ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 ICC Match Officials’ T20 Almanac 2017/18 ( Incorporating the 2017 Code of the MCC Laws of Cricket) Effective 28 September 2017 Effective 28 September 2017 Page 1 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 ICC Men’s T20 Playing Conditions CONTENTS THE PREAMBLE – THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET…………………………………………………………………………5 1 THE PLAYERS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6 2 THE UMPIRES ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 3 THE SCORERS .................................................................................................................................................. 17 4 THE BALL ........................................................................................................................................................... 17 5 THE BAT ............................................................................................................................................................ 19 6 THE PITCH ......................................................................................................................................................... 21 7 THE CREASES .................................................................................................................................................. 23 8 THE WICKETS ................................................................................................................................................... 24 9 PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PLAYING AREA .................................................................... 25 10 COVERING THE PITCH ..................................................................................................................................... 27 11 INTERVALS ........................................................................................................................................................ 27 12 START OF PLAY; CESSATION OF PLAY ......................................................................................................... 29 13 INNINGS ............................................................................................................................................................. 32 14 THE FOLLOW-ON .............................................................................................................................................. 35 15 DECLARATION AND FORFEITURE .................................................................................................................. 36 16 THE RESULT ..................................................................................................................................................... 36 17 THE OVER ......................................................................................................................................................... 40 18 SCORING RUNS ................................................................................................................................................ 41 19 BOUNDARIES .................................................................................................................................................... 45 20 DEAD BALL ........................................................................................................................................................ 47 21 NO BALL ............................................................................................................................................................ 50 22 WIDE BALL ........................................................................................................................................................ 55 Effective 28 September 2017 Page 2 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 23 BYE AND LEG BYE ............................................................................................................................................ 59 24 FIELDER’S ABSENCE; SUBSTITUTES ............................................................................................................. 60 25 BATSMAN’S INNINGS ....................................................................................................................................... 64 26 PRACTICE ON THE FIELD ................................................................................................................................ 65 27 THE WICKET-KEEPER ...................................................................................................................................... 67 28 THE FIELDER .................................................................................................................................................... 69 29 THE WICKET IS DOWN ..................................................................................................................................... 73 30 BATSMAN OUT OF HIS GROUND .................................................................................................................... 74 31 APPEALS ........................................................................................................................................................... 75 32 BOWLED ............................................................................................................................................................ 77 33 CAUGHT ............................................................................................................................................................ 77 34 HIT THE BALL TWICE ....................................................................................................................................... 78 35 HIT WICKET ....................................................................................................................................................... 79 36 LEG BEFORE WICKET ...................................................................................................................................... 80 37 OBSTRUCTING THE FIELD .............................................................................................................................. 81 38 RUN OUT ........................................................................................................................................................... 83 39 STUMPED .......................................................................................................................................................... 84 40 TIMED OUT ........................................................................................................................................................ 84 41 UNFAIR PLAY .................................................................................................................................................... 85 42 PLAYERS’ CONDUCT ..................................................................................................................................... 101 Decision Review System (DRS) and Third Umpire Protocol .................................................................................... 103 Appendix A Definitions………………………………………………………………………………………………………....121 1 The match ......................................................................................................................................................... 122 2 Implements and equipment .............................................................................................................................. 122 3 The playing area ............................................................................................................................................... 123 4 Positioning ........................................................................................................................................................ 123 5 Umpires and decision-making .......................................................................................................................... 124 6 Batsmen ........................................................................................................................................................... 125 Effective 28 September 2017 Page 3 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 7 Fielders ............................................................................................................................................................. 125 8 Substitutes ........................................................................................................................................................ 125 9 Bowlers ............................................................................................................................................................. 125 10 The ball ............................................................................................................................................................. 126 11 Runs ................................................................................................................................................................. 126 12 The person ....................................................................................................................................................... 126 13 Off side / on side; in front of / behind the popping crease. ................................................................................ 127 Appendix B Equipment ............................................................................................................................................. 128 1 The Bat ............................................................................................................................................................. 128 2 The wickets ....................................................................................................................................................... 130 3 Wicket-keeping gloves ...................................................................................................................................... 131 Appendix C The venue ............................................................................................................................................. 132 4 The pitch and the creases ................................................................................................................................ 132 5 Restriction on the placement of fielders ............................................................................................................ 133 6 Advertising on grounds, perimeter boards and sight-screens ........................................................................... 133 7 Markings on outfield .......................................................................................................................................... 134 Appendix E Calculations........................................................................................................................................... 135 Appendix F Procedure for the Super Over ............................................................................................................... 138 Appendix G Application of the Reserve Day ............................................................................................................. 140 Effective 28 September 2017 Page 4 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 THE PREAMBLE – THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket. The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, umpires and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents. Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket: Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires. Play hard and play fair. Accept the umpire’s decision. Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise. Show self-discipline, even when things go against you. Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team. Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result. Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket. Effective 28 September 2017 Page 5 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 1 THE PLAYERS 1.1 Number of players A match is played between two sides, each of eleven players, one of whom shall be captain. 1.2 Nomination and replacement of players 1.2.1 Each captain shall nominate 11 players plus a maximum of 4 substitute fielders Playing Condition (P/C) Clause 1.2.1 The ICC Match Referee is to ensure that both teams in writing to the ICC Match Referee before the toss. No player (member of the are nominated in writing and received by him prior to the toss (2 copies of the team sheet). playing eleven) may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the Please note for ODI’s it is 11 players plus 4 substitutes opposing captain. 1.2.2 Only those nominated as substitute fielders shall be entitled to act as substitute Playing Condition (P/C) Clause 1.2.1 When a nominated player in the starting XI has fielders during the match, unless the ICC Match Referee, in exceptional injured himself in the warm up after the toss, the opposition Captain needs to consent to circumstances, allows subsequent additions. a replacement player. 1.2.3 All those nominated including those nominated as substitute fielders, must be While this consent has often been given, it cannot be given on condition of the eligible to play for that particular team and by such nomination the nominees replacement player being a similar player or a particular person being rejected by the shall warrant that they are so eligible. opposition Captain as a replacement. Consent is either given or it is not – as long as the 1.2.4 In addition, by their nomination, the nominees shall be deemed to have agreed replacement player is eligible to play and consent to a replacement is given, he can play to abide by all the applicable ICC Regulations pertaining to international cricket in the XI. and in particular, the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel (hereafter referred to as the Playing Condition (P/C) Clause 1.2.3 This is not new. This information has been taken ICC Code of Conduct), the Anti-Racism Code for Players and Player Support from the Code of Conduct regulations and inserted into the PCs to promote greater Personnel, the Anti-Doping Code and the Anti-Corruption Code. awareness and knowledge. 1.2.5 A player or player support personnel who has been suspended from 1.2.2 Only nominated substitutes may act as substitute fielders during the match unless participating in a match shall not, from the toss of the coin and for the remainder of the match thereafter: allowed by Match Referee in exceptional circumstances. 1.2.5.1 Be nominated as, or carry out any of the duties or responsibilities Playing Condition (P/C) Clause 1.2.3 This is not new. This information has been taken of a substitute fielder, or from the Code of Conduct regulations and inserted into the PCs to promote greater 1.2.5.2 Enter any part of the playing area (which shall include the field of awareness and knowledge. play and the area between the boundary and the perimeter boards) 1.2.5 – Note a player or support staff who has been suspended from a match shall at any time, including any scheduled or unscheduled breaks in not be allowed on the day of the match and for the remainder of the match, play. after the toss, to act as substitute or enter the field of play. This includes the A player who has been suspended from participating in a match shall be area between the boundary and perimeter boards. This applies to any permitted from the toss of the coin and for the remainder of the match scheduled or unscheduled breaks in play. (Note the period between end of play thereafter be permitted to enter the players’ dressing room provided that the on one day and commencement of play on the next ( in the case of Reserve players’ dressing room (or any part thereof) for the match is not within the days) is considered an interval in the laws.). playing area described in clause 1.2.5.2 above (for example, the player is not permitted to enter the on-field ‘dug-out’). Note however, a player suspended is allowed to enter the player’s dressing room provided it is not situated within 1.2.5.2. If the dugout is so situated, he may not enter and remain in it. Effective 28 September 2017 Page 6 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 1.3 Captain 1.3.1 If at any time the captain is not available, a deputy shall act for him. Attention is drawn to the difference to the Law here, where only a nominated player on the 1.3.2 If a captain is not available to nominate the players, then any person associated team sheet can act as deputy for the Captain at the toss. with that team may act as his deputy to do so. See clause Error! Reference The Captain for the series should be confirmed at the pre series meeting and if he is not source not found.. the Captain on the day of a match but still plays, he will be deemed responsible for over 1.3.3 At any time after the nomination of the players, only a nominated player can act rate breaches should there be a charge. Should this situation arise, it is only the original as deputy in discharging the duties and responsibilities of the captain as stated Captain who is charged and not the Captain on the day. (Two players are not charged – in these Playing Conditions, including at the toss. See clause Error! Reference only one). source not found. (The toss). 1.3.4 Each Member Board must nominate its ‘T20I Team Captain’ to the ICC when For clarity the member board should in writing inform the ICC and/or the match referee (if appointed. a late change) if the nominated captain has been changed in any format of the game. 1.3.5 If the T20I Team Captain’ is not participating in a series, the relevant Home Board must nominate a replacement ‘T20I Team Captain’ for the series. The This Clause is to be applied as written even if the fielding Captain does not take the field Home Board shall advise the series Match Referee. at all due to an injury during the batting innings. 1.3.6 If the ‘T20I Team Captain’ plays in a match without being the nominated captain for that match, he will be deemed to be the captain should any penalties be applied for over rate breaches under the ICC Code of Conduct. 1.4 Responsibility of captains The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within The Spirit of Cricket as well as within these Playing Conditions. 2 THE UMPIRES 2.1 Appointment and attendance The following rules for the selection and appointment of T20I umpires shall be followed as far as it is practicable to do so: 2.1.1 The umpires shall control the game as required by these Playing Conditions, with absolute impartiality and shall be present at the ground at least two hours before the scheduled start of play, 2.1.2 The ICC shall establish an ‘Elite Panel’ of umpires who shall be contracted to the ICC. 2.1.3 Each Full Member shall nominate from its panel of first class umpires up to four umpires to an ‘International Panel’ 2.1.4 The Home Board shall appoint both umpires to stand in each T20I match. Such umpires shall be selected from its umpires on the Elite or International Panel. 2.1.5 In all T20I matches, the third umpire will be appointed by the Home Board and shall act as the emergency on-field umpire and officiate in regard to TV replays. Such appointment shall be made from the ‘Elite Panel’ or the ‘International Panel’. 2.1.5.1 The playing conditions governing the use of the DRS and the third umpire are included in Appendix D. 2.1.6 The Home Board shall also appoint a fourth umpire for each T20I match from its panel of first class umpires. The fourth umpire shall act as the emergency third umpire. In ‘DRS’ T20I matches the fourth umpire shall be appointed from the “International Panel” Effective 28 September 2017 Page 7 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 2.1.7 The ICC shall appoint the match referee for all matches (ICC Match Referee). 2.1.8 The ICC Match Referee shall not be from the same country as the participating teams. 2.1.9 Neither team will have a right of objection to the appointment of any umpire or match referee. 2.2 Change of umpire An umpire shall not be changed during the match, other than in exceptional circumstances, unless he/she is injured or ill. 2.3 Consultation with Home Board Before the match the umpires shall consult with the Home Board to determine; 2.3.1 the balls to be used during the match. See clause Error! Reference source not found. (The ball). 2.3.2 the hours of play and the times and durations of any agreed intervals. 2.3.3 which clock or watch and back-up time piece is to be used during the match. 2.3.4 the boundary of the field of play. See clause Error! Reference source not found. (Boundaries). 2.3.5 the use of covers. See clause Error! Reference source not found. (Covering the pitch). 2.3.6 any special conditions of play affecting the conduct of the match. inform the scorers of agreements in 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.3.4 and 2.3.6. 2.4 The wickets, creases and boundaries Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that 2.4.1 the wickets are properly pitched. See clause Error! Reference source not found. (The wickets) 2.4.2 the creases are correctly marked. See clause Error! Reference source not found. (The creases). 2.4.3 the boundary of the field of play complies with the requirements of clauses Error! Reference source not found. (Determining the boundary of the field of play), Error! Reference source not found. (Identifying and marking the boundary) and Error! Reference source not found. (Restoring the boundary). 2.5 Conduct of the match, implements and equipment Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that 2.5.1 the conduct of the match is strictly in accordance with these Playing Conditions. 2.5.2 the implements used in the match conform to the following 2.5.2.1 clause Error! Reference source not found. (The ball). 2.5.2.2 externally visible requirements of clause Error! Reference source not found. (The bat) and paragraph Error! Reference source not found. of Appendix B. 2.5.2.3 either clauses Error! Reference source not found. (Size of stumps) and Error! Reference source not found. (The bails). Effective 28 September 2017 Page 8 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 2.5.3 no player uses equipment other than that permitted. See paragraph Error! Reference source not found. of Appendix A. Note particularly therein the interpretation of ‘protective helmet’. 2.5.4 the wicket-keeper’s gloves comply with the requirements of clause Error! Reference source not found. (Gloves). 2.6 Fair and unfair play The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play. 2.7 Fitness for play Playing Condition (P/C) 2.7 2.7.1 It is solely for the umpires together to decide whether either conditions of The objective is for the umpires to maximize play. The intention is to stay out longer than ground, weather or light or exceptional circumstances mean that it would be teams may have been used to in the past. Whilst match officials have dealt with GWL dangerous or unreasonable for play to take place. more firmly in recent times, it is necessary that appropriate positive and assertive Conditions shall not be regarded as either dangerous or unreasonable merely management is continued. because they are not ideal. The umpires are the final judges of the fitness of Ground Weather Light (GWL). The fact that the grass and the ball are wet does not warrant the ground conditions being regarded as unreasonable or dangerous. A. In considering the fitness of light, umpires should note the following: 2.7.2 Conditions shall be regarded as dangerous if there is actual and foreseeable  Only when conditions are UNSAFE, should play be suspended. The word risk to the safety of any player or umpire. unreasonable in the Law applies to high winds, dust storms and the like. 2.7.3 Conditions shall be regarded as unreasonable if, although posing no risk to safety, it would not be sensible for play to proceed.  The terms “unsuitable” or “unfair” are not valid reasons for suspending play. 2.7.4 If the umpires consider the ground is so wet or slippery as to deprive the bowler Conditions need to be ‘safe’ to continue playing and ‘unsafe’ to suspend play. of a reasonable foothold, the fielders of the power of free movement, or the Umpires should only suspend play when conditions are ‘dangerous’. batsmen of the ability to play their strokes or to run between the wickets, then these conditions shall be regarded as so bad that it would be dangerous and  For the avoidance of doubt, the level of light (and therefore the light meter reading) unreasonable for play to take place. required to justify suspension of play will normally be different depending on whether the bowler is fast or slow i.e. the light level at which point it would normally be considered unsafe for a batsman facing a fast bowler is normally higher than one where a slow bowler is bowling. (Note: in differentiating between slow and fast bowlers, umpires should take into account whether the keeper would normally stand back or up to the stumps).  In an effort to prolong play, captains may be advised as to whether slow bowlers should be used when conditions are mainly becoming UNSAFE for the batsmen.  When the on field umpires are finding it difficult to pick up the ball, this is considered the correct time for the umpires to confer and consider the light and discuss the options. Both on field umpires must agree to suspend play.  For clarity, if only one on field umpire believes that play should be suspended, then play should continue.  Light meters should be used only to assist the umpires in their decision making. They are to be used as a guide only once a previous benchmark has been already set. . Effective 28 September 2017 Page 9 ICC T20 ALMANAC 2017 / 2018 Almanac interpretation Playing Condition (P/C) Clause 2.8.5 Light meters should only be used after the umpires have decided to put artificial lights on or have decided that conditions are unsafe – a light meter reading is taken and then used a benchmark for consistency for the remainder of that match. Different benchmarks or readings should be used for slow bowlers (when the keeper would normally stand up) and for fast bowlers when setting a benchmark for batsmen safety. Readings should be taken from both ends by placing the light meter on top of the stumps, and provided to the Match Referee to be placed in the referee’s log B. BAD LIGHT RED FLAGS - Umpires are likely to draw public criticism when they suspend play for bad light when: • The floodlights are on - The fans will find it hard to understand why there is no play with the lights on • The batting team wants to continue - The spectators would believe that the batsmen are the ones who would be in danger, not the fielders. • It is only dark at one end - The camera will always show the better light at the one end • When play was suspended too early in the first instance in the game - Setting a “soft” benchmark early in the match could make getting a result and playing longer, much more difficult at the end of a match. C. Approaches to consider when deciding whether to come off for bad light. 1. The first time that play is suspended for bad light – that reading becomes the benchmark (guide) for the match.(For that type of bowling – fast/slow/spin) That is the time to push the boundaries hard, every time. 2. There should be visible proof of light affecting the fielder’s ability to see the ball – not just one occurrence and it should be genuine and not game tactic related. 3. Ask the referee via umpire comms to look at the weather from high up in the stands when a dark cloud comes over, as there may be blue skies yonder. 4. Grounds are different – we are the global trend setters with responsibilities. 5. Batters have the best view – do not be influenced by them or indeed by the game situation. 6. Remember if they complain about not seeing the rotation of a spinner’s delivery, fast bowlers might be better for them. GWL is a tough call – always remember to extend play longer than has been done previously. Effective 28 September 2017 Page 10