WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Laws of Cricket
Except as varied hereunder, “The Laws of Cricket (2000 Code 6th Edition – 2015)” shall
apply
These playing conditions apply only matches 1 to 5 and 17 to 22 in Band 1 played in
the ‘Win Lose’ format
Penalty Runs – Law 42
Where there is no League appointed Umpire (an official Umpire or a registered Club
Umpire), i.e. where the Umpires are player Umpires (see Playing Regulations section
10), Penalty Runs specified in the Code under Law 42 shall not apply in matches, with
one exception: the 5 penalty runs awarded by Law 41.2-41.4 inclusive, i.e. where the
fielder has attempted to field the ball illegally or the ball has struck a fielder’s helmet
while not being worn.
Wides – Law 25 and Markings - Law 9
Umpires have been given guidance to enable them to penalise wides consistently. The
ICC recommendation for marking the wickets proposes markings at both wickets to
assist the Umpire in detecting wides. It is a WCL provision that Clubs will be expected
to include the markings below:
A - is middle stump
B - Two marks 1 foot either side of middle stump on the batting crease
D- Two marks 5 feet from the batting crease
These two sets of markings are to show the protected area for the bowlers follow
through
C – Two sets of marks 9 inches long on both return and batting crease 35 inches from
middle stump on both sides of the wicket.
These denote the extremes for off side wide deliveries
1.3.1 All balls that pass down the leg side and behind the striker shall be interpreted as
negative bowling and called “Wide”.
Save that the delivery is not a Wide if:
The balls that passes the wickets on or inside the line of Leg Stump when the striker
moves towards the off side and allows the ball to pass behind him.
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WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
1.4
1.4.1
1.4.2
1.4.3
1.5
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.3
1.5.4
1.5.5
1.5.6
1.5.7
1.5.8
• The ball passes between the striker and leg stump.
The batsman attempts a switch hit or reverse sweep; in which case the normal
interpretation of a wide prevails
No Balls
The delivery following a No ball (of any type) shall be a free hit for whichever batsman
is facing it. If the delivery for a free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of No ball
or a Wide ball), then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batsman is
facing it.
For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply
for a No ball even if the delivery for the free hit is called “Wide”
Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of
striker or the No ball was the result of a field restriction breach in which case the field
may be changed to the extent of correcting the breach. However, in all circumstances,
any fielder within 15 yards of the striker may retreat to a position on the same line no
more than 15 yards from the striker.
The umpires will signal a free hit by (after the normal No ball signal) extending one
arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion.
The bowling of fast short pitched balls
Law 42.6 (a) shall be replaced by the following:A bowler shall be limited to two fast short-pitched deliveries per over.
A fast short pitched delivery is defined as a ball which passes or would have passed
above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease. This
ruling shall apply even if the striker may have made contact with the ball with his bat,
person and equipment.
The umpire at the bowler’s end shall advise the bowler and the batsman on strike
when each fast short pitched delivery has been bowled
In addition, for the purposes of this regulation and subject to 1.5.5 below, a ball that
passes above head height of the batsman, that prevents him from being able to hit it
with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke shall be called a “Wide”.
For the avoidance of doubt any fast short pitched delivery that is called a “Wide”
under this playing condition shall also count as one of the allowable short pitched
deliveries in that over.
In the event of a bowler bowling more than two fast short pitched deliveries in an over
as defined in 1.5.2 above, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall call and signal “No ball”
on each occasion. A differential signal shall be used to signify a fast short pitched
delivery, namely the umpire shall call and signal “No ball” and then tap the top of his
head with the other hand.
If a bowler delivers a third fast short pitched ball in an over, the umpire, after the call
of “No ball” and when the ball is dead, shall caution the bowler, inform the other
umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsman at the wicket of what has
occurred. This caution shall apply throughout the innings.
If there is a second instance of the bowler being No balled in the innings for bowling
more than two fast short pitched deliveries in an over, the umpire shall advise the
bowler that this is his final warning for the innings.
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WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
1.5.9 Should there be any further instance by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire
shall call and signal “No ball” when the ball is dead and direct the captain to take the
bowler off immediately. If necessary, the over shall be completed by another bowler,
who shall neither have bowled the previous over, or part thereof, nor be allowed to
bowl the next over, or part thereof.
1.5.10 The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.
1.5.11 The umpire will report the occurrence to the other umpire, scorers, the batsmen at
the wicket and, as soon as possible, to the captain of the batting side.
1.5.12 At the end of the match, the umpires will then report the matter to the General
Manager who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain
and the bowler concerned.
1.5.13 The above is not a substitute for Law 42.7 which umpires are able to apply at any
time.
1.6 The bowling of high full pitched balls
1.6.1 Any high full pitched ball (regardless of its pace) which passes or would have passed
above waist height of the striker standing upright at the crease shall be called and
signalled “No ball” by the umpire at the bowler’s end. In addition, if the high pitched
ball is fast, it shall be deemed dangerous and unfair and the umpire at the bowler’s
end, in addition to the call and signal of “No ball” will adopt the procedures of Law
42.7.
1.7 Covering the Pitch – Law 11
Covers are mandated by Club standards, and will be used during an interruption to the
match. The home Club will have the responsibility for covering and uncovering the
pitch when requested to do so by the Umpires.
1.7.1 Should no official Umpires be present the pitch will be covered on the request of
either captain and uncovered by mutual agreement between the captains
1.8 Fitness of the Pitch – Law 3.8 and Law 3.9
For the avoidance of doubt the Umpires are the final judges of fitness of the pitch or
ground. This condition 1.6 does not replace the Laws and is included here only for
information of players.
2
Cancellation
2.1 The captains (or their nominated representative) when in agreement may call off or
abandon a match at any time on the playing day if they agree a ground is unfit for play
due to climatic conditions. Irrespective of the ownership of a ground, all grounds are
subject to the Rules, Regulations, Playing Conditions and Club Standards of the League.
However, a Club which is a tenant of a third party will not be penalised for the
independent cancellation of a match by a landlord on the basis that the pitch is unfit
or otherwise unavailable through no fault of the tenant Club. As all Clubs have an
obligation to ensure that every effort is made to complete all fixtures, the Club should
therefore agree a service level agreement with the landlord to establish the landlord’s
responsibility to ensure that a suitable pitch is available wherever possible.
2.2 Either captain may demand a pitch inspection by a Panel Umpire un-associated with
the particular teams at which a representative of both teams may attend. If at this
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WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
inspection the match is not cancelled then both teams are required to attend the
ground ready for the scheduled start time.
3
Pre-match Requirements
3.1 Home Club
The Home Club shall ensure that following occurs:
the ground and pitch are properly prepared for play, e.g. the pitch and boundaries are
marked, the wickets and sightscreens are in place
the match balls (see section 3.3 below) , bails, run-up markers and drying cloths are
ready for the Umpires in the designated changing area
3.2 Home and Away Clubs
Both Clubs shall ensure that the following occurs:
The fees for the Umpires are paid to the Umpires before the start of play, unless
agreement to the contrary has been reached with the Umpires (see Playing
Regulations section 10 Umpires)
Provision of scorers (see Playing Regulations section 11 Official Scorers)
The Match Report Form is completed with the players’ names and with the properly
signed declarations about young players
3.3 Match Balls
3.3.1 Only League prescribed balls as specified below shall be used in WCL matches.
The Home Club shall provide all balls for the match, as follows:
1 new Dukes County International, one for each innings. Balls will normally be Red.
For all matches the Home Club shall ensure that sufficient “spare” balls of a similar
grade and colour to the original match balls are provided to allow the match to
continue, should the original match ball(s) become unavailable. The “spare” balls shall
be of a reasonable standard
Any Club proved to have transgressed the above Playing Condition shall be liable to
forfeiture of 5 League points as prescribed in Playing Regulations Section 12 “Penalties
for Offences against Rules and Regulations”.
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Duration, Hours of Play
4.1 Duration
Matches shall consist of a maximum of 50 overs a side. Close of play will be when
either a result is reached or the number of overs above adjusted for late starts and
interruptions are completed.
4.2 Scheduled Start Times
The start times shall be:
Dates
22 Apr to 19 Aug inclusive
26 Aug to 2 Sept
9 Sept
4.3
The Toss
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1.00pm
12.30pm
12.00pm
WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
5
5.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
The toss shall be made no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start of play. A
team shall be considered not ready to play unless at least seven players are present at
the time of the toss. The “non-offending” captain may claim the toss should a team
have insufficient players at the time of the toss.
Length of Innings
Each match shall consist of a maximum of 50 overs per innings.
The captain of the batting side may not declare his innings closed at any time during
the course of the match. Should the side batting first be bowled out before the overs
it is entitled to have received been completed, the side batting second shall be
entitled to bat for 50 overs or as reduced due to inclement weather or other cause.
Late Starts
The match will not start until both sides have at least 7 players at the ground, changed
and ready to play.
If the start is delayed for climatic reasons or because both teams are not ready to play,
the number of overs shall be arranged so that both teams have the opportunity of
batting for the same number of overs (minimum of 20 overs per side). The calculation
of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on one over per side lost for each
period of 7 minutes or part thereof lost.
e.g. 35 minutes lost equals 10 overs and each team shall receive no more than 45
overs. If time for less than 40 overs (20 each side) remain at the start of a match that
match is automatically abandoned.
If only one team is not ready to play at the scheduled start time, the procedure in
5.2.2 will apply and the offending team will be penalised 6 penalty runs for each over
lost.
Interruptions After the Match Has Started
The duration of the game will be reduced by one over for every 3.5 minutes or part
thereof lost. The revision of the number of overs should ensure, whenever possible,
that both teams have the opportunity to bat the same number of overs. If an odd
number of overs remain this is rounded down. The team batting second shall not bat
for a greater number of overs than the team batting first unless the latter completed
its innings in less than its allocated overs. If an interruption occurs in the first innings
and results in a lower number of overs being available in the second innings the first
innings will then conclude and less overs will be allocated to the second innings.
When a side batting second is left with less than 20 overs then the result will be an
abandoned game.
Over Loss Rates
1 hour = 17 overs; 2 hours = 34 overs; 3 hours = 51 overs; etc.
5.2.2 Late Start for climatic
reasons or both teams not ready
Mins
Overs
1–7
1 each side
8 – 14
2 each side
15 – 21
3 each side
22 – 28
4 each side
5
5.2.3 Late start other than climatic reasons or 5.3 Play
Interrupted after the match has started
Mins
Overs
Mins
Overs
1–4
1
33 - 35
10
5–7
2
37 – 39
11
8 -11
3
40 – 42
12
12 – 14
4
43 – 46
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WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
29 – 35
36 – 42
43 – 49
50 – 56
57 – 63
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
7
7.1
7.2
8
8.1
5 each side
6 each side
7 each side
8 each side
9 each side
15 – 18
19 – 21
22 – 25
26 – 28
29 – 32
5
6
7
8
9
47 – 49
50 – 53
54 – 56
57 – 60
14
15
16
17
Slow Over Rates
All sides are expected to bowl at the average rate of one over every 3.5 minutes. This
is rounded to 3 hours for 50 overs
If overs are reduced the target time is reduced accordingly such that, for example, 30
overs should take no more than 30 x 3.5 + 5 = 110 minutes – 1 hour 50 minutes. This
defines an adjusted target time for the innings in instances where the start is delayed
or play interrupted.
All teams are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their
allotted overs within the target time or adjusted target time. In the event of them
failing to do so, the full quota of overs will be completed, and the batting side will be
credited with 6 penalty runs for every whole over yet to be bowled This will apply to
both innings of the match. . If the side batting second is credited with runs in this way
and this consequently takes their score past that of the side batting first then the
match shall be deemed to be won by the side batting second. All penalties in this
regard will be imposed immediately the ball first becomes dead.
If the innings is interrupted, the over-rate penalty will not apply.
The Umpires shall inform the fielding team captain and the scorers whenever the
target time is adjusted. The Umpire at the bowler’s end will inform the fielding captain,
the batsmen and the other Umpire of any time allowances as and when they arise.
Tea Interval
A Tea Interval of 20 minutes shall be taken at the conclusion of the innings of the team
batting first. This timing shall be conditional on local circumstances (for example tea
may not be ready for some reason) and subject to the agreement of the Umpires (or
captains where no League appointed Umpires are present). Note - The Time of the tea
interval can be varied by the Umpires and captains together using the process in Law
15.
The cost of teas shall be met by the home Club.
The Result
Save as provided below a match shall be won by the team which has scored the most
runs.
A result can only be achieved if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at
least 20 overs, unless the team batting second has scored more runs than its
opponents or has achieved its target score as defined below.
If, due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs in the
innings of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than that originally allotted
(minimum of 20 overs), 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 revised
target being calculated by the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern method. A par score will be set
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WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
for the second innings. If this is exceeded a win for the team batting second shall
result. If the par score is equalled then scores are tied.
If a match is abandoned before it has been played to a conclusion and before the side
batting second has received its allotted number of overs (providing that it has received
not less than 20 overs) the result will be decided by the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern
method as determined and agreed by the captains, umpires and scorers working
together.
If after the event it is discovered that the wrong Duckworth/Lewis/Stern target had
been set, the faulty target shall stand. In case of dispute the league appointed umpires
will determine the target.
If the score of the team batting second passes the ‘target score’ at any time prior to
the conclusion of its innings then the match shall be won by the team batting second
but if bowled out earlier the match shall be won by the team batting first.
Only league approved applications shall be used to calculate the
Duckworth/Lewis/Stern targets. The home side will ensure this is available on the
match day. Whilst the league provides a duty manager he cannot be relied upon to be
available to set and calculate Duckworth/Lewis/ Stern targets.
A match shall be tied if the scores are equal at the end of the match.
Points allocations
Win
Loss
Tie
Abandoned
Bonus Points
Bowling
3 wickets
5 wickets
7 wickets
9 wickets or all out
Batting
125 – 149 Runs
150 – 174
175 – 199
200
9
9.1
9.2
9.3
20 points with no bonus points
0 points plus bonus points
10 points plus bonus points.
4 points plus bonus points
1 point
2 points
3 points
4 points
1 point
2 points
3 points
4 points
Number of Overs per Bowler
No bowler may bowl more than ten (10) overs in an uninterrupted 50 over innings.
In a match where the start has been delayed and the innings of both teams are
reduced prior to the commencement of the match to less than 50 overs, no bowler
may bowl more than one fifth of the total overs allowed. 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 – eg in a 43 over match, three bowlers may
bowl nine overs and no other more than eight overs.
In the event of a reduction in overs after the commencement of the match, the
maximum number of overs allowed per bowler will be calculated as in 9.2 above.
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WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
9.4
When an interruption occurs mid-over and on resumption the bowler will have found
to be exceeding the revised maximum allocation, the bowler will be allowed to finish
the incomplete over.
9.5 In the event of a bowler being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls will be
bowled by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over only so far as
each bowler’s limit is concerned.
9.6 It shall be the responsibility of the fielding captain to ensure that maximum bowling
allocations are not exceeded. Should it be discovered that a bowler has exceeded the
original or revised allocation, that bowler shall cease to bowl immediately upon
discovery. Any remaining balls in that over shall be bowled by another bowler,
provided the replacement shall not be exceeding his own allocation. Any runs scored
or wickets taken in the balls bowled prior to the bowler’s having been discovered to
have exceeded the allocation shall stand.
10 Restriction on Placement of Fieldsmen
10.1 At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than five fielders on the leg side.
10.2 The following additional restrictions apply in certain overs of each innings
10.2.1 A “Fielding circle” shall be drawn so; Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of
play. The semicircles 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. 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 intervals,
each ‘dot’ to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc.
10.2.2 At the instant of delivery:
a) Powerplay 1 – no more than two fieldsmen 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 fieldsmen 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 fieldsmen shall be permitted outside this
fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs, these are overs 41 to 50
inclusive.
10.3 In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the
number of overs within each phase of the innings shall be reduced as follows
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WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
Innings Duration
Powerplay 1
Powerplay 3
Powerplay 3
20
4
12
4
21
4
13
4
22
5
13
4
23
5
14
4
24
5
14
5
25
26
5
5
15
16
5
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
40
8
8
23
24
8
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
For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the table shall apply to both the 1st and
2nd innings of the match.
10.4 If play is interrupted during an innings and the table in 10.3 applies, the Powerplay
takes immediate effect. For the avoidance of doubt this applies even if the
interruption has occurred mid-over
Illustrations of 10.4
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WCL Playing Conditions 2017 (Win Lose Format)
A 50 over innings 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.
10.5 At the commencement of the middle and final phases of an innings, the umpire shall
signal such commencement to the scorers by rotating his arm in a large circle.
10.6 In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the square leg
umpire shall call and signal “No ball”.
11 ECB Conditions
11.1 All member Clubs are expected to abide by ECB directives including but not limited to
•
ECB Fast bowling directives
•
The wearing of helmets by players under 18 on the day of the match
•
Fielding restrictions for U18 players
• The procedure for registering players Under 13 to play in adult cricket
11.2 Unfair Play -Suspect Bowling Actions
11.2.1 Where League appointed officials stand the following shall apply. If a bowler’s
action is brought into question then stage 1 of the ECB guidelines will be invoked. The
Club of the player involved will be informed and asked to take action. If on a
subsequent occasion, the bowler is again reported by a League appointed official, then
stage 2, a ban from bowling and a review by a Level III coach, will be invoked. No right
of appeal.
11.2.2 Where no League appointed officials stand the following shall apply. If on two
occasions a bowler’s action is brought into question by two independent reports in
two different matches involving different opposing Clubs, then stage 1 of the ECB
guidelines will be invoked. The Club of the player involved will be informed and asked
to take action. If on a subsequent occasion, the bowler is again reported by a third
independent source, then stage 2, a ban from bowling and a review by a Level III coach,
will be invoked. No right of appeal.
11.3 Failure to adhere to these directives will be viewed as a disciplinary offence.
10