay and compete with the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) of bilateral international cricket, recently released until 2027. The only gap in the combined schedules this year is in October and November, when the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup takes place in India. This trend is repeated annually, with constant overlap between international and franchise cricket, and the only clear air created for ICC Global tournaments. Of the domestic tournaments, only the Indian Premier League commands anything like a window to avoid international clashes.

Also notable in the new men’s FTP is an alarming and growing disparity in the amount of international cricket played by a minority of member nations compared to others; a situation which is clearly neither equitable nor sustainable.

Unlike the men’s version, the recently released first version of the ICC Women’s FTP until 2025 appears very clean and presents no overlapping of international and domestic leagues. However, the WCC urges Boards to work together to find the optimal balance between the two, taking learnings from the men’s congested schedule, to ensure that the overall workload for the game’s best international female cricketers is sustainable. With women already seeing a heightened disparity of income in some countries between the franchise leagues and international cricket (versus men), and the consequential choices some are beginning to make to step away from international cricket, there are worrying signs of potential trends to come.

The committee heard presentations from the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) on the changing landscape of employment across professional men and women’s cricket. The increase in the number of professional female players around the world since the last report was unanimously celebrated. The WCC recognises that women’s cricket provides the biggest growth opportunity for the sport with the rise of several franchise tournaments, including the new Women’s Premier League in India. Strikingly, from the FICA men’s report, it was evident that an increasing number of the game’s finest players are now generating substantially greater revenue hopping between franchise clubs than they are from playing for their country.

The WCC welcomes increased playing opportunities in both the men’s and women’s game but believes that these cannot be to the detriment of international cricket – the pinnacle and financial lifeblood of the game. Continued overlap and congestion will see an increasing number of players forced to choose between club and country, which will threaten the ‘best v best’ status that is so critical to the success and appeal of international cricket.

Sourav Ganguly, WCC member said: “I still believe that Test cricket is the biggest platform for cricket. That is where you find the great players, and that is why it is called a Test. It is a test of skill. That should always continue to be the pinnacle and I am sure that countries will give importance to it and find the right balance between franchise cricket and Test cricket.”

Justin Langer, who joined the WCC this year, said: “The difference between international cricket and domestic T20 cricket is that the whole nation cares when their country is involved. The best players’ statistics are measured at international level: everyone knows that Tendulkar scored 100 international centuries and that Muralitharan took 800 Test wickets. We need to protect the integrity of Test cricket, and international cricket in general. It is how great careers are judged and it is where true passion and lasting memories are generated.”

The men’s FTP is now fixed until 2027 but the WCC is calling on ICC to look at the next cycle of tournaments and international cricket and challenge its full member nations to ensure a more equitable spread of international cricket. The ICC is increasing its revenues through the next broadcast cycle, as a result of the introduction of a men’s and women’s white ball global event every year. Consequently, the WCC would like to see some of that additional revenue being ring-fenced to members to support the strategic ambitions of the game. Primary focus should be on becoming the global game of choice for women and girls and assisting with the costs of staging international cricket, which runs at a loss for several countries.

WCC member Suzie Bates said: “It’s such an exciting time to be involved in the women’s game but we need to ensure we have the structure in place to ensure it develops in the best way. The growth of domestic short-form women’s cricket, and its associated financial gains, are hugely welcomed but it should not be at the expense of representing your country.

“As with the men’s game, in order to protect both the standard and integrity of international cricket, we need the best playing the best and therefore the financial model and the women’s Future Tours Programme need to recognise and encourage this.”

Mike Gatting, Chair of WCC, said: “It is a topic we have spoken about for some time, but the increased prevalence of franchise cricket has now made this a crucial subject for looking ahead.

“Bilateral cricket, and indeed Test cricket, is more popular in some parts of the world than others. With this in mind, we need to ensure that funding is more evenly distributed across the member nations. It is inconceivable that the game’s heart and soul can be affluent in some countries and almost unaffordable in others”.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Have you ever seen a wicket like this?<br><br>Louis Kimber is given out obstructing the field!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LVCountyChamp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LVCountyChamp</a> <a href="https://t.co/brARoGFjuw">pic.twitter.com/brARoGFjuw</a></p>— LV= Insurance County Championship (@CountyChamp) <a href="https://twitter.com/CountyChamp/status/1668650248510615552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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