Cricket regulations for 2022-23 | Updated 25 April 2023

Please note: Regulations are currently under review for the 2023-24 season and so those currently published are subject to change.

CRI i The BUCS Cricket Championships shall be conducted in accordance with the following BUCS sport specific regulations, the BUCS general regulations, and the MCC Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 3rd Edition – 2022), together with any permanent or experimental conditions approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the recreational game.

CRI ii In the event that these regulations contradict the BUCS general regulations, these BUCS sport specific regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.

CRI iii In the event that these regulations contradict the MCC Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 3rd Edition – 2022) or any permanent or experimental conditions approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the recreational game, these BUCS sport specific regulations will supersede, unless specifically stated otherwise.

CRI 1 There shall be separate Team Championships for Men and Women. The programme for each Championships shall include leagues and knockout competitions as per BUCS general regulations, Appendix 1 (‘BUCS Competition Offer and Associated BUCS Points’) and Appendix 10 (‘BUCS Promotion, Relegation and Knockout Information’).

CRI 1.1 Women playing in men’s teams

CRI 1.1.1 Women may play for either men’s or women’s teams, however once an individual is selected (listed on a team sheet) for a team in a specific Championships (Men's or Women's) they may not then compete for a team in the other Championships for the remainder of the season.

CRI 1.1.2 Up to a maximum of four women are permitted in a team of 11.

CRI 2 University Centres of Cricketing Excellence (UCCEs)

CRI 2.1 The University Centres of Cricketing Excellence (UCCE) scheme is an initiative of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). BUCS’s (formerly BUSA) General Council agreed in June 2000 that the UCCEs would compete in the BUCS Men’s/Women’s Team Championships. This included allowing those which constituted of multiple institutions to field joint teams, i.e. a single team would represent the UCCE regardless that players within that team may come from different institutions in membership of BUCS.

CRI 2.2 Individual institutions involved in the UCCE scheme will be permitted, should they so wish, to enter other men’s/women’s teams to represent their institution, with the first of these being designated as their 1st Team. These teams may only comprise players eligible under BUCS regulations to represent that individual institution. These additional teams will always play at a level of the Championships below that of the UCCE team. The fixtures of the UCCE team will always take priority.

CRI 2.3 Subject to BUCS General Regulations concerning the selection of teams (note REG 11.1), the selection of teams within institutions that are constituent parts of a UCCE shall be a matter for those institutions with the following exception. Each of the UCCE teams must supply BUCS with the names of three players, who, as their better players, will not be permitted to play at a level below that of the UCCE team regardless of circumstance. This form must be submitted and received by BUCS no later than the date published in the BUCS Sport Specific Affiliations Document.

CRI 2.4 CRI 2.2–CRI 2.3 will also apply to any non-UCCE institutions that have been granted permission by the BUCS Cricket Sports Advisory Group to field a joint team and who then choose to enter other teams within the Men’s/Women’s Team Championships.

CRI 3 Minimum number of players for a fixture to start A match shall be able to commence if one or both sides nominate eight, nine or ten players. A match shall not commence if either team is unable to nominate at least eight players. If, during the match and for whatever reason, a side is reduced to fewer than the original number of nominated players, the match shall continue as long as it is possible to do so under these regulations and the MCC Laws of Cricket.

CRI 4 Officials

CRI 4.1 For all Men’s National and North/South league matches, Men's National Championship and National Trophy Semi-Final matches, the Men’s North/South playoff match and the Men’s National Playoff match, umpires will be appointed by the ECB Regional Appointment Officers or Cricket Scotland and all appointments detailed on www.whostheumpire.com (WTU). Institutions/Playing Entities must ensure that they are signed up to WTU in order to access appointments details and to communicate with officials, including advising them of timings and venue.

CRI 4.1.1 Payment of officials is the responsibility of the home team and follows the below procedure:

  1. Host teams communicate directly with the appointed umpires to confirm fixture details and provide the umpires with the BUCS Cricket Umpire Reimbursement Pro Forma.
  2. Umpires complete the reimbursement pro forma and present it to the host team for payment before the fixture commences.
  3. To enable teams to budget, the rate for umpires will be a set rate with no additional travel allowance.

Men’s National league matches, National Championship Semi Final, North/South Playoff and National Playoff – £50.00 per match per umpire

Men’s North/South league matches and National Trophy Semi-Final – £40.00 per match per umpire*

*This is based on the standard flat rate plus the average travel costs incurred over previous BUCS seasons.

CANCELLED/POSTPONED FIXTURES: In accordance with ECB guidelines – In the event a game is not completed, and an umpire has either commenced or completed their journey to the ground, the umpire will be reimbursed as above.

CRI 4.1.2 Should any Men’s National league match, Men’s North/South league match, Men’s National Championship or National Trophy Semi-Final match, the Men’s North/South playoff match or the Men’s National Playoff match be postponed/rearranged, then the home side shall be responsible for the appointment of both umpires. The home side should however liaise with the ECB Regional Appointment Officers or Cricket Scotland who will do their best to assist with these appointments.

CRI 4.2 For all Women’s North/South, Women’s Tier 1, and Men’s Tier 1 and below league matches, Women’s Playoff matches, and Women’s National Championship Semi-Final matches, the home side is responsible for the appointment of both umpires. For Women’s North/South, Women’s Tier 1, Men’s Tier 1, and Women’s National Championship Semi-Final matches, both umpires must be qualified members of an officials’ association recognised by the England and Wales Cricket Board Ltd. For all Tier 2 and below league matches it is a requirement that at least one umpire be a qualified member of an officials’ association recognised by the England and Wales Cricket Board Ltd.

CRI 4.3 Umpires for the Men’s and Women’s National Championship Finals and the Men’s National Trophy Final shall be appointed by the ECB and BUCS shall be responsible for payment of the officials.

CRI 4.3.1 Should the Men’s National Trophy Final need to be postponed/rearranged, then the home side shall be responsible for the appointment of both umpires. The home side should however liaise with the ECB Regional Appointment Officers or Cricket Scotland who will do their best to assist with these appointments.

CRI 4.4 In all matches, each side shall be responsible for supplying its own scorer. In the Men’s National, North and South leagues, any side not supplying a scorer, who shall not be a player in the match, will be fined £30.

CRI 5 Balls The home team shall provide two new identical balls for all matches. The requirements of these balls are as follows:

CRI 5.1 Men's National league and National Championship knockout competition matches The Kookaburra Pink Turf Ball shall be used.

CRI 5.2 Men's North/South league and National Trophy knockout competition matches Grade A standard and English manufactured pink balls shall be used, unless agreed with the opposition to use red balls. BUCS recommends the Oxbridge Windsor Ball.

CRI 5.3 Men's Tier 1 and below league matches Grade A standard and English manufactured red balls shall be used, unless agreed with the opposition to use pink balls. BUCS recommends the Oxbridge Windsor Ball.

CRI 5.4 Women's North/South league and National Championship knockout competition matches Grade A standard and English manufactured pink balls shall be used, unless agreed with the opposition to use red balls. BUCS recommends the Oxbridge Kensington Ball.

CRI 5.5 Women's Tier 1 league matches Grade A standard and English manufactured red balls shall be used, unless agreed with the opposition to use pink balls. BUCS recommends the Oxbridge Kensington Ball.

CRI 6 Clothing

CRI 6.1 Men's National league and National Championship knockout competition matches Teams shall wear coloured clothing.

CRI 6.2 Men's North/South league and National Trophy knockout competition matches All teams are strongly encouraged to play in coloured clothing although this is not mandatory, but all players within the team must be in the same kit. Coloured tops and white trousers, white tops and coloured trousers, or traditional whites are acceptable.

CRI 6.3 Men's Tier 1 and below league matches Teams shall wear whites unless agreed in writing with the opposition to wear coloured clothing.

CRI 6.4 Women's North/South league and National Championship knockout competition matches All teams are strongly encouraged to play in coloured clothing although this is not mandatory, but all players within the team must be in the same kit. Coloured tops and white trousers, white tops and coloured trousers, or traditional whites are acceptable.

CRI 6.5 Women's Tier 1 league matches Teams shall wear whites, unless agreed in writing with the opposition to wear coloured clothing.

CRI 7 Wearing of helmets by young players No player aged under 18 on the day of the match shall be permitted to bat or to stand up whilst keeping wicket unless wearing a helmet. Please note: REG 4.1.2 must be complied with.

CRI 8 Ground and pitch conditions

CRI 8.1 Men's North/South league matches, Men’s Tier 1 and below league matches, Women’s Premier Tier matches, and Women’s Tier 1 matches Matches can be played on grass (turf) or artificial (non-turf) pitches. It is the responsibility of the first named (home) team when confirming the fixture (note REG 9.5) to advise the opposition team and all match officials of the playing surface and on any footwear restrictions and the type of surface to be used (note REG 9.3.3).

CRI 8.2 Men’s National league matches, the Men’s National Championship Semi-Finals and Final, the Men’s North/South Playoff match, the Men’s National Playoff match, the Men’s National Trophy Semi-Final and Final, and the Women’s National Championship Semi-Finals and Final Artificial (non-turf) pitches may be used if available but only if the umpires and both captains agree that, as a result of inclement weather, no grass (turf) pitch would be playable but that conditions are otherwise acceptable.

CRI 8.3 Additional requirements for Men’s National league matches, the Men’s NationalChampionship Semi-Finals and Final, the Men’s North/South Playoff match, the Men’s National Playoff match, and the Men’s National Trophy Final

CRI 8.3.1 Pitches must be of good quality. Umpires are to complete the ECB Pitch and Fair Play form on 'Who's the Umpire' after each match, which is completed against the ECB Pitch Marking Criteria. Any pitch marked poor or unsuitable will be investigated by BUCS who reserve the right to request reversed venues in further rounds should pitches receive two or more marks of these low level.

CRI 8.3.2 Sufficient ground staff (or equivalent) must be available on match days to provide the following duties: a) operate covers, b) roll between innings (if requested) and c) brush and remark pitch between innings.

CRI 8.3.3 Suitable sightscreens should be available.

CRI 8.3.4 There should be provision of sawdust.

CRI 9 Covers Should covers be available the pitch shall be completely covered during any interval or interruption of play. For all Men’s National and North/South league matches, Men's National Championship and National Trophy Semi-Final and Final matches, the Men’s North/South playoff match and the Men’s National Playoff match it is a requirement that covers be available.

CRI 10 Hospitality For the Men’s National League, the Men’s National Championship Semi-Finals, the Men’s National Trophy Semi-Finals, the Men’s North/South Playoff match, the Men’s National Playoff match, and the Women’s National Championship Semi-Finals, the home team is required to provide hospitality (cricket teas) for its opponents and officials (minimum 12 opposition players plus manager/coach, two umpires and two scorers) free of charge. The home team should notify its opponents in writing prior to the match if hospitality will not be made available. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary proceedings.

CRI 11 Postponed and abandoned league matches

CRI 11.1 Men’s National league fixtures

CRI 11.1.1 Postponed matches In the event that a match is called off up to and including the day of the match, before a ball is bowled, due to one of the reasons listed under REG 14.1.1, both teams will be awarded one league point each.

CRI 11.1.2 Abandoned matches In the event that a match which has started is abandoned due to adverse weather conditions before the minimum number of overs (as per CRI 19) are bowled to obtain a result using the Duckworth/Lewis method (D/L) (note CRI 13 for the version to be used), then both teams shall be awarded one league point each.

CRI 11.1.3 Matches which fall under CRI 11.1.1/CRI 11.1.2 should be recorded on BUCS Play as 'Abandoned' and an email should be sent to [email protected] confirming why the fixture was 'Abandoned' and requesting the allocation of one league point to each team.

CRI 11.2 All other Men’s and Women’s league fixtures

CRI 11.2.1 Postponed matches In the event that a match is called off up to and including the day of the match, before a ball is bowled, due to one of the reasons listed under REG 14.1.1, then institutions/Playing Entities should rearrange fixtures according to REG 14. If a match does not start, is not rearranged, and no walkover is claimed/conceded, then the match will be deemed void and both teams shall receive zero league points.

CRI 11.2.2 Abandoned matches In the event that a match which has started is abandoned due to adverse weather before the minimum number of overs (as per CRI 19) are bowled to obtain a result using the Duckworth/Lewis method (D/L) (note CRI 13 for the version to be used), and cannot be rearranged, then both teams shall be awarded one league point each.

CRI 11.2.3 Matches which under CRI 11.2.2 cannot be rearranged should be recorded on BUCS Play as 'Abandoned' and an email should be sent to [email protected] confirming why the fixture was 'Abandoned' and requesting the allocation of one league point to each team.

CRI 12 Postponed and abandoned knockout competition and playoff fixtures

CRI 12.1 For all fixtures a reserve day will be scheduled. If the match cannot be played on the scheduled date due to one of the reasons listed under REG 14.1.1, then it must be played on the advertised reserve day unless both institutions/Playing Entities agree with the BUCS Executive that an alternate date is suitable. Should a result not be achieved from the rearranged match a bowl out shall be undertaken (see CRI 27).

CRI 12.2 Where it is absolutely certain on a reserve day that there will be no play, or insufficient play to obtain a result under these regulations and that a bowl out will be required, if the home side advises the visiting side in sufficient time to prevent travel and if the visiting side accepts that there is no prospect of sufficient play, then the visiting side may opt not to travel. In these circumstances, both teams would be required to have a qualified umpire present to oversee the bowl out in two separate locations with the two teams concerned.

CRI 13 Use of the Duckworth/Lewis method (D/L)

CRI 13.1 The Standard Edition of the Duckworth-Lewis method (D/L) should be used and where applicable the G50 coefficient shall be 245.  Before the start of play the teams must agree on a system to be used for Duckworth/Lewis calculations and inform the umpires of this and who will be responsible for any calculations. The home team is responsible for having a working computer/tablet/phone available to use for this purpose should it become necessary.

CRI 13.2 If a match is abandoned before the Close of Play and the minimum number of overs of the second innings (note CRI 19) have been bowled then the result shall be decided using the Standard Edition of the Duckworth/Lewis method (D/L).

CRI 13.3 If, due to suspension of play, the number of overs in the innings of either team had to be revised to a lesser number (note CRI 19 for the minimum number of overs permitted) than that originally allotted (note CRI 16), then a revised target score should be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing. This target score shall be calculated using the Standard Edition of the Duckworth/Lewis method (D/L). An integral target will be set for the team batting second with one run less resulting in a Tie. If after the restart of play it is discovered that the wrong target has been set, the faulty target shall stand.

CRI 14 League points

CRI 14.1 Three points shall be awarded for a win, 1.5 points for a tie, one for an abandoned match (note CRI 11) and no points for a loss.

CRI 14.2 Where a walkover has been awarded/conceded (REG 13), three points shall be given to the non-offending team and three points deducted from the offending team.

CRI 14.3 No points will be awarded to either team in the case of a void fixture.

CRI 15 Calculating final league positions

CRI 15.1 Final league positions will be primarily based on league points accumulated. However, should there be any ties on points within a league, they shall be split by the following sequential system:

CRI 15.2 A team tied on points who has conceded at least one voluntary walkover shall automatically be placed below any other tied teams who have conceded fewer voluntary walkovers. If a tie still exists, then CRI 15.3 or CRI 15.4 shall be followed as applicable.

CRI 15.3 Tie between two teams

CRI 15.3.1 The result between the two teams will be the determining factor in placing one team above the other. Where this is not possible, e.g. That match was not played, was abandoned with no result able to be taken, or in the case of Women's Premier North/Premier South each team won one fixture (as they play both home and away in these leagues), then CRI 15.3.2 shall be used.

CRI 15.3.2 Where CRI 15.3.1 cannot be used to separate the teams, for whatever position in the league, the final standings for these teams shall be determined on Net Run Rate (NRR). Where a tie on points has been effected by any walkovers conceded to them or any void fixtures, all the relevant results against the team(s) which conceded the walkover(s) or the team(s) involved in the void fixtures (i.e. all the results between the teams tied on points and the team(s) conceding the walkover(s)/void match(es)) will be removed from the NRR comparison calculation for the purpose of determining league positions.

CRI 15.3.3 Where NRR is used, the higher placed team is the side with the higher net run rate as determined by the following formula:

Total runs scored                      MINUS              Total runs conceded
Total overs faced                                               Total overs bowled

An exception to this is that where a team is all out in less than its allotted number of overs (either the original number or revised number) it shall be deemed to have received its full allocation rather than the number it actually received. Where fractions of overs are involved, each legitimate ball bowled shall count as one sixth of an over.

CRI 15.4 Tie between three or more teams CRI 15.3.2 and CRI 15.3.3 shall be used.

 

Playing conditions (CRI 16 - CRI 27)

CRI 16 Duration

CRI 16.1 Men's National/North/South/Tier 1 league matches, Men's National Championship/National Trophy knockout competition matches, Women's North/South league matches, and Women's National Championship knockout competition matches All matches shall consist of one innings of 50 overs per side.

CRI 16.2 Men's Tier 2 and below league matches The competition format with regard to duration of play must be the same across the whole league. Which format is used must be a majority decision between all teams in that league, choosing one of CRI 16.2.1 - CRI 16.2.4, and must be communicated to the BUCS Executive in writing. If a majority decision cannot be reached the match must be as outlined in CRI 16.2.4:

CRI 16.2.1 One innings of 20 overs per side.

CRI 16.2.2 One innings of 30 overs per side.

CRI 16.2.3 One innings of 40 overs per side.

CRI 16.2.4 One innings of 50 overs per side.

CRI 16.3 Women's Tier 1 league matches All matches shall consist of one innings of 30 overs per side.

CRI 17 Hours of play and intervals

CRI 17.1 Men's National/North/South/Tier 1 league matches, Men's National Championship/National Trophy knockout competition matches, Women's North/South league matches, and Women's National Championship knockout competition matches The normal hours of play shall be as follows: Start – 12:30, Finish – 19:30. Tea: 30 minutes’ duration, taken between innings. Matches may begin earlier and/or have a 45 minute interval between innings, provided there is written consent of both institutions/Playing Entities and the Umpires/ECB Regional Appointment Officer are notified at least 14 days before the match, with BUCS Play and Who’s the Umpire (where applicable) being updated accordingly. The closing time for any such matches and all other timings in these regulations shall be adjusted accordingly. The BUCS Executive reserves the right to set the timings for the Championship/Trophy Final matches without requiring consent from the teams involved.

CRI 17.2 Men's Tier 2 and below league matches Matches may not begin earlier than 12:30 unless there is written consent of both institutions/Playing Entities and the Umpires are notified and should not be scheduled to finish later than 19:30, with times selected made to fit the chosen duration for the league (CRI 16.2). Tea: 30 minutes’ duration, taken between innings.

CRI 17.3 Women's Tier 1 league matches Matches may not begin earlier than 12:30 unless there is written consent of both institutions/Playing Entities and the Umpires are notified and should not be scheduled to finish later than 19:30. Tea: 30 minutes' duration, taken between innings. The total match time, including interval, should be no longer than 5 hours 30 minutes.

CRI 17.4 In a delayed or interrupted match, the umpires shall have the discretion to alter the timing of or abandon the interval.

CRI 18 Altering the number of overs The number of overs shall not be changed once a match has started, except in the event of an interruption in play during the first team to bat’s innings. In such a circumstance, the object shall be to rearrange the overs so that, where possible, both sides have the opportunity to bat for the same number of overs. The calculation of overs to be bowled shall be based on one over for every full 3.75 minutes remaining before the notional close of 19:30. In the event of an interruption in play, the object shall be to rearrange the overs so that, where possible, both sides have the opportunity to bat for the same number of overs (note the minimum number of overs requirement of CRI 19). The calculation of overs to be bowled shall be based on one over for every full 3.75 minutes before the scheduled close of play.

CRI 19 Minimum number of overs and extension of play Play shall continue beyond 19:30 if conditions permit and that is necessary in order to complete the number of overs allowed by CRI 16 or CRI 18. However, if the full number of overs cannot be bowled, the winner shall be calculated using the Duckworth/Lewis method (D/L) (note CRI 13 for the version to used), provided that at least 20 overs (or 10 overs in the case of 30 and 20 over formats) of the second innings have been bowled.

CRI 20 Delayed start Should the start of the match be delayed, the number of overs to be played shall be determined by calculating the playing time remaining until the notional close of 19:30 and allowing one over for every 3.75 minutes, rounded down to allow an equal number of overs per side.

CRI 20.1 Late arrival of a team Both teams should arrive at the ground in plenty of time to allow for warming up and a prompt start. Should the start of the match be delayed on account of one team’s not being ready at the appointed time, that team shall be deemed to have lost the toss. Where a team arrives too late for the minimum number of overs to be bowled (note CRI 19), then they shall concede a walkover. There are no extenuating circumstances for late arrival and the umpires’ decision as to the team at fault shall be final.

CRI 21 Penalty for slow over rate

CRI 21.1 Men's National/North/South/Tier 1/Tier 2 and below league matches, Men's National Championship/National Trophy knockout competition matches, Women's North/South league matches, and Women's National Championship knockout competition matches In an uninterrupted match, all sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 50 overs within 3 hours 15 minutes playing time. In the event of them failing to do so, one fewer fielder shall be permitted outside of the fielding restriction area in CRI 22.1/CRI 22.2/CRI 22.3 (as applicable) than would normally be the case in the Powerplay or non-Powerplay over in progress at the time. All penalties in this regard will be imposed immediately the ball first becomes dead after the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the innings. The full quota of overs will be completed. The umpires shall make allowance for any delays beyond the control of the fielding side, and shall advise the fielding captain of the amount of time to be allowed for and at the time of each incident. In reduced or interrupted matches, a cessation time shall be calculated for each innings based on 3.75 minutes per over and that time shall be substituted for references to 3 hours 15 minutes above. In addition, one over’s leeway shall be allowed in all shortened and/or interrupted matches.

CRI 21.1.1 For 20, 30 or 40 over matches the timings of CRI 21.1 should be adjusted accordingly.

CRI 21.2 Women’s Tier 1 league matches In an uninterrupted match, all sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 30 overs within 2 hours 30 minutes playing time. In the event of a side failing to do so, they shall be penalised six runs for each over of their allocation that has not started within this time. All penalties in this regard will be imposed immediately the ball first becomes dead after the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the innings. The full quota of overs will be completed. The umpires shall make allowance for any delays beyond the control of the fielding side, and shall advise the fielding captain of the amount of time to be allowed for and at the time of each incident. In reduced or interrupted matches, a cessation time shall be calculated for each innings based on 3.75 minutes per over and that time shall be substituted for references to 2 hours 30 minutes above. In addition, one over’s leeway shall be allowed in all shortened and/or interrupted matches.

CRI 22 Restrictions on the placement of fielders

CRI 22.1 Men’s National league matches, the Men’s National Championship Semi-Finals and Final, the Men’s North/South Playoff match, the Men’s National Playoff match, and the Men’s National Trophy Final The following fielding restrictions shall apply:

CRI 22.1.1 At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fielders on the leg side.

CRI 22.1.2 In addition to the restriction contained in CRI 22.1.1 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 CRI 22.1.3 – CRI 22.1.5.

CRI 22.1.3 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. The fielding restriction areas should be marked by continuous painted white lines or ‘dots’ at five yard (4.57 metres) intervals, each ‘dot’ to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches (18 cm) in diameter.

At the instant of delivery:

a) Powerplay 1 – no more than two fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs, these are overs 1 to 10 inclusive.

b) Powerplay 2 – no more than four fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs, these are overs 11 to 40 inclusive.

c) Powerplay 3 – no more than five fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs, these are overs 41 to 50 inclusive.

CRI 22.1.4 In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the number of overs within each phase (Powerplay) 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 first and second innings of the match.

Innings Duration

Powerplay 1

Powerplay 2

Powerplay 3

10

2

6

2

11

2

7

2

12

3

7

2

13

3

8

2

14

3

8

3

15

3

9

3

16

3

10

3

17

4

10

3

18

4

11

3

19

4

11

4

20

4

12

4

21

4

13

4

22

5

13

4

23

5

14

4

24

5

14

5

25

5

15

5

26

5

16

5

27

6

16

5

28

6

17

5

29

6

17

6

30

6

18

6

31

6

19

6

32

7

19

6

33

7

20

6

34

7

20

7

35

7

21

7

36

7

22

7

37

8

22

7

38

8

23

7

39

8

23

8

40

8

24

8

41

8

25

8

42

9

25

8

43

9

26

8

44

9

26

9

45

9

27

9

46

9

28

9

47

10

28

9

48

10

29

9

49

10

29

10

 

CRI 22.1.5 If play is interrupted during an innings and the table in CRI 22.1.4 applies, the Powerplay takes immediate effect. For the avoidance of doubt this applies even if the interruption has occurred mid-over.

CRI 22.1.5.1 Illustrations of CRI 22.1.5 A 50 over inning is interrupted after 8.3 overs and reduced to 32 overs. The new phases are 7+19+6. Therefore the middle phase fielding restrictions take immediate effect when play resumes and last for a further 17.3 overs. The final phase begins after 26 overs have been bowled. A 40 over innings is interrupted after 18.5 overs and reduced to 22 overs. The new phases are 5+13+4. When play resumes, the final phase fielding restrictions apply for the remaining 3.1 overs.

CRI 22.1.6 At the commencement of the middle and final phases of an innings, the umpire shall signal such commencement to the scorers by rotating their arm in a large circle.

CRI 22.1.7 The scoreboard shall indicate the current Powerplay in progress.

CRI 22.1.8 In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the umpire at the striker’s end shall call and signal ‘No Ball’.

CRI 22.1.9 In the event of the striker’s end Umpire failing to call and signal ‘No Ball’ when the fielding restrictions in this playing condition have been breached or when Law 28.4 (Limitation of on side fielders) has been breached, immediately the ball becomes dead and the striker may draw the matter to that Umpire’s attention. If the striker’s end Umpire is able to verify the breach they shall call and signal No Ball. If the striker’s end Umpire is unable to verify the breach then they shall confirm that the events of the delivery shall be unchanged.

CRI 22.2 Men's North/South league matches, the Men's National Trophy Semi-Finals, and Men's Tier 1 and below league matches The following fielding restrictions shall apply:

CRI 22.2.1 At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fielders on the leg side.

CRI 22.2.2 For the first 15 overs of each innings (or, if the match or either innings is reduced, for the first 30% of each innings), at the instant of delivery no more than two fielders may be outside a fielding circle. This fielding circle shall comprise an area bounded by two semi-circles, one centred on each middle stump and each with a radius of 30 yards, joined by a parallel line on each side of the pitch. The fielding circle should be marked by painted white dots at five yard intervals, each dot to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches in diameter. For the remaining overs of each innings, a minimum of four fielders (plus the bowler and wicket-keeper) must be within the fielding circle.

CRI 22.2.3 In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the umpire at the striker’s end shall call and signal ‘No Ball’.

CRI 22.3 Women’s North/South league matches and National Championship Semi-Finals and Final The following fielding restrictions shall apply:

CRI 22.3.1 At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fielders on the leg side.

CRI 22.3.2 In addition to the restriction contained in CRI 22.3.1 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 CRI 22.3.3 – CRI 22.3.5.

CRI 22.3.3 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 25.15 yards (23 metres). The semi-circles shall be linked by two parallel straight lines drawn on the field. The fielding restriction areas should be marked by continuous painted white lines or ‘dots’ at five yard (4.57 metres) intervals, each ‘dot’ to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches (18 cm) in diameter.

At the instant of delivery:

a) Powerplay – no more than two fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs, these are overs 1 to 10 inclusive.

b) During non-Powerplay Overs, no more than four fielders shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area.

CRI 22.3.4 In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the number of Powerplay Overs 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.

Innings Duration

Powerplay

10 – 12

2

13 – 17

3

18 – 22

4

23 – 27

5

28 – 32

6

33 – 37

7

38 – 42

8

43 – 47

9

48 – 49

10

 

CRI 22.3.5 If following an interruption, on resumption the total number of Powerplay Overs for the innings has already been exceeded, then there will be no further Powerplay deliveries bowled in the innings. Note that this is the only circumstance under which the Powerplay status can be changed during an over.

CRI 22.3.5.1 Illustration of CRI 22.3.5 A 50 over innings is interrupted after 8.3 overs, and on resumption has been reduced to 28 overs. Powerplay overs are 6 and have already been completed. Non-Powerplay restrictions take effect immediately and do not need to wait until the end of the over.

CRI 22.3.6 In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the umpire at the striker’s end shall call and signal ‘No Ball’.

CRI 22.4 Women’s Tier 1 league matches No fielding circle or fielding restrictions shall apply (other than provided by the Laws).

CRI 23 Number of overs per bowler

CRI 23.1 No bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the amount of overs scheduled for the innings. However, in a delayed start, or interrupted match, where the overs are reduced for both sides, or for the side bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed (unless such a number has been exceeded before the interruption), except that where the total overs are not divisible by five, an additional over shall be allowed to the minimum number of bowlers necessary to make up the balance. Example: After 16 overs of a 50 over innings, rain interrupts play and the innings is reduced to 32 overs. Both opening bowlers have bowled 8 overs. Two bowlers can bowl 7 overs and three bowlers can bowl 6 overs. Bowlers 1 and 2 have already exceeded this limit. They count as the two bowlers who were allowed the extra over (7 as opposed to 6) and so any other bowlers are limited to 6 overs.

CRI 23.2 When an interruption occurs mid-over and on resumption the bowler has exceeded the new maximum allocation, they will be allowed to finish the incomplete over.

CRI 23.3 In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, another bowler will bowl the remaining balls. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler’s limit is concerned.

CRI 23.4 The ECB Fast Bowling Directives will apply to all matches (irrespective of where played).

CRI 24 No Ball

CRI 24.1 The bowler shall be limited to one short-pitched ball per over. A short pitched ball is defined as one that passed or would have passed above shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease. The umpire at the bowler’s end shall indicate clearly when such a short pitched ball is bowled. Should the one short-pitched ball be exceeded in any over, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall call and signal No Ball and implement the procedures of Law 41.6.

CRI 24.2 Law 41.7 (Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries) shall apply.

CRI 24.3 For the Men’s National League, the Men’s National Championship Semi-Finals and Final, the Men’s North/South Playoff match, the Men’s National Playoff match, and the Men’s National Trophy Final, all no balls shall incur a penalty of two runs which shall be scored as no balls. For all other fixtures, all no balls shall incur a penalty of one run which shall be scored as a no ball. These penalties shall stand in addition to any other runs which may be scored or awarded.

CRI 24.4 For the Men’s National League, the Men’s National Championship Semi-Finals and Final, the Men’s North/South Playoff match, the Men’s National Playoff match, and the Men’s National Trophy Final, the delivery following a foot fault no ball, shall be a free hit for whichever batter is facing it. Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of striker.

CRI 25 Wide Ball

CRI 25.1 Men’s Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to Law 22 in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. As a guide, if the ball passes either side of the wicket sufficiently wide to make it virtually impossible for the striker to play a normal cricket stroke both from where they are standing and from where they should normally be standing at the crease, the Umpire shall call and signal Wide Ball.

CRI 25.2 Women’s In North/South league matches and National Championship knockout competition matches, umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to Law 22 in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. Any offside or legside delivery which in the opinion of the umpire does not give the batter a reasonable opportunity to score shall be called a wide. For guidance purposes, a legside wide should be called if a ball passes on the legside outside the pads of the batter standing in a normal guard position. In all other matches, umpires are instructed to use their discretion over the interpretation of the Wide Ball rule in keeping with the normal Laws.

CRI 26 Determining the winner The winner shall be the side scoring the higher number of runs, irrespective of the number of wickets lost. In a league match, should the teams score an equal number of runs, the match shall be tied, irrespective of the number of wickets lost. In a knockout match, should the teams score an equal number of runs, the result shall be determined as follows:

CRI 26.1 The side losing the fewer wickets shall be the winner.

CRI 26.2 If the teams are still level, if both sides have been dismissed in under their full quota of overs, the side with the higher overall scoring rate shall be the winner.

CRI 26.3 If still level, the winner shall be the side with the higher scoring rate after:

CRI 26.3.1 40 overs; or, if still equal

CRI 26.3.2 30 overs; or, if still equal

CRI 26.3.3 20 overs. And then 19 overs etc.

CRI 26.3.4 If no decision is possible in any final, that title shall be shared for the year.

CRI 26.4 In the event of the scores being tied in a Men’s National Championship Semi-Final or Final, or Men’s National Trophy Final, when the Duckworth/Lewis method (D/L) has been used (note CRI 13 for the version to be used), no account shall be taken of wickets lost. The teams shall compete in a Super Over to determine the winner. The following procedure will apply should the provision for a Super Over be adopted in any match.

CRI 26.4.1 Subject to weather conditions the Super Over will take place at a time to be determined by the umpires. In normal circumstances it shall commence 10 minutes after the conclusion of the match.

CRI 26.4.2 The Super Over will take place on the pitch allocated for the match (the designated pitch) unless otherwise determined by the umpires in consultation with the ground authority and the umpires.

CRI 26.4.3 The umpires shall stand at the same end as that in which they finished the match.

CRI 26.4.4 In both innings of the Super Over, the fielding side shall choose from which end to bowl.

CRI 26.4.5 Only nominated players in the main match may participate in the Super Over. Should any player (including the batters and bowler) be unable to continue to participate in the Super Over due to injury, illness or other wholly acceptable reason, the relevant Laws and Playing Conditions as they apply in the main match shall also apply in the Super Over.

CRI 26.4.6 Any Penalty time or a suspension under Law 42.4 being served in the main match shall be carried forward to the Super Over.

CRI 26.4.7 Each team’s over is played with the same fielding restrictions as apply for Powerplay 3 of CRI 22.1.3.

CRI 26.4.8 The team batting second in the match will bat first in the Super Over.

CRI 26.4.9 The umpires shall select a ball from the box of spare balls which shall be used for both overs of the Super Over. The ball to be used shall not be a new ball and should have the apparent wear characteristics of a ball that has had between 5 and 20 overs of usage. For the avoidance of doubt, a ball used in the main match shall not be used in the Super Over. If the ball needs to be changed, then playing conditions as stated for the main match shall apply.

CRI 26.4.10 The loss of 2 wickets in the over ends the team’s 1 over innings.

CRI 26.4.11 In the event of the teams having the same score after the Super Over has been completed, a count-back from the final ball of the Super Over shall be conducted. The team with the higher scoring delivery shall be the winner. If a team loses 2 wickets during its over, then any unbowled deliveries will be counted as dot balls.

Note that for this purpose, the runs scored from a delivery is defined as the total team runs scored since the completion of the previous legitimate ball, i.e. including any runs resulting from wides, no ball or penalty runs.

Example:

Runs scored from:         Team 1 Team 2

Ball 6                            1          1

Ball 5                            4          4

Ball 4                            2          1

Ball 3                            6          2

Ball 2                            0          1

Ball 1                            2          6

In this example both teams scored an equal number of runs from the sixth and fifth ball of their innings. However, team 1 scored 2 runs from its fourth ball while team 2 scored a single so team 1 is the winner.

CRI 26.4.12 If still equal, then another Super Over shall be played in accordance with CRI 26.4.

CRI 27 Bowl Out procedure

CRI 27.1 For the Men’s National League, the Men’s National Championship Semi-Finals and Final, the Men’s North/South Playoff match, the Men’s National Playoff match, and the Men’s National Trophy Final, the procedure for a Bowl Out will be as follows:

CRI 27.1.1 The umpires will determine the location of the bowl out which may take place on a grass pitch, artificial pitch or indoors.

CRI 27.1.2 The captains will nominate five players who will each bowl twice (alternatively with the opposition) at a wicket (comprising of three stumps and two bails) from a distance of 22 yards.

CRI 27.1.3 The teams shall toss for the order of bowling and then one player from each side shall bowl one ball alternately.

CRI 27.1.4 Where a bowl out is held in two separate venues under CRI 12.2, CRI 27.1.3 will not apply and BUCS will issue separate instructions on the conduct of the bowl out.

CRI 27.1.5 The wicket shall not be obstructed by any person or item; however, teams may decide to nominate a wicket keeper who shall stand well back from the wicket.

CRI 27.1.6 The umpire shall officiate at the bowler’s end.

CRI 27.1.7 If a player scores a hit from a no ball, that hit shall not count, nor shall they retake the attempt.

CRI 27.1.8 The winner shall be the team with the higher number of hits from their 10 attempts. Should the scores be equal, then the bowl off shall continue using the same five players, in the same order, until such time as an equal number of balls have been bowled and one team has hit the wickets more times than the other.

CRI 27.2 For all other fixtures the procedure for a Bowl Out will follow the ECB guidelines.

 

BUCS Cricket Umpire Reimbursement Pro Forma (2021-22) 0.07MB

 

Share this: