Restrictions on bat sizes, player send-offs and changes in DRS from 28th September

[MenInG]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a number of changes to its playing conditions which will be effective in all series starting 28 September or later.

The significant changes include a restriction on the dimensions of the bat, the introduction of player send-offs for misconduct and changes to the Decision Review System, all of which will commence from the two upcoming Test series – when South Africa hosts Bangladesh and the one between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates.

The ICC playing conditions will now incorporate the relevant clauses from the MCC Laws of Cricket (2017 Code), meaning that all the playing regulations will be captured in one document for each format.

ICC General Manager – Cricket, Geoff Allardice: “Most of the changes to the ICC playing conditions are being made as a result of changes to the Laws of Cricket that have been announced by the MCC. We have just completed a workshop with the umpires to ensure they understand all of the changes and we are now ready to introduce the new playing conditions to international matches.”

To maintain the balance between bat and ball, the playing conditions now restrict the size of the edges of the bats as well as their thickness. The restriction on the length and width of bats remain unchanged but the thickness of the edges can’t be more than 40mm and the overall depth can be 67 mm at the most. Umpires will be issued with a new bat gauge, which they can use to check a bat’s legality.

In a new playing condition pertaining to players’ conduct, a player can now be sent off the field for the rest of the match for any serious misconduct, meaning it will apply to Level 4 offences while the Level 1 to 3 offences will continue to be dealt with under the ICC Code of Conduct.

Threatening to assault an umpire, making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with an umpire, physically assaulting a player or any other person and committing any other act of violence all constitute Level 4 offences.

The above changes will be applicable across all formats, as will be a change in the DRS rules by which a review will now not be lost in case of a decision that remains unchanged, solely as the result of an ‘umpire’s call’.

As for DRS in Test matches, there will be no more top-up reviews after 80 overs of an innings, meaning that there can only be two unsuccessful reviews in each innings, while the DRS will now also be allowed to be used in T20Is.

An important change with respect to run outs is that if a batsman is running or diving towards the crease with forward momentum, and has grounded his/her bat behind the popping crease but subsequently has lost contact with the ground at the time of the wickets being put down, the batsman will not be run out. The same interpretation will also apply for a batsman trying to regain his/her ground to avoid being stumped.

For boundary catches, airborne fielders making their first contact with the ball will need to have taken off from within the boundary, otherwise a boundary will be scored.

Also, a batsman can now be out caught, stumped or run out even if the ball bounces off the helmet worn by a fielder or wicket-keeper.

 

[MenInG]

 

[hadi123]

I think not losing a review on umpires call is a good idea as is the restriction on bat sizes but some of these changes feel like they have been made just for the sake of making changes, for example the rule about no balls/wides and byes/leg byes if it goes for four.

 

[Friend786]

I do not agree with players being send-off, it essentially means the end of sledging. How would they determine whether the no ball was bowled deliberately?

 

[Monsee]

DRS top off being cancelled that is a really silly idea because the main reason for DRS was to restrict the howlers from the umpires...now as soon as a team loses 2 reviews, they are done for and now will have to mince their words as well (no matter how badly an umpire officiates)...or else one or more of them can be kicked out of the game as well!

That is really a bad idea IMO

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Does anyone know if anyone in the Pakistan team will be affected by these new bat size rules?

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

Shabbir and stokes could be the first two to get red cards

 

[Abdullah719]

DRS top off being cancelled that is a really silly idea because the main reason for DRS was to restrict the howlers from the umpires...now as soon as a team loses 2 reviews, they are done for and now will have to mince their words as well (no matter how badly an umpire officiates)...or else one or more of them can be kicked out of the game as well!

That is really a bad idea IMO

On the other hand, Umpire's Call won't result in a team losing a review. These rules are a step forward IMO.

 

[Monsee]

On the other hand, Umpire's Call won't result in a team losing a review. These rules are a step forward IMO.

I saw that but a DRS review barely takes 5 minutes, instead giving umpires the power to refuse a review when everyone and their dog knows they (whichever team) are just asking for the sake of it!

In case of umpire's call, they should also empower the third umpire more in suggesting to the umpire if the batsman was out/not out due to something they find in the video. In the end, the sole reason of DRS should be to eliminate howlers as much as possible and any such steps must be taken to ensure DRS continues to do so

 

[msb314]

I do not agree with players being send-off, it essentially means the end of sledging. How would they determine whether the no ball was bowled deliberately?

Sledging will not rsuslt in a sending off. It will be a Code of Conduct offense at best.

Only if a player threatens to physically attack or physically attacks a player or umpire could he be sent off...

 

[CricketAnalyst]

I saw that but a DRS review barely takes 5 minutes, instead giving umpires the power to refuse a review when everyone and their dog knows they (whichever team) are just asking for the sake of it!

In case of umpire's call, they should also empower the third umpire more in suggesting to the umpire if the batsman was out/not out due to something they find in the video. In the end, the sole reason of DRS should be to eliminate howlers as much as possible and any such steps must be taken to ensure DRS continues to do so

giving umpires the power to refuse a review"

Huh????? That defeats the whole point of a review. By definition an umpire disagrees with the team that is reviewing his decision. And the whole point of review is so the umpire can't screw the team over.

 

[Monsee]

giving umpires the power to refuse a review"

Huh????? That defeats the whole point of a review. By definition an umpire disagrees with the team that is reviewing his decision. And the whole point of review is so the umpire can't screw the team over.

You stressed on the first part alone...not rest of it!

'giving umpires the power to refuse a review when everyone and their dog knows they (whichever team) are just asking for the sake of it!'

In such a situation, umpire could just check quickly with 3rd umpire and tell the team we don't think this merits one and get a move on! It is an idea for the sake of the argument only though

 

[hadi123]

You stressed on the first part alone...not rest of it!

'giving umpires the power to refuse a review when everyone and their dog knows they (whichever team) are just asking for the sake of it!'

In such a situation, umpire could just check quickly with 3rd umpire and tell the team we don't think this merits one and get a move on! It is an idea for the sake of the argument only though

Not a good idea. What's the point of the review system then? Teams have a limit of unsuccessful reviews to prevent players from reviewing decisions just for the sake it. It is up to the players to use the review system wisely.

 

[Monsee]

Not a good idea. What's the point of the review system then? Teams have a limit of unsuccessful reviews to prevent players from reviewing decisions just for the sake it. It is up to the players to use the review system wisely.

Yep, we have seen how players use them so responsibly and wisely e.g. any/all Pak players, Chris Broad, Indians etc.

 

[Big Mac]

I think not losing a review on umpires call is a good idea as is the restriction on bat sizes but some of these changes feel like they have been made just for the sake of making changes, for example the rule about no balls/wides and byes/leg byes if it goes for four.

Tell that to bowlers whose figures suffer more when the keeper happens to miss a no-ball!

 

[Abdullah719]

New changes to MCC’s Laws of Cricket come into effect for first time


• Two Test Matches being played under the majority of the new Code of Laws, with the changes covering all matches globally from 1st October

• A number of significant changes made to the Laws, including limits being placed on the thickness of the bat, Handled the ball Law removed, and in-game consequences for poor on-field behaviour

• New Laws e-learning platform to be launched and available online

________________________________________

The new changes to the Laws of Cricket, issued by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will come into full effect around the world this coming Sunday 1st October 2017, with the changes covering all levels of the game.

The new Code of Laws is being introduced into the game for the first time since 2000, making it the biggest change for almost two decades. The 2017 Code is the sixth of its kind written by MCC since 1788, when it first drew up the MCC Code of Laws, with the others being published in 1835, 1947, 1980 and 2000.

There are also two Test matches taking place from Thursday this week in which the majority of the new Laws will be adhered to, with Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, and South Africa hosting Bangladesh in Potchefstroom.

The new Code of Laws follows a three-year project overseen by the Club’s Laws sub-committee, which involved numerous trials and widespread global consultation throughout the professional and amateur game.

The significant changes to the 42 Laws are as follows:

- Now written in language applying to all persons, regardless of gender.

- The Handled the ball Law has been removed, with its contents merged into Obstructing the field.

- The Lost ball Law has been removed and is now covered under Dead ball.

- Limits placed on the thickness of the edges and the overall depth of the bat.

- Injuries hoped to be prevented in a new Law which allows mechanisms tethering the bails to the stumps.

- Bowling of deliberate front foot No balls to be treated in same way as deliberate full-tosses.

- A new Law of the game, Players’ conduct, is introduced, giving an in-match consequence for poor on-field behaviour, including temporary and permanent removal from the field.

- The Law regarding running out the non-striker has been altered.

- 'Bouncing bat’ Law changed, substitutes now allowed to keep wicket and concept of penalty time amended.

The changes are being supported by a new state-of-the-art eLearning programme, which MCC has produced. The Laws eLearning programme will guide everyone from the cricketing newcomer to the experienced umpire through all 42 Laws, with tips from the ICC’s Elite Umpires and footage from club, first-class and international cricket to illustrate the more complex points.

Users can test their knowledge with a Basic and Intermediate exam – the first step on the way to becoming an umpire. There are 68 game-footage clips included, with a number of updated animations narrated by actor, writer, and cricket lover Stephen Fry.

A smartphone app will also be updated from 1st October, which includes an interactive quiz in which users can test their knowledge of the changes in the Laws.

A theme throughout the new Code of Laws is MCC’s long-running promotion of the Spirit of Cricket, setting out what is expected in terms of behaviour, such as congratulating and thanking opponents, thanking officials and respecting all those involved in the game.

President of MCC Matthew Fleming said, “Promoting the Spirit of Cricket and conveying the ‘Play Hard, Play Fair’ message at all levels of the game is a global focus for MCC and has been for many years.

“The new Code of Laws officially recognises what is expected from players, right through from the park to the Test Match arena. It is a big step in MCC’s quest and a landmark for the game.”

MCC Head of Cricket John Stephenson said, “This week marks the culmination of a global consultation with many different stakeholders throughout the whole spectrum of the amateur and professional game.

“MCC has left no stone unturned in researching and redrafting the Laws in order to not only make them applicable to players, umpires and spectators, but to also encourage interest in the game across the world.”

 

[hadi123]

Tell that to bowlers whose figures suffer more when the keeper happens to miss a no-ball!

Oh yes I didn't think about that actually but that was just an example anyway. On the whole I am happy with the new rules but I just want to see the 2 new ball rule abolished.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Oh yes I didn't think about that actually but that was just an example anyway. On the whole I am happy with the new rules but I just want to see the 2 new ball rule abolished.

I really hope that happens, 2 new balls in ODI cricket has taken out the art of spin and reverse swing bowling. Bowlers like Gul, Wahab, and many more have taken a massive hit because of this.

Weren't they experimenting a new ball that could be used for the entire 50 overs?

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lets see how good are u in lip reading !!! should'nt the red cards be flashed against match officials if they cross the line ??? PAKvsSL <a href="https://t.co/uz6bs5PQvw">pic.twitter.com/uz6bs5PQvw</a></p>— waqar younis (@waqyounis99) <a href="https://twitter.com/waqyounis99/status/913750719508992000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[hadi123]

Yorkshire CCC have been deducted 1 point in the Second XI Trophy with a further suspended penalty of half the available match points in any competition following a Cricket Discipline Commission hearing yesterday.

The club pleaded guilty to a charge that in a Second XI Trophy match between Yorkshire and Durham earlier this month one of their players, Tom Loten, used a bat which did not meet the requirements of Law 5 of The Laws of Cricket 2017 Code relating to bat sizes.

The decision was made after the Disciplinary Panel heard the player’s bat had failed an in-game bat check by the umpires on the day of the match.

The suspended penalty will be applied if any Yorkshire player is in breach of this law in any competition within 12 months from the date of the hearing in addition to any sanction imposed for the proven subsequent offence.

Tom Loten was not charged individually in this case as he is not a registered cricketer, though eligible to play 2nd XI cricket.

In reaching their decision the Panel, which was chaired by Tim O’Gorman with Mark Milliken Smith QC and Mike Smith, noted that breaches of this law are very serious offences and this had been made clear to all First-Class Counties since the instigation of the Law.

However, they took into account Yorkshire’s guilty pleas and that Yorkshire had made efforts to ensure their players complied with the new law but on this occasion had not checked this player’s bat prior to this match, against a background of a late call-up in light of an injury to another player.

The Panel wishes to re-iterate the importance of Counties ensuring that all players’ bats are compliant at all times, with particular care being needed for those called up late to a match.

No financial penalty was imposed as the Panel recognised the efforts that Yorkshire had made, but they noted that in future cases a financial penalty in addition to points deduction may be appropriate where circumstances dictate.

No order for costs was made.

 

[MenInG]

Nottinghamshire CCC have been deducted 1 point in the Second XI Trophy with a further suspended penalty of half the available match points in any competition.

The club pleaded guilty to a charge that one of their players, Solomon Budinger, used a bat which did not meet the requirements of Law 5 of The Laws of Cricket 2017 Code relating to bat sizes during a Second XI Trophy match between Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire on 21st May 2018. The player was not charged individually in this case as he is not a registered cricketer, though eligible to play 2nd XI cricket.

The penalty was agreed with the CDC under the summary process Regulations 5 and 6 of the CDC Regulations after the player’s bat had failed an in-game bat check by the umpires on the day of the match.

The suspended penalty will be applied if any Nottinghamshire player is in breach of this law in any competition within 12 months of the date of the match in addition to any sanction imposed for the proven subsequent offence.

The CDC note that breaches of this law are very serious offences and this had been made clear to all First-Class Counties since the instigation of the Law. They wish to re-iterate the importance of Counties ensuring that all players’ bats are compliant at all times, with particular care being needed for trialists.

However, they took into account that Nottinghamshire had made efforts to ensure their players complied with the new law but on this occasion had not checked this player’s bat prior to this match.

No financial penalty was imposed as the CDC recognised the efforts that Nottinghamshire had made, but they noted that in future cases a financial penalty in addition to points deduction may be appropriate where circumstances dictate.

1.The Laws of Cricket 2017 Code came into effect on 1st October 2017 and have been integrated into the Regulations and Playing Conditions across 1st XI, 2nd XI and Kia Super League cricket for the first time this season.

2.Under Law 5.7, the blade of the bat shall not exceed the following dimensions: -

Width: 4.25 in / 10.8cm
Depth: 2.64 in / 6.7cm
Edges: 1.56 in / 4.0cm

Furthermore, it should also be able to pass through a bat gauge as described by MCC. The bat gauge is manufactured fractionally larger than the permitted size of the bat, to allow for permitted covering, such as an anti-scuff front. The gauge allows for the traditional slightly curved face of a bat resulting from the pressing process

3.ECB Umpires are equipped with MCC bat gauges to check the width, depth and thickness of bats off the field of play and on the field of play should they deem it necessary.

4.The Law will be applied in Premier League and Minor Counties cricket from 2019 and across the wider recreational game from 2020.

 

[MenInG]

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has today announced several minor corrections and clarifications from the 2017 new Code of Laws, which will come into force on April 1st 2019.
The alterations to the Laws of Cricket in October 2017 was the most significant that have been made for almost two decades. The Code has been well received and has had a positive impact on cricket all over the world, but some issues have emerged and the second edition aims for clarification.
Most of the changes are minor, but there are several significant changes:

A reworking of Law 41.7, which relates to full-pitch deliveries over waist height (known colloquially as ‘beamers’). MCC listened to significant feedback and has handed more control to umpires to determine whether or not a delivery is dangerous.

Also relevant to that Law, and at the behest of umpires, MCC has for the first time put into the Laws a definition of the waist – something that has long been a point of contention, particularly in the recreational game.

There is a slight change to Law 41.16, which should further confirm the principle, established in the 2017 Code, that it is the non-striker’s duty to remain in his/her ground until the bowler has released the ball.

The other most notable alterations come in Laws 34 and 37, where the scenarios of hitting the ball twice, and obstructing a catch, after a delivery has been called a No ball, have been addressed.

One change removes a whole clause (the previous Law 41.19) because, after changes to Law 41.2, the clause was simply duplication.

 

[MenInG]

Marylebone Cricket Club’s World Cricket committee today announced it is unanimously backing the inclusion of a women’s T20 competition in the next Commonwealth Games, to be held in Birmingham, England, in 2022.

The announcement came at the conclusion of the committee’s first day in Bengaluru, which is also International Women’s Day marking the ongoing pursuit of gender balance and equality for women the world over. There was a positive update from committee members on the increased priority being placed on girls’ cricket globally, which will only further support the future of women’s cricket.
Former New Zealand Women’s Captain Suzie Bates, who has been a member of the MCC World Cricket committee since 2017, said: “Having Women’s T20 at Birmingham 2022 would be a game-changer.
“Multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics attract and inspire a different audience, so it’s an enormous opportunity for women’s cricket to win new fans, as well as being a chance for the Commonwealth Games to build on one of their core values – equality – and create more opportunities for female athletes.”
New MCC World Cricket committee member Shane Warne believes the women’s game deserves increased opportunities to engage new fans after a hugely successful ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in the West Indies last year and One-Day International Women’s World Cup in England and Wales in 2017.

Warne, who is attending his first MCC World Cricket committee meeting after being elected to the Committee last year, said: “It’s a hugely exciting time for women’s cricket after two great World Cups in two years and it’s up to the cricket world and Commonwealth Games Federation to build on that momentum and bring cricket into multi-sport games.

“What’s more, including women’s T20 in the Commonwealth Games will demonstrate that the sport of cricket is inclusive, dynamic and with plenty of opportunities for growth.”
The bid for inclusion was a joint submission from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and International Cricket Council (ICC), whose Chief Executive David Richardson is also attending the MCC World Cricket committee meeting in Bengaluru.
FICA, the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations, recently revealed 81% of women player respondents and 67% of men believe cricket should be in the Olympics, and women’s T20 inclusion in the Commonwealth Games may be the first step on the path to Olympic inclusion.

MCC World Cricket committee chairman Mike Gatting said: “I’m proud our committee members are so firmly behind the inclusion of Women’s T20 at the next Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.
“The competition will primarily be held at Edgbaston, a superb venue firmly linked to cricket and Birmingham’s sporting heritage. It will be significant for the sport in the Commonwealth and raising the profile of an exciting format cricket around the world.”
Cricket has been included in the Commonwealth Games before, with South Africa beating Australia in the men’s 50-over competition at Kuala Lumpur 1998.

The sports vying for inclusion at Birmingham 2022 alongside cricket are archery, shooting, para-table tennis and volleyball.
The Commonwealth Games Federation and Birmingham 2022 are expected to announce the sports later this year and ratify them into the competition in September.

The MCC World Cricket committee meeting continues tomorrow, Saturday 9th March, when key items on the agenda will include:

The future of Test Match cricket, and the results of the MCC survey

The choice of ball in Test Matches