Playing rules

1. Duration, Breaks and Cancellation

• All matches will consist of one innings per side, and each innings will be limited to 40 six-ball overs.

• Start times are to be agreed by teams or directed by competition organiser. However, start time as agreed is 1300 hrs normally . The Toss shall take place not earlier than 30 minutes, nor later than 15 minutes.

• The interval will be 30 minutes unless otherwise agreed by both teams.

• The total match time, including interval, should be no longer than 7 hours, exception given for the final over of each innings.

• In the event of time being lost umpires have the discretion to reduce the length of the interval.

• Subject to weather and light, in the event of play being suspended for any reason, the team captains must be notified at least 12-24 hrs prior to match.

• Competition organiser to determine if one or two intervals will take place each innings. In case of extreme hot weather conditions, up to 2 breaks for drinks are allowed in each innings (15^th and 30^th over). The two intervals for drinks per innings shall not last longer than 10 minutes in total (5 minutes each).No Smoking allowed at any time inside the boundary line.

• If the number of overs in an innings is reduced to 30 overs or less as a result of delays or interruptions there will only be one interval for drinks, which will normally be taken once half the scheduled number of overs in that innings have been completed.

• An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or, at the fall of a wicket, on the field providing that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken on to the field without the permission of the umpires.

• In respect to Start time 1230-1300 hrs as mentioned in Section 1.2, if it is going to be affected by the Junior Colt’s Match, then the time will automatically re-scheduled to later as per groundsman direction.

• Dress code for the League is White and match balls will be standard Red league balls provided by the BGCL league.
• No teams are allowed to play any new players directly into the playoffs semi-finals and Final match. Players who were originally registered but haven’t committed at least  2 matches in the league phase are also not allowed to play directly in the semi-finals and Final match. This is to ensure the fair play conduct as per league’s constitution. Any teams breaching this will get disqualified immediately and other team will proceed to next stage. Outcome will be announced after the match where necessary.   (This rule can be relaxed for injured players with genuine medical surgery and overseas deployed army players subjected to league’s and cricket board approval<Military Commitments such as exercises, operational tours only>). For injured players, medical report of some form needs to be submitted by the team captains in order to involve them in the playoffs round.
• Teams must have minimum of 8 players to fulfil a fixture. Any teams wishes to concede the match must have to inform the league administrators at least 48-72 hrs before match.

2. Length of the Innings

• Each team shall bat for 40 six ball overs unless all out earlier. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.

• All sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 40 overs within 2.75 hours playing 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 runs for every whole over that has not been bowled.

3. Delayed or Interrupted Matches

• Rearrangement of the number of overs may be necessary due to a delayed start or one or more interruptions in play as a result of adverse ground, weather or light conditions or any other reason. The timing and duration of all suspensions of play (including all intervals) or delays during the match will be taken into account when calculating the length of time available for either innings.

• Having considering section 3.1, if a match is delayed due to late arrival of players for more than 15 minutes then the penalty of 1 over per 5 minutes will be put on the delayed team but no penalty will be given to the team arriving on time i.e. punctual team won’t lose any overs from their batting innings.

• If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the overs have been bowled or a result achieved. 

• The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the team batting first unless the latter has been all out in less than the agreed number of overs.

• In order to avoid the penalty for Match delay, should the team decide to proceed without the player who is running late. They are allowed to do so with the 8 players (or less) and the substitute. However, no other player then the nominated players list are allowed to play. In addition, should the player do not turn up for the match within the first 10 overs then he is unfortunately not allowed to play the rest of the Match. The fielding team should need to decide whether they would like to continue with 10 players or with the substitute who then become the permanent player and is allowed to bowl and bat with the team.

• This won’t apply to the team who is batting first, however the players (s) who are running late need to arrive before 25 overs at least.

• In case of a serious injury, a substitute player can replace into the team. However, he or she cannot bat and bowl if the injured player has already batted and bowled prior to injury in the match. He or she will be allowed to take field to cover the injured player. Due to grassroot level cricket, BGCL is unable to follow the ICC’s rules for concussion. Any Injured player must able to field 10 overs at least, league won’t allow a substitute for full 40 overs while an injured player can only bat or bowl. Otherwise, injured player must be replaced by a substitute for the whole match who cat bat and ball if needed.

4. Restrictions on the Placement of Fielders (Inc. Powerplay)

• The following fielding restrictions shall apply for BGCL;

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 semicircles shall be 30 yards (27.43 metres) (25 yards for U13 age group and below). The semi-circles shall be linked by two parallel straight lines drawn on the field.

• At the instant of delivery:
• Powerplay 1 – no more than two fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 40 overs, these are overs 1 to 8 overs inclusive.
• Powerplay 2 – no more than four fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 40 overs, these are overs 9 to 32 inclusive.
• Powerplay 3 – no more than five fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 40 overs, these are overs 33 to 40 inclusive.

If any team does not follow the field restrictions then it will automatically cause a decision of “NO BALL”.

• In circumstances of any interruptions, 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. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that it shall apply to both the 1st and 2nd innings of the match.

5. Number of Overs Per Bowler

• 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 or delayed 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 – e.g. after 10 overs, rain interrupts play and the innings is reduced to 22 overs. Both opening bowlers have already bowled 6 overs each. Other bowlers can only bowl 5 overs or less. Bowlers 1 and 2 have already exceeded this limit, hence they cannot bowl again.

• 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.

• 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.

6. No Ball

• Regardless of how wide of the striker a delivery is, there shall be no more than two deliveries per over that after pitching pass or would have passed clearly over shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease.

• Any ball above waist height is also counted as a NO BALL. This also includes any flighted delivery that falls on the wicket above the waist height.

• There is no FREE HIT after a No Ball during in BGCL.

7. Wide Ball – Judging a Wide

Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. Anything down the leg side is a wide delivery unless the ball is moving above the stumps or too close from the stumps in case of batter moving to offside.

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, in adult cricket 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. Wide shouldn’t be given if it is close to body or stumps when passing through the leg sides outside pads. 

8. The Result

• A result can be achieved only if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 12 overs, unless one team has been all out in less than 12 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 12 overs.

All matches in which a match has begun but both teams have not had the opportunity of batting for a minimum of 12 overs (subject to the provisions of this clause) shall be declared ‘Abandoned’. Any continuous interruptions  or if the pitch or the ground is declared unfit for playing condition will also cause match to be Abandoned while in play.

• If the team batting second has not had the opportunity to complete the agreed number of overs, and has neither been all out, nor has passed its opponent’s score, the Duckworth/Lewis method can be used should the second inning batting team would like to continue in order to win the game.(If needed)

• After the phase 1 for final league standing, if the team points are same, then the other factors will be taken into account such as Net Run Rate, overs played during an inning, etc. These factors will decide the final standings for the playoffs/phase 2 round. 

Play Offs/Cup Stages

If the playoffs Semi-final matches are affected by the rain and if the conditions allowed then short-format or game of 5 overs or Super Over will be conducted to decide the final result. Umpires to take call on short format before toss, if captains don’t agree option to forfiet match should be provided for whome who do not agree with the officials.  If the QF and SF are completely abandoned by the weather then the teams at the top of the league table will proceed to next stage of the Play offs/Cup stages. “No reserve day for playoffs Semi- Finals”. 

Final Match- Final will be aimed to 40 overs match only as per league format. If it gets abandoned at first attempt (on original date) then it will have a reserve date which is on next available weekend when league can secure a ground.  A new toss will be done and match will be freshly start. However, during second attempt (postponed date) if it rains again then result will be decided by the short-format of 5 overs or Super Over will be conducted for the final result.  If the final gets abandoned at the postponed date again then the teams at the top of the league will be the final winner.

9. The Players

• A match is played between two sides. Each side shall consist of a maximum of 11 players, one of whom shall be Captain.

• Each captain shall nominate 11 players plus a maximum of 2 substitute fielders (if applicable) before the toss.

• Each Team shall nominate minimum of 14 players during the registration process with allocated entry fee.
• No players are allowed to play without a valid registration in the league. This should be done by team captains at least 48 hrs before the match. If the rule not followed, then the teams will be penalised as per disciplinary code of the league.
• No Nepalese players who have made the senior national “Nepal” or any other country team appearances are allowed to play in the league. They will be considered for exhibition matches such as MCC, and divisional games matches against county and league XI sides in the UK.
• Individual players are also need to pay £11 match fees each during at whole Phase 1 and 2 matches. This will cover lunch, ground and match balls fees. This will also cover “Umpires” fees. If not lunch, then £10 will be the match fees until further notice.
• Match fees are subjected to change depends on the conditions

“Main Umpiring” at Aldershot Cricket Club matches will be done by the players from the alternative matches at Pitch 1 and 2. This is mandatory and cannot be changed due to expensive ground costs at Reading.

• Only 1 player other than the Nepalese ethnic origin (such as Indian, Sri-Lankan, Pakistani, British (non-Nepalese), Caribbean, Australian, European, etc.) is allowed to be in Playing XI of the match. This player must be from the original 2 Non-British Nepalese players registered at the time of registration form. They cannot be replaced or amended until next season. Teams are not allowed to play both players in the Playing XI, captains need to rotate them during other matches.

• Substitute fielders shall only be permitted in cases of injury, illness or other wholly acceptable reasons. ‘Wholly acceptable reasons’ should be limited to extreme circumstances and should not include what is commonly referred to as a ‘comfort break’.

• It is also encouraged to wear all protective equipment’s by the players during the batting and fielding (Wicketkeepers and Silly position fielders) for their own Health and Safety. The event organisers and clubs are not responsible for any kind of incident should the players decide not wear the personal protection gear as required by the laws of the Cricket.

• It is mandatory for players to wear Helmet and Groin Guard in addition to other PPE’s as covered under section 9.7 above. Should they wish not to wear it voluntary and if an injury occurs, then the League committee members or the Cricket ground providers will not be responsible for players’ negligence with regard to related injuries.    

• All players should also need to liaise with the Team Captains in case of any disagreements or issues on pitch.

• It’s also Captains’ responsibility to keep the players and run the games within the respected sportsmanship. Captains also need to ensure that the BGCL’s games are given priority to fulfil with their best players. This is to ensure team’s position in the league table and players commitment for the purpose of the BGCL’s exhibition matches selection.

 – If a team can’t fulfil a BGCL’s fixture then they will have to cover the ground and umpiring costs. Other team will be awarded with the winning point and the absent team will be penalised by a point.

– Repetitive offence by the same team or players may cause permanent expulsion from the BGCL.  Reference from the league’s Disciplinary Code will also be taken into account.

• Unless the provision of lunch is made exempt by the organisers due to COVID-19, all players must have to pay full £11 match fees. This is applicable even if individual players want to bring their own lunch. This is for the sole reason of covering the ground fees and match balls fees for both teams, otherwise it would impossible to cover them on individual based decisions.

 The Umpires  and Scorer

• At Aldershot Cricket Club (ACC), the umpires shall be appointed by the batting team “Captain” who shall control the game as required by the rules and with absolute impartiality. Two matches are held at the Pitch 1 and 2 of the ACC (other than main ground).

Hence, main umpiring must be done by the alternative team players to overserve impartiality. Leg umpiring should be done by the same team players with impartiality.  This is to because umpires are not affordable at RCC.

For example– if Team A and B are playing on Pitch number 1 and Teams C and D are playing at Pitch number 2, then “Main Umpiring” at Pitch 1 must be done by the players from the Pitch 2 teams (Vice versa for the other match also). This should be managed by Team captain and vice-captain only.

This a must follow rule at the Aldershot Cricket Club when both pitch 1 and 2 are engaged. Anyone flouting with this rule in an unauthorised way will be subjected to penalties and fines as per Disciplinary code.

• League organisers will try to appoint independent umpires from the ACO and other associations for the matches at Tongham and Hawley Cricket Club under allocated expenses. Leg umpiring will still be done by the playing teams in order to assist main Umpire. Leg umpires should also need to follow main umpire orders and AFCO bounded rules to ensure impartiality and general code of conduct.

If available, Independent umpires will also cover Phase 2 matches.

• It is encouraged to appoint competent umpires during the match who have experience of playing at least club level cricket in the UK.

• Neither team will have a right of objection to an umpire’s or Match Referee’s appointment.

• Scoring shall be done by a nominated person from the batting team or a competent person. They should be adequately trained.

Teams also need to ensure that scoring data are uploaded on the play-cricket system within 48-72 hours to avoid any penalties.

• With regard to Byes, Leg-byes and LBW decisions. Normal rules should be followed. Players can do the practice by following the link as provided https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cricket-umpire-lbw-game-tg06rcv7s

• If a ball bounce twice before the crease then it should be declared as a No Ball.

• The umpires are also responsible to monitor the pitch areas which are protected. A bowler or batsman should be warned twice and encouraged to stay away from the protected areas.

10. Disciplinary actions

• Players are not allowed to play the Match under the influence of the any kind of non –medicinal drugs (i.e. Weeds, cocaine, etc.).

• Team captains are allowed to make complaint after the game which will then reviewed by the league committee members.

10.3 Teams and players will be also reviewed under the league’s Disciplinary Code and will be penalised accordingly. The league now also has independent floating Disciplinary and Appeal members. Appeal provisions are in place subjected to fee and nature of the penalty.

10.4 Any kind of serious disciplinary actions or verbal/physical abuse during the match can cause both teams to lose the valuable match points. No points will be granted to both teams and the match will be ceased with immediate effect.