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CBA - BAHRAIN CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION

Laws & Local Customs

Captains & Players : We request all of you to support BCL in the best of yourabilities and interest with the continued strength by keeping in mind thatthe game is greater and superior than any individual or a team, Please gothrough the LAWS upon the acceptance of the preparedness to play withinthe spirit of the game.

Introduction:1. This rule book summarizes all relevant rules and regulations

concerning the cricket matches played under the banner of BahrainCricket League (BCL) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. All personsconnected with the game under the BCL, in one way or the other, arerequired to abide by these rules and regulations in all circumstances.

2. This Rulebook, which was issued on 1 September 2011 and isupdated each year. Further amendments and updates to theRulebook will be issued as specific extended versions to thisRulebook as required.

3. As is well known, BCL has been conducting cricket tournaments inthe Kingdom of Bahrain since 1981 for many teams under differentformats. Mainly, the T20 format and the 7-a side format are the most

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popular, and are played over Fridays and key national holidays.During the latest cricket season 2013-14, a record number of 60teams participated in 7 different tournaments. The matches arecurrently played on 9 different grounds on the island.

4. BCL has its Facebook page name https://www.facebook.com/BCLOfficial where the tournament and player details are proposed to beupdated.

5. BCL is a voluntary cricket league brought together by each playingteam. Therefore, it is very important for each team, itsmanager/captain and each team member to understand that theyhave to adhere to the rules and regulations laid down by the BCL forthe conduct of the game in a proper manner and to provide their

support to the BCL organizing committee in various matters. Mostimportantly, the captains are responsible to make sure that theirteam plays the matches in the best gamesman spirit. Each player hasthe responsibility to be a role model on and off the ground, and to bea good example to young cricketers.

6. It is also made very clear that each player and their teams areresponsible for their safety and good health. BCL or any of itsorganizing committee members shall not be responsible for any

injury or death occurring to any player during any game forwhatsoever reason, and whether occurring on or outside thegrounds.

7. This Rulebook lays down various rules, regulations and guidelines tocover the conduct of the matches and disciplinary action againstteams, captains and players not complying with the same.

8. This Rulebook has been created and drafted by the BCL specifically

for and on behalf of BCL. Except for using it during the BCLtournaments, no other person shall have any right to edit, copy orreuse fully or partly, for any other purpose except with the priorpermission from the BCL.

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INDEX

SECTION A: Team and Player Registration

SECTION B: Administrative Matters

SECTION C: Match Resources

SECTION D: Match Formats

SECTION E: basic cricket rules (only a summary of the relevant rules that areapplicable most of the times in day to day circumstances are produced here;for any further details of the rules, refer to the MCC cricket laws, rules,interpretati ons, explanations and clarifications; the umpires interpretation of

any law/rule shall be final and binding on the playing teams, even if suchinterpretation is erroneous)

SECTION F: Player Discipline, Code of Conduct and Penalties for infringement.

Section A: Team and Player Registration

1. Submission date : Teams must be registered within the time allowed forregistration for each cricketing season as communicated by the BCL

organizing committee. The Team Manager/Captain will be responsiblefor filling up the Team Registration cum Entry form, a format of which isattached as Form 1.

2. Teams once registered for a Bahrain Cricket League season willgenerally be given priority at the time of registration of teams for thenext cricket season, subject to fulfilling all terms and conditions,establishing good disciplinary track record and paying of the fee as is

applicable for such new cricket season.

3. In accordance with (2) above, BCL organizing committee reserves thefull right not to accept the entry of a team which has poor matchattendance record, poor umpiring attendance record and complaints ofconsistent misbehavior against it in the previous cricket season(s).

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4. Teams shall pay the entry fee as agreed and approved at the beginningof each cricket season. The entry fees will be advised prior to the startof each season, late entry fees also shall be applicable to all existingteams.

5. Separate fee for neutral umpires is payable as agreed by BCL

6. Entry fee is not refundable in any circumstances once the registration iscompleted.

7. Change of team name : Change to a team name can be made onlybefore the First captains meeting held for deciding the draw for the fullseason. After this, no team can change its name unless they pay BD 25/-to BCL as Team Change Fee.

8. Player registration:

(i) Each team is permitted to register 16 players for the season

without any additional cost.

(ii) Up to 2 players who have not played any game after registrationcan be replaced by other players free of charge.

(iii) In addition, once the season starts a team with less than 16players registered, then the captain can register the remainingplayers subsequently, but such registration must be completed

no later than 45 days and after the first match played by theteam during the season. If the team is not completed with 16players by that time, then fresh players can only be registered asmew player by paying new player registration fee.

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(iv) For every additional player (referred as the New Players) to beregistered as a team member, a payment of BD 2/- per player ispayable by the team to BCL.

(v) A New Player must be registered with BCL by 9pm onTuesday to be eligible to play in the match on following Friday .An urgent fee of BD 4/- will be charged for teams who wish toregister their players after the above cut-off, but before Thursday9pm.The registration of a New Player requires samedocumentation as in registration of the original team member (asper next paragraph).

(vi) For registration of the original players, team manager or the teamcaptain must provide full details of the players in the PlayerRegistration Form, along with a copy of his CPR/ID card and onelatest photograph attached.

(vii) A form submitted digitally (in soft copy) with clear resolutionpictures will be preferred, to be sent to the email address to be

provided by Sports Secretary. Photographs should be properlyscanned and copy/pasted on the form (in good picture resolution)and by typing up the player details in the e-form. The format ofthe Player Registration Form is attached as Form 2.

(viii) The registration form is important as it will be used for multiplepurposes, including, making player cards, using photographs forpress/media purposes and for maintaining player records on the

website. Therefore, teams are required to pay proper attentionwhile filling up the registration forms. Incomplete registrationforms will be rejected, which will delay the preparation ofplayer cards and will affect the teams at the time of theirmatches.

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(ix) Serial numbering of players it is proposed to provide an IDnumber for each team and each player each season, comprisingof 4 digits, where the first two digits will be the team number andnext 2 digits will be the player number. This is proposed in orderto identify the similarly named players for the purpose ofmaintaining their records. The teams should make sure that theyfill up full player number in the scoring sheet for every match.

(x) Fresh player cards for each season : All the player cards of theteam for the previous cricket season stand withdrawn prior to thebeginning of the current season and teams are required toprovide a fresh list of their players before the specified date foreach season.

(xi) Registered players playing in other leagues and tournaments :

(a) BCL registered players are required to adhere to the BCLs playingenvironment and must continuously represent their team duringthe cricket season for which they are registered for. In order to

protect the best interests of the BCL teams and to help them havetheir best players playing for them at all times, the following ruleswill apply with respect to BCL registered players playing in otherleagues or tournaments.

(b) Occasionally, a registered player may want to leave his team andplay in a different league or tournament. In such cases, theconcerned Team Manager/Captain shall, in writing, inform the

BCL Organizing Committee (to the Secretary or the SportsSecretary) and get the players name removed from the TeamList. This removal will be done free of cost.

(c) In case any member of a team registered with BCL is found to beplaying in any other tournament/league without prior

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for newly registered player, he must have played with the sameteam at least in one match during the league stage.

(h) After the start of the season, if any player wishes to leave histeam and join another team within the BCL, he will be permittedto do so with a fee of BD 5/- if he produces a release letter fromhis previous Team.

(i) A player who wishes to change his team as per point above, cando so within his first two matches for his team without the chargeof BD 5/- or the release letter. Which will apply after the thirdmatch.

(j) A player can change teams only during the initial two matches ofseason (First two played matches only on the beginning of theseason) & not later than two matches.

(k) If the Captain of the previous team is not willing to provide arelease/ transfer letter to his player wanting to leave his team,

then the player has to pay the transfer fee of BD 20/- in order tocomplete the transfer to be eligible to play for the new team.

(l) No fee will be charged on a player leaving a team within BCL to ateam outside BCL, if such departure is notified in advance to theBCL.

(m) When any active BCL team participating in the season

dissolves, due to any reason, the players from the dissolved teambecome eligible for selection by the other teams playing the BCLseason. But these players cannot be picked directly for the knock-out phase of any tournament. The new players into any teamhave to necessarily play 1 match in the league phase before theycan get qualified to play in any quarter final and 2 matches prior

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to any semi-final. Player is ineligible for any Knock out cupmatches for a new team.The maximum number of players from dissolved teams allowedto join another team is two (ie, the same team)

(n) Transfer player can join the new teams after the completion oftournament/ leagues (20 over league or 25 overs league) but theywill not be allowed to play Knockout matches.

Section B: Administrative matters

B1. Captains meetings

(i) From time to time, meetings of the captains will be called for by theBCL organizing committee to discuss any matters of general interestapplicable to the BCL tournaments.

(ii) However, since it is not practicable to call for such meetings regularly,the BCL organizing committee shall send periodic communications byway of emails.

(iii) Notwithstanding the above, at least one Captains meeting shall becalled for, after the conclusion of a cricket season and prior to thecommencement of a new cricket season.

(iv) Among other things, the BCL committee may present its accounts,budget and report on the completed cricket season.

(v) The captains may also propose in such meeting, any changes to theposition of committee members. Until new candidates are proposedprior to the commencement of the meeting and unless any of theexisting committee member has expressed his unwillingness tocontinue in the committee, all the existing committee members shallcontinue in the committee.

(vi) Any vacant positions shall be filled by the existing committeemembers in due course if the same have not been filled during acaptains meeting. Such changes shall be brought to the notice of the

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captains by way of the email communication and where practicable,by way of press report.

(vii)To constitute a quorum for the captains meeting, there shall be atleast 50% of the captains present at the start of such meeting. Themeeting starting time may be delayed by 30 mins if the requirednumber is not available at the original start of the meeting.

(viii) Captains unable to attend the meeting may depute itmanager, vice-captain or a senior team member to attend the same.

B2. Tournament fixtures & schedules

(i) Tournament fixtures will be drawn at a captains meetingconvened prior to the commencement of a new cricket season.

(ii) However, scheduling of matches and match umpires will bedone by the organizing committee as coordinated by the Secretaryand Sports Secretary and will be notified by email or phone.

(iii) Scheduled matches cannot be cancelled or postponed under anycircumstances, unless the organizing committee takes a decision to cancel or postpone any match on its own due to any extremelyemergency circumstances prevailing on the island, including

adverse weather conditions or security reasons.(iv) In most cases of disturbances by weather or others, the

scheduled matches will be abandoned with equal sharing of pointsbetween the two teams (as is followed in international games, inorder to complete the scheduled matches).

(v) No mutual understanding between captains to postpone orrearrange a match will be entertained.

B3. Meetings of the organizing committee and its decisions

(i) The organizing committee shall meet periodically, at leastonce in 3 months, whereas a subcommittee for regular cricketingrelated matters may meet more often.

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(ii) For all major decisions taken in the committee meeting, it isproposed that the attendance of a majority of the followingattending or voting by circulation is sufficient:PresidentVice PresidentSecretarySports SecretaryPR & Technical Director/Consultant

(iii) It is agreed that, at least two members of the committee shouldattend important meetings with external organizations/bodiesand then send a written report to the entire committee on anysuch meetings.

(iv) The Sports secretary will be responsible for scheduling thematches and handling various administrative matters. The sportssecretary will be compensated for his time, efforts and costsincurred for the purpose of various administrative services asagreed by the organizing committee.

(v) Roles and responsibilities of each committee member :a) The President has the leadership role in all matters concerning

BCL and the committee and therefore should lead from thefront taking his team together in all actions for the benefit ofthe BCL.

b) The Vice President has the same role as the President,whenever President is not available. In addition, the VicePresident can take up the roles of other key members of thecommittee during their absence as well.

c) The Secretary is responsible for all secretarial and

administrative matters, including arrangement of committeemeetings, drawing up agenda and resolving cricketing mattersin consultation with other key members of the Committee.

d) The Sports Secretary has a large role in the day to dayadministration of the game, especially the scheduling ofmatches, arrangement of umpires, overlooking the ground

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conditions and taking up matters in the best interests of thegame and BCL.

e) The PR Director is given the task of providing media reportsand communications with the sponsors and third parties. TheTechnical Director has the task of improving the quality of thegame through his initiatives on communication to the teamson matters like umpiring issues, scoring, score sheet updates,website management, writing and updating the rules etc.(Currently both these tasks are handled by one person).

f) The Joint Secretary has all duties and responsibilities of theSecretary especially during the Secretarys absence and alsofor matters such as finding sponsors, providing support in PRand Technical matters to the Director and also to write up theminutes of committee meetings and circulate them inconsultation with other key members of the committee.

g) The Treasurer shall keep the accounts of BCL and isresponsible to prepare budgets for tournaments, inconsultation with other key members of the BCL committee.

h) Other members like Communications Manager, Grounds

Coordinator, Media Coordinator and Committee member shallhave such duties as may be assigned to them by the keymembers of the Committee.

i) Additional members of the committee may be nominated bythe Committee with appropriate designations in order tobenefit the BCL.

B4. Disputes

(i) In all circumstances, the decisions of the ground umpires is finaland binding even if they have misinterpreted a cricketing rule orlocal custom, or were unaware of a rule or local custom. THERESHALL BE NO SCOPE FOR PLAYING THE MATCH UNDER PROTESTHEREAFTER.

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(ii) Captains and players must ensure that they do not protest withthe umpires for wrong decisions given, since the umpires are alsohuman beings who can make mistakes. Teams should not indulgein arguing with the umpires or opposite team and wasting timeduring the match.

(iii) A match started must be completed with a result of a win/loss ortie, or where external circumstances like weather etc cause matchsuspension, then with sharing of points on abandonment of amatch (as per details given elsewhere in the Rulebook). Any teamunwilling to continue the game will stand to lose the match if theumpires so decide.

(iv) All team captains must ensure own discipline and discipline of alltheir players, and they should not misbehave with the umpires.No warning will be given to players and strict action will be takenagainst such players, resulting in disciplinary action as per BCLCode of Conduct.

Section C: Match resources:

C1. Neutral/Voluntary umpires:

(i) From year 2012-13, BCL proposes to set up an independent/neutralumpiring panel. So, specific umpiring related rules will be framed indue course. The following rules which applied to voluntary umpiresin the past years will be withdrawn when the independent/neutralumpiring panel is set up.

(ii) Each team will nominate 1 or 2 players to do umpiring duties duringthe year, which they can replace in prior consultation with the BCL. The committee will note the respective names and the teams shallsend umpires for the match days from these nominated umpires only.

(iii) Each team shall provide 1 or 2 umpires on their rest day (a day onwhich the concerned team has no scheduled matches).

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(iv) To uphold the spirit of the game and to make the game entertainingfor the players and the spectators, it is necessary that the umpires arefair in their decisions and are fully focused on the game without anydistractions (such as receiving/making a phone call etc.). BCL proposesto hold umpiring refresher courses during the year.

(v) Any team who does not provide the required number of umpires, orsends inexperienced umpires, will lose 2 points and will be fined BD10/- for each umpire not sent.

(vi) In the event of umpires reporting after reporting time, each suchumpire reporting late will be fined BD-5/- each, but such umpire mustassume and complete his duties to avoid the larger penalty of BD10 asper (iv) above.

(vii) The decision of the umpires, during the game is final and binding toboth teams. There shall be no complaints acceptable on any cricketingrelated decisions given by the umpires. In order to be correct, and asfollowed in international cricket, the umpires are permitted to discussbetween each other for any decision, except for a decision which hasto be given by the specific umpire. For example, a stumping decisionhas to be given by the Square Leg umpire (without consulting the main

umpire) whereas an LBW decision must be given by the main umpire(for which no consultation with the square leg umpire is requiredexcept for asking if the square leg umpire seen the batsman nickingthe ball with his bat before hitting the pad).

(viii) The umpires are strictly ordered not to wear a dress with red color, asalwar kameez, shorts/Bermuda pants or Arabic dress and any sandalsor ordinary chapals. In order to look appropriately dressed for thematch, the umpires are advised, though not mandatory, to wear black

trouser/pant and a white shirt.(ix) For inappropriate dress of the umpire during the match, which shall be

proved by complaint by any captain or by a committee memberwitnessing the inappropriate dress code of the umpire, a fine of BD 10will be imposed on the team sending the umpire.

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(x) At least one umpire must be present for the toss. Therefore, any ruleregarding the toss time, minimum players required at the toss time,stumps not placed etc. are applicable at the time the umpire reachesthe ground. So if any team had less players than required at the tosstime, but got the additional players later, but before the umpirereached the ground and checked the number of players, that will befound sufficient to meet the rules relating to the Toss.

(xi) To summarize, there will be no losing of toss due to not having enoughplayers or not having stumps etc., unless at least one of the umpires ispresent on the ground. The teams are not permitted to proceed withthe toss, or the match, without the availability of the voluntaryumpires originally scheduled, or substitute umpires provided by theBCL.

(xii) No team can object on the Umpiring decision taken on the field.Umpires decision is final.

(xiii) Nomination of Umpires for umpiring duty: Team captains must make sure that the umpires sent for the

umpiring duty are from the same team; persons who are notregistered as players of the team assigned with umpiring duty

are not permitted to be sent for umpiring duty. If the teams have a problem in sending one or more umpires asper the assigned duty, then they should inform the BCL SportsSecretary at least 24hours before the scheduled match with apayment of BD 5/- per umpire & BCL will arrange for outside(paid) umpires regularly doing such duty.

The penalty for not sending an umpire as per the BCL Rulebook(BD 10/- per umpire plus point deduction penalty) will also apply

for sending an umpire who is not a member of the teamassigned with umpiring duty.

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the time available. For this purpose, 4 minutes shall be equal to oneover.

(ii) Since the complicated run rate computation under the mathematicalformulae applied internationally (the Duckworth-Lewis method) isnot possible in terms of reduced overs for the BCL matches, a simpleaverage of the team batting first shall be applied to the number ofovers available for team batting second, to decide on a winningtarget, irrespective of the fact at which stage the bad weatherintervened or how many wickets were lost before or after.

Explanation: If team batting first scores at a run rate of 8, then the oversavailable for the team batting second shall be multiplied by 8 to compute

the par score and the team batting second shall score one run more thanthe par score to win the match.

(iii) The number of overs limit for power play and for each bowler shallbe proportionately reduced in the proportion of the reduced oversfor the entire innings.

(iv) To constitute a match, minimum 5 overs must be available for eachteam.

(v) If playing a match with minimum 5 overs per team is not possible,then the match shall be called off as abandoned, with both teamssharing one point each. The runs scored in an abandoned match arenot included in the records (individual batting or bowling records andteam net run rate records).

(vi) A game once started, must be completed under any circumstances,unless agreed by the umpires or unless abandoned as discussedabove. Any team walking off the field without the umpires deciding

to cancel the match, will forfeit all the points and the opponents willbe awarded full 2 points.

(vii) Matches must be played on scheduled dates and scheduled times under any circumstances, as per the schedule prepared by the BCL. Incase of an extremely unfortunate and rare situation such as anuntimely death of a player, or any of players nearest family member

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in Bahrain, the match may be postponed after due notification to,and approval from, the committee.

C4. Cricket ball

(i) All teams will play / bat with the red cricket ball brought in by themand which is acceptable to the umpires. The teams are urged to bringa good quality standard cricket ball giving due consideration to thematting pitches and rough conditions prevailing on most grounds.

(ii) If the batting team does not have a cricket ball, umpires may give amaximum of 10 minutes time for the team to arrange the same fromany other team or source, subject to the rule relating to reducednumber of overs for delayed start (see rule ).

(iii) If a team does not succeed in getting a ball even after 10 minutes, itshall be considered as a violation and the team shall forfeit the matchto the other team.

(iv) If the ball is damaged, or loses its shape, then the umpires shall askthe batting team captain to provide another ball reasonably similar tothe wear & tear condition of the old ball (except for its damage orlost shape).

(v) In order to be ready for a contingency of damage to the ball as in (iii)above, the teams should be in possession of at least 4-5 used cricketballs in good condition (with reasonable wear & tear, not the onesthat are played for more than 25 overs) to replace the damaged ball.Not providing a used cricket ball in such contingency shall also beconsidered as a violation as stated under (ii) above, as decided by theumpires.

(vi) The use of any two piece ball, or a ball without any manufacturer

logo or stamp on at least one side of it (a plain ball without any nameprint on it), is not allowed. (Balls should be of good quality and 4piece)

(vii) The fielding side cannot object to the ball given by the batting side.But if the condition of the ball is bad or damaged, then the batting orfielding side can show the ball to the umpires and only the umpires

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can take a decision in this regard whether to continue playing withthe ball or replace it.

(viii) The umpires are empowered to check the condition of the ball at theend of each over for any damage or deliberate tampering with theball. If the umpires find anything done to the ball intentionally by thefielding side (called as doctoring the ball , with an intention to benefitfrom a specific movement of the ball to the disadvantage of thebatting team), then the umpires can penalize the team by imposing 5penalty runs (deducted from the bowling teams total runs whenthey bat) and give a warning to the captain of the fielding side.

(ix) A decision taken by the umpire on the ground regarding thecondition of the ball cannot be appealed by the fielding captain tothe BCL.

C5. Stumps & bails:

(i) For each match, one set of stumps in good condition shall be broughtin by each team. The stumps must be fit for purpose and supportbails if required, if a team cannot provide fit for purpose stumps thenthe umpire can award a walk over to the other team.

(ii) The use of bails for each set of stumps is compulsory in the PremierLeague , and all quarter final, semi-final and finals. It isrecommended but not compulsory for teams in the Diamond leagueand Golden League to use bails when possible and agreed by bothcaptains. Teams playing at the Awali Cricket Ground will be requiredto use bails for all matches. Bails may be removed and playcontinued, with the umpires consent, in strong wind conditions.

(iii) A team can refuse to play when their opponent team does notprovide the wooden spring stumps and also can claim walkover if fitfor purpose stumps are not placed on the pitch by the walkover timeas given or by the time one of the umpires reach the ground,whichever is later.

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C6. Dress code:

(i) Each team decides to choose its own kit prior to the commencementof a tournament, except where a tournament sponsor provides thekit which must be worn by every player without fail.

(ii) Where the team has chosen a dress code, the same must be followedby every member of the team during all of the matches. Umpires areinstructed to not allow any particular player not meeting the teamdress code.

(iii) Teams may choose all-whites, or all-color dress code. Where theteam uses colored and specifically designed clothing, it may bepossible for some players in the team not having the same. In suchcircumstances, the rule as above is slightly relaxed and players, whoaccording to the umpires, are wearing predominantly the same colorclosest to the main color of the team dress code, are allowed to wearthe same and participate in the game.

Explanation : For avoidance of doubts, if a team has colored clothing

with Green as its main color but has some specific designs with someother minor colors, then a player who wears a plain Green colorclothing will be allowed to play.

(iv) Red or maroon color shirts & Trousers clothing will be not allowedconsidering the fact that the tournaments are played with a red colorcricket balls and the batsmans sighting of the ball may be hampereddue to red color on the bowlers shirt /Trouser, especially on the front

side of the shirt s arms/sleeves, And Teams Playing XI side playertrousers and shirts must be in one color. Either white or team color,no mix of different shirts or trousers.

(v) Umpires are ordered to adhere to the above rules strictly and theymay not allow a player/team to participate in a game, awarding thematch to the other team.

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C7. SCORING:

(i) Each team must have their own scorer and BCL-Score Sheets shouldbe filled and completed properly. The umpires must make sure that

both the teams have written FULL NAMES of players in CAPITALLETTERS and also their PLAYER NUMBER (as communicated by theBCL from time to time), prior to the start of the match.

(ii) As BCL is making efforts to post the scores on the website as well asprovide timely report to the news media, any incomplete score sheetwill lead to omission of the results in the press and from the list oftop scores and/or averages posted on the website from time to time.

(iii) Score sheet once submitted cannot be altered under any

circumstances and captains are requested to check the score sheetthoroughly before submitting them, So that the performance of eachplayer is properly recorded.

(iv) Each score sheet shall be signed by both captains and at least oneumpire for the match on both sides of the score sheet.

(v) All team captains are responsible to submit the score sheets bySaturday 9PM to the Sports Secretary, duly signed by both teamcaptains and at least one the present Umpires. Score sheets mayalso be handed over on the grounds itself if the sports secretary isavailable. Late submission of score sheets may result in omission of

press coverage of that match and delay the updates on the website.(vi) No Club/Team should approach the press for publicity of their

results, as these will be directly handled by the PR and Media teamof BCL.

(vii) Photographs provided at the time of registration will be used formedia publicity and therefore, every team must ensure that goodquality photographs are provided in the registration form.

(viii) If the score sheets are incomplete, they will not be considered forteam or player statistics used for determining awards at the end ofthe tournament. For example, if the balls faced are not properlyentered (only scoring shots are entered), the strike rate of such

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players will not be considered. So, the scorer must make sure thatevery dot ball is entered. Players names and card number shouldappear on both batting and bowling positions as required.

Explanation: Tips on tallying the scores on the score sheet: Scorers andteam captains should note the following while scoring and completing thescore sheets:

Batsmens total runs + ALL Extras (including Penalties) = Total Team Score

AND Total Runs conceded by bowlers + Byes + Leg Byes + Penalties = TotalTeam Score

This is because, no-balls and wide balls, including the runs conceded on

those deliveries are already added to the runs conceded by the bowler,whereas byes and leg byes are not included.

Each ball faced by a batsman should be recorded by the scorer, whether as

a dot ball, or as a ball scored against, except for a wide ball which is not

counted as a ball faced by the batsman. Even a no ball is considered as aball faced by the batsman since the batsman has a chance to score against

a no ball.

C8. Team list for each match:

(i) Each team must give the FULL NAME of 12 players entering the samein the score sheet at the time of the Toss.

(ii) Even where the number of players starting the match are only 9(minimum required to start the match) and if the remaining playersare expected later, then the names of such players should also beprovided at the time of the Toss.

(iii) If the player cards were not available with a team at the beginning ofthe match due to any emergency, the team may request the umpiresto give it some time and such team shall arrange to get the playercards before the end of the match. A victory achieved in the match issubject to be cancelled if the player cards were not shown to theumpires by such team.

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C9. The Toss and the decision:

(i) At the scheduled time for Toss, one of the appointed umpires shallallow one team captain to spin the coin and the other team captain

to call one of the two sides of the coin, with whichever name theyare referred to, before spinning the coin. Normally, the sides areidentified as Heads and Tails, but a dif ferent name such as flag andfills may be used with prior understanding of the captains and theumpire.

(ii) The Captain winning the toss for each match shall make his decisionto either bat or field, immediately after winning the toss, in thepresence of the umpire and the other team captain.

(iii) A team loses the toss if it does not have a minimum of 9 players atthe time of the toss, or at the time when one of the umpires reachesthe ground, whichever is later.

Match results

(i) A match result has to be decided at the end of every match on thescorecard, with the rival captains and any one of the umpires signingon the scorecard showing the winner, then such fact should be statedon the scorecard by the umpires.

(ii) Two points are awarded for each win during the league stage andwhere a win is not possible for any reason, points will be sharedequally (one point each to each team).

(iii) While the BCL Committee wants to make sure that every match isplayed, there may be some specific situations when a team is unableto arrange enough players for the match. In such cases, a team mayconsider a walkover in advance.

(iv) A walkover decision must be communicated by a team by 9pm onThursday (previous day of the match) to either the sports secretaryor the general secretary, so that the committee can take steps toprevent the other team and umpires from going to the ground. If theteam giving walkover does not inform by the time and day as stated

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above, then such team will be fined BD 20, with the possibility oftaking further action such as not enrolling it in the subsequent cricketseason.

(v) Once a league stage match is scheduled to be held on a specific date,the match cannot be postponed under any circumstances, includingany disturbances, rain or sandstorm etc. A match to be valid, aminimum of 5 over game must be possible, with the approval of theumpires, otherwise the match shall be abandoned.

(vi) Also, the points will be shared equally when both teams dont reachthe ground by the scheduled time or when at least one umpire ispresent on the ground, whichever is later.

(vii) A league stage match ending in a tie will not be subject to the superover tie breaker. Points will be shared equally by the teams (onepoint each).

(viii) The above rules will not apply for the knock out tournament, orduring the knock out stages of the league tournaments. In such cases,if matches are not held on a scheduled date for any reasonacceptable to the BCL (other than a walk over), then a completerematch will be held on a subsequent date to be agreed by the BCL

committee.C11. Points table positions and qualification rules for knock out stage

(i) At the end of the league stage of a tournament, the points tablepositioning and qualification of teams to the knock out stage willbe decided based on the highest points secured by these teams.

(ii) Where the points are same (tied) for two teams for the sameposition, then the team winning its respective match with the

other tied team in the league stage will get a higher position.(iii) If the two teams on same points had shared one point each during

the league stage (due to a tied match or abandoned match underthe BCL rules) then the higher position will be awarded to theteam that has the best AGGREGATE NET RUN RATE in the leaguestage.

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(iv) Also, where the total points are same for 3 or more teams, thenalso the AGGREGATE NET RUN RATE will be used to decide thehigher position.

(v) To clarify this rule, if two teams, A and B, end up on 15 points andif Team A had beaten Team B in the league stage, then Team Awill be placed higher on the points table. If their league matchended in no result (and points shared) and if Team B had a higherAggregate Net Run Rate, then Team B will be placed higher on thepoints table. Same way, if more than 2 teams are tied, then alsothe aggregate net run rate will be taken into consideration andthe team with a better AGGREGATE NET RUN RATE will be placedhigher on the points table.

(vi) Aggregate Net Run Rate will be equal to:[Total runs scored by the Team in all matches (divided by) totalovers faced by that Team in all matches ]MINUS [Total runs conceded by the Team in all matches (divided by)total overs bowled by that Team in all matches ].

(vii) For the purposes of considering the overs for the above

computation, a team that is all out (or has no batsman remainingor available to be all out) without completing the total overspermitted in the match, the total permitted overs for the inningswill be taken into account. But when a team chases and wins,then the actual overs faced by it will be considered for thecomputation. A fraction of an over will be converted to 10-decimal system for example, 1 ball is equal to 0.17, 2 balls areequal to 0.33, 3 balls (half over) equal to 0.5, 4 balls are equal to

0.67, 5 balls are equal to 0.83 and completed over of 6 balls willbe considered as 1.Explanation: if a team was all out in 18 overs in a 20-over game,then 20 overs will be considered in the total overs faced by thebatting team or overs bowled by the bowling team. Similarly, If ateam successfully chased the winning runs in 17 overs and 2 balls,

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the applicable figure will be 17.33 overs bowled by the bowlingteam and faced by the batting team.

(viii) If a match is abandoned midway through the match and thepoints are shared, then none of the scores or wickets in thatmatch will be considered for the computation of team run rate.

(ix) How Teams will be qualifying in Divisions Race after playingseason first T20 Tournament :a) Bottom Rank(4) teams of group A & B in Premier total (8), will

be demoted to Diamond League for 25 Overs Tournament.b) Top Rank(4) teams of group A & B in Diamond total (8), playing

Quarter-Finals will qualify for 25 Overs Tournament.c) Bottom Rank(4) teams of group A & B in Diamond total (8), will

be demoted to Golden league for 25 Overs Tournament.d) Top Rank(4) teams of group A & B in Golden total (8), playing

Quarter-Finals will qualify for Diamond 25 Overs Tournament.

Explanation: Indian School (3) Teams playing in Golden, ifqualified for Quarters will play their Q-Final matches BUTunfortunately will not be permitted to play in Diamond League.

Other teams will replace them as per ranking accordingly thatsonly if Indian School teams qualified.

C12. Match timings

(i) All BCL major league tournaments and knock out tournamentmatches will be played in two sessions on Fridays, morning andafternoon. The start time for these matches will be according tothe availability of the proper light conditions, considering the

season of the year. These timings will be announced from time totime as a separate announcement.(ii) Each innings of 20 overs must be completed within 90 minutes

and each innings of 25 overs must be completed with 105minutes. Break between the two innings can be maximum of 15minutes. So the total time allocated for each 20 over match willbe 195 minutes and for 25 over match will be 225 minutes.

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(iii) Separate timing will be applicable for Sixes tournaments whichwill also be notified prior to the date of such tournaments.

Section D: Match formats

(i) Different formats are used by the BCL for different tournaments andthe details of each format will be communicated prior to staging eachtournament.

(ii) Broadly, BCL organizes T-20 tournaments, with 20 overs per sideformat, T-25 tournaments with 25 overs per side format and Sixestournament (similar to the Hong Kong Sixes) on a 6-over per sideformat.

(iii)

Generally the international cricket rules are followed in verbatim,however, occasionally and considering that the game is played on anon-professional basis in Bahrain, some exciting additional featuresare added to each tournament from time to time, year on year.

(iv) The matches will be played according to the playing conditions foreach match as decided by the BCL from time to time, and for eachspecific tournament.

(v) Rules for the Sixes tournament will be provided on the same day of

the tournament and therefore are not included in this Rulebook.

D1 Walkovers and No. of players in a side Minimum and Maximum:

If a team cannot raise a team for any upcoming BCL match the Captain ofthat team must inform the Tournament Organizer/Secretary by thefollowing deadlines. - Morning matches by 8 pm on the day prior to thematch. Afternoon matches by 10am on the day prior to the match. If notdone, penalties and fines will be issued.

(vi) A minimum of 9 players are required to be on the ground prior tothe toss time and to constitute a game, failing which, a walkover willbe considered by the umpires to the other team.

(vii) The maximum number of players per team will be 12 ( as permittedby Law 1 of MCC laws of cricket ), as was introduced in 2011-12

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season which was found to be very useful by most of the teams as ithelped them to give opportunity to 12 players and at the same timeto have a contingency option in case of injury or last minute drop out,plus for scoring.

(viii) A team can nominate 12 players to be part of the team for a match,of which, any 11 will be permitted to bat and any 11 can be part ofthe fielding eleven.

(ix) This means that one of the 11 batsman will sit out during itsfielding/bowling session (the innings when its opponent bats). Thechoice of who will bat and who will bowl will be left to the teamcaptain who need not have to inform the umpire.

(x) The umpire will consider the first 11 players going to field will be theofficial fielding eleven, unless the fielding captain informs the umpirethat one or more of these players are fielding as substitutes and willbe replaced by the regular members of the fielding eleven during thecourse of the match.

(xi) Also, the batsman who is not part of the fielding eleven can come inas a substitute fielder to replace an injured fielder. However, thatbatsman who is sitting out and who comes in as a substitute fielder

will not be allowed to bowl nor to act as a wicket keeper as per theoriginal cricket rules.

(xii) It is expected that the batsman sitting out during his teams fieldingsession will be sitting with the scorer from the batting side to makesure there are no scoring related disputes later.

(xiii) If a team does not have 12 players, then it can play with just 11 (or 10or 9) without worrying about the above rules. At the same time, itsopponents can play with 12 players if available, according to the

above rules.(xiv) This is a privilege given to all teams, but teams who do not want to

exercise it are welcome to do so, but cannot prevent their opponentsfrom using the same.

(xv) If there are extra players beyond the maximum permitted 12, thensuch players can be allowed to field only as substitutes in place of

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injured players but cannot keep wickets. Umpires will decide if afielder needs to be replaced due to injury. Umpires should ensurethat the teams are not using this option to give rest to some of theirplayers by bringing in substitute fielders from time to time. If there isno injury, then the umpires have all the rights to deny permission forsubstitution.

(xvi) If there are minimum 9 players of each team on the ground, thematch can start. The late coming players are permitted to participatein the game in full capacity, but during the fielding session, a latecoming player cannot bowl until he fields for the same number ofovers that he was absent for.Example: if a bowling side player comes to join his team on theground at the end of 7 overs, then he is allowed to field immediately(that is, at the end of 7 th over), but he cannot bowl for the next 7overs, which means he can only bowl from the 15 th over.

(xvii) Also, any player of the fielding side arrives after the end of 10 overs(whether in a 20 over match or a 25 over match), he will not beallowed to bowl and also will not be allowed to bat in the first 4 overs(mandatory power play) when its batting turn comes, but can come

to bat at No 6 or later if his side loses 4 or more wickets within thosefirst 4 mandatory power play overs.

(xviii) A fielder sitting out during the last 4 overs of the oppositions battinginnings cannot bat in the first four mandatory overs.

(xix) Any late arriving player from the carded 12 players cannot bowlimmediately on arrival at the ground. He has to field for the nos. ofovers he was away from the field before he can bowl in the match.

(xx) All the BCL Carded players should be having CPR Number. No player

on visiting visa can be allowed to represent any BCL team.(xxi) Only Umpires can make the decision to allow the 13 th or 14 th player

(only to replace visibly injured players) to field for the 12 side team.(without visible injuries only the nominated 12 th man is allowed tofield for playing elevens)

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Section E: Rules directly concerning the game:

I Batsmen, kit, runners and other related rules:

i) Dress code and kit : Batsman shall wear official team kit at all timesand must always wear protective gear covering, leg pads, gloves andan abdomen guard. Additionally, they may protect themselves witharm guard, thigh pad, chest pad and a helmet. Batsman shallremember that, while the pads, gloves and abdomen guard aremandatory, other equipments will be in their best interest ofprotection.

ii) However, batsman who is aged less than 18 years, must always wear

a helmet in addition to the compulsory cricket gear referred in (i)above. If he does not wear one, the umpire has the right to check hisplayer card to verify his age and if found guilty, ask the batsman toget a helmet and continue playing. If such player refuses to wear thehelmet, then the umpire shall order the player out. If a player agedless than 18 years continues to play without the helmet and if hesuffers any injury, his team and its captain will be solely responsiblefor the injury . At the Awali Ground Bapco safety rules do not allowany player under 18 to bat or keep wicket without a helmet.

iii) A batsman will not be allowed to play the same number of overs atthe beginning of a chase, for which he did not field for at the end ofthe fielding session.

Example: If a player goes off the field during the last 4 overs of thefirst innings (that is, during its fielding session), then the playercannot bat for first 4 overs of the second inn ings (his teams battinginnings) unless he comes into bat after the fall of 4 wickets. This ruleis introduced in order to avoid a situation where a player takes morerest to preserve his stamina for the initial power-play overs.

II Runners : Runners are not permitted/allowed in any kind of format inCBA-BCL division Tournaments.

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III Different ways of batsman getting out

For more detailed cricket laws and rules on Cricket, international cricketrules shall be referred to. However, for an easy reference, some of the key

rules are stated here. A batsman may be given out in the following 8 ways:

A) Bowled a) When a legitimate ball (not being a no ball or a dead ball called by

one of the umpires) delivered by the bowler hits the stumps at thebatsmans end, or when the bails are used, dislodges at least one bailin the process.

B) Caught a) By any fielder or by the wicket keeper with the catch being taken

inside the boundary line and before the ball hitting the ground.b) If a player takes a catch on the boundary line he should try his best to

retain his position (stay in his position), so that the umpire may get achance to verify the location before declaring the batsman out. If theplayer has moved and the umpire is not able to verify the location,the benefit of doubt will be given to the batsman and 4 runs will be

awarded to the batsman. But where it is clear to the umpire that thefielder had overstepped the boundary, whether or not the fielder hasmoved from his catching position, then 6 runs shall be awarded tothe batsman and the catch will not be considered valid.

c) Process of completing a catch: Normally, a fielder should be incontrol of the possession of the ball during the process of catchingand should not be stepping on to the boundary line or hump whilehaving the ball in his hand at the same time.

d) While a fielder, who was inside the boundary line or hump beforestarting the process of the catch can touch the ball, throw it in air, goout of the boundary line or hump momentarily, come back inside andthen take the catch, such catch will be a valid catch according to theinterpretations followed in international cricket.

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e) However, if the player was outside the ground or was standing on theboundary hump before catching the ball (and even if he jumps in theair to touch the ball and simultaneously jumps inside the ground),such catch will not be considered as valid.

C) Stumpeda) by the wicket keeper off any legitimate delivery other than a no-ball,

when the batsman playing at the ball delivered by the bowler, missesor leaves the ball and the wicket keeper hits the stumps with gloveshaving the ball in them, or with the ball hitting the stumps afterhitting the wicket keeper on any part of his body, when the batsmandoes not have his bat or one of his feet grounded inside the battingcrease.

b) For avoidance of doubt, even if the bat or feet are on the line, thebatsman is ruled out.

c) Also, a stumping dismissal is permitted off a wide ball declared bythe umpire.

d) A batsman who is using a runner will be out stumped if his runner isnot standing behind the line of the batting crease when the wicket

keeper dislodges the stumps/bails.

D) Run outa) by any fielder, by the bowler or the wicket keeper who throws down

the stumps when the batsman attempting a run has not reachedinside the crease at his running end, and run out can be effectedeven off an invalid delivery such as a no ball or a wide ball

b) If a batsman dropped his cap or bat or any part of his kit on the pitch

while running between the wickets, he should wait for the ball to bedead and inform the umpire before leaving the crease to collect hiscap or bat or any of part of his kit. Otherwise, the fielding side mayhave a right to run him out for being out of his crease withoutinforming the umpire (however, the gamesman spirit wouldsupersede this rule)

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f) If the ball hit the pads outside the line of the stumps, even if the ballwould have gone on to hit the stumps, when the batsman wasattempting to play, it cannot be given out LBW.

g) In most cases, the benefit of the doubt goes in favor of the batsmanunless the umpire is sure considering all factors governing the LBWrule.

E) Handling the balla) When a batsman plays the ball or takes the ball on his body or pad

(without being out LBW) and the ball moves toward the stump, thebatsman can stop the ball with his bat or pads or with the handholding the bat. If he stops the ball in any other manner, the fieldingteam will appeal and the umpires can give the batsman out handlingthe ball.

b) A batsman who is injured and using a runner can be out under thisrule even when he is not a striker.

F) Obstructing the fieldi) Batsmen can also be given out for obstructing the field, if he

deliberately comes in the way of the fielder attempting to take a

catch or effect a run out. However, while in the process of runningbetween the wickets, if the fielders view of the stumps is blocked,such instance is not considered as obstructing the field;

ii) A batsman who is injured and using a runner can be out under thisrule even when he is not a striker.

G) Time Out (please read and inform your players ).i) when the incoming batsman comes in later than the time allowed to

come in, in accordance with the applicable cricket rules; As per thecurrent rule for T20 cricket and as used by the BCL, when batsmangets out and is in process of returning back to the pavilion, the nextincoming batsman must cross the dismissed batsman inside theboundary line.

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ii) In case of crossing takes place outside the boundary line, the fieldersmust first appeal to the umpire and the umpire in return will declarethe incoming batsman OUT. (A guild line limit of 2 minutes will beallowed by the umpire for a batsman to be at the crease and beready to take guard)

iii) Some batsman deliberately move slowly towards the boundary orstop inside the ground to help the next batsman to walk in. In suchcases umpires can warn the concerned team captain and penalize theteam with 5 penalty runs. For a repeat offence, the Time Out rule canbe used to declare the next batsman out, even though the dismissedbatsman is still inside the ground when the new batsman crossedinside. (See 2 minute guild line above).

IV BOWLING AND FIELDING RULES:BOWLING RULES:

i) Over constitutes 6 valid deliveries, which means no-balls and wideballs are excluded. Free hit delivery is included/counted as part of theover if the same is also not a no ball or wide ball.

ii) In case of injury or illness to a regular bowler (while bowling during amatch) the over may be completed by any other bowler.

iii) No-balls: There are many ways in which a no ball can be called by theumpires, as below:

a) Bowler overstepping the popping crease (the front crease) withouthaving any part of his boot behind the line (which will result in a freehit).

b) Bowlers any one leg touching the return crease (the crease which isperpendicular to the bowling crease)

c) By bowling a fast paced full toss above waist height in which case theumpire shall call it a no ball and also issue warning to the bowler if itis considered to be dangerous to the batsman (please note a slowpaced full toss above waist height is not a no ball the umpire shall

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decide if the ball is bowled with fast or slow pace and for thispurpose, whether the bowler usually bowls fast or spin is irrelevant);

d) if the bowler bowls another fast paced full toss in that innings, theumpire shall ask the captain of the fielding side to take such bowleroff bowling attack immediately and will not be allowed to bowl forthe rest of the innings and the over shall be completed by anotherbowler,

e) By bowling more than one short pitched delivery above shoulderheight (after the umpire has earlier issued a warning for the one suchdelivery allowed per over) in one over,

f) By bowling without adhering to the field restrictions, including thepower play field restrictions.

g) When a new bowler bowls his first delivery without informing theumpires on which side of the wicket (over or around) and in whichhand (left or right) he will bowl. It is also required for the bowler toinform the umpire if he changes the type of delivery (over or around,left hand or right hand) also, failing which it will be called a no ball,

h) When the bowling action is suspicious, or the bowler is throwing theball according to the umpire, that delivery shall be called a no ball

(and if this is repeated 3 times in an innings after 2 warnings for thefirst two such deliveries, the bowler should be stopped fromcontinuing to bowl and should be replaced by another bowler; theone who is replaced cannot bowl for the remaining part of theinnings),

i) If a fielder is outside the ground or if a substitute fielder is on theground without informing the umpire, or if more than 11 fieldersfrom the same team are on the ground when the ball was delivered

by the bowler. j) When the ball pitches more than twice, or rolls along the ground,

before reaching the batsmans batting crease, k) A ball delivered by the bowler under arm or below the level of his

bowling shoulderl)

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iv) However, when the wicket keeper makes a significant movementfrom his original position but does not cross the line of the stumpsafter the ball coming into play (that is, after the bowler starts his runup) but before the ball touches the bat or person of the batsman orpasses the stumps, the ball shall be declared a Dead Ball by any ofthe umpires, who shall also warn the wicket keeper to avoid thesame. No penalty runs are awarded.

v) In the case above, if the wicket keeper crosses, and comes in front ofthe line of the stumps before the ball is touched by the batsman orthe ball passes the line of the stumps, then such delivery shall becalled a no ball.

vi) Also, when a fielder makes significant movement sideways orbackwards, the ball shall be called a Dead Ball (and not a no ball) andumpires may issue a warning to the fielder .

vii) If a substitute fielder fields the ball without informing the umpire, theball will be declared as a dead ball and 5 runs will be awarded aspenalty to the opposite team.

viii) Also a ball fielded by any player other than with his hands (i.e. a cap,or gloves for a non-wicket keeper or a hand towel etc) will bedeclared as a dead ball +5 runs will be awarded as penalty to theopposite team.

ix) No-balls and free hits: A no ball for overstepping the bowling creaseshall result in a free hit which is, the next legitimate delivery to bebowled by the bowler, in which, only a run out and a illegallyexecuted double strike can be given out and all other forms of

dismissal are not permitted, whereas actual runs scored in that freehit will be added to the team score and the ball shall be counted inthe over.

x) Dismissals from a no ball: Except for a Run Out, Handled the Ball,Obstructing the Field and Illegitimately Hit the Ball Twice, no otherdismissals of a batsman are permitted.

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xi) A no ball bowled by the bowler, if it hits the stumps, the ball willstill be in play (not dead) and the stumps shall be considered asdisturbed or broken. In such a case, a batsman can attempt totake a run as the ball is in play. To effect a run out, a fielder or thewicket keeper will have to hold the ball and at least one stump in hishand since the stumps are considered as disturbed or broken. If afielder, attempting to run out a batsman taking a run in this situation,throws the ball to the stumps, then it shall not be considered as avalid dismissal.

xii) Different Dismissals off a No-Ball: When a batsmen is clean bowledoff a no-ball, the batsmen is not dismissed ,but the ball remains inplay ( not dead) till it finally becomes dead under other rules.Accordingly, further runs can be scored as Byes , a run-out cane beaffected or certain other permitted dismissals off a no-ball can bemade. However, to effect a run out at the strikers end or non-strikersend, attention needs to be given to the fact that the stumps, whetherplayed with bails or not, are already dislocated (on being cleanbowled) & the wicket-keeper or a fielder needs to hold the ball & thestumps in the hand at the same time to run out the batsman. Merely

throwing the ball at the dislocated stumps is not sufficient to claim arun out even if the batsman is out of his crease. Also, a batsman canbe run-out even if is not attempting a run, under the run out rules.

Wide ball:

i) A ball delivered by the bowler is outside the reach of the batsman onthe off side or on the leg side or above the head of the batsman shallbe declared a wide ball.

ii) Only stumping and run outs are permitted off a wide ball.iii) A wide ball, like in the case of a no ball, is not counted for the 6 valid

deliveries in an over and therefore has to be re-bowled until thebowler completes 6 valid deliveries.

iv) One run granted off a wide ball and any additional runs taken (whenthe wicket keeper fails to collect the ball) shall all be counted part of

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the bowlers analysis as wides. (please note that there are no byesoff a wide ball, everything is considered as wide ball runs)

v) If a ball that was called no ball is also a wide, then no ball shall takeprecedence (and wide ball ignored).

vi) Dismissals from a wide ball: Except for Run Out, Stumped, Handledthe Ball, Hit Wicket and Obstructing the Field, all other dismissals arenot permitted off a wide ball.

vii) In the event of a ball pitching outside the concrete area of the wicketand then deflecting back into play, a wide ball will be called.

FIELDING RULES:viii) Power-play overs: The specific rules on power-play overs as

applicable from time to time will be communicated at the beginning

of the tournaments. However, as a matter of general rule, a 20 overformat shall have 6 power-play overs, of which first set of 4 overs aremandatory at the beginning of the innings and second set of 2 oversare flexible that can be taken by the batting side anytime during overno. 5 to 18. If not taken by the batting side by that time, overnumbers 19 and 20 shall be the second power-play overs.

ix) For a 25 over game, 8 power-play overs are applicable, first set of 4overs being mandatory at the beginning of an innings and thereaftertwo sets of 2 power-play overs each shall be taken by the fielding

side and batting side, in any order, and such option shall run from the5 th over to the end of 21 st over. If not exercised till then, overnumbers 22 to 25 shall be the power-play overs.

x) Field setting rules : During the first set of power-play overs (4),minimum 7 fielders should be inside the inner ring (approximately 30yards). During the second (and third, where applicable) power playovers, minimum 6 fielders should be inside the inner ring.

xi) During the period of other than power play overs, there should be atleast 4 fielders inside the inner ring.

xii) No. of fielders required inside the ring are exclusive of the wicketkeeper and the bowler.

xiii) While there is no rule of minimum number of fielders on the leg side(onside), a maximum of 5 fielders are allowed to field on the leg side(or onside) of the batsman.

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xiv) When the minimum fielder rules are not followed by the fielding sidewhen the bowler delivers the ball, the main umpire or the square legumpires shall call a no ball.

Playing friendly matches on BCL grounds on off days:No one is permitted to play on BCL grounds without prior specific approvalfrom the BCL Sports Secretary. If any BCL team found violating thisrequirements will be fined BD 50/- & will also be docked 2 points from theirPoints table.

Match Venue:Every team playing in the BCL is bound by the committee decision on thevenue, date & time for their respective matches. All the matches will be fair

& neutrally managed. There is nothing called home ground for any team.

Clarifications / changes to the BCL Rulebook effective for matches to beplayed on and after 13 April 2012: 'Playing under Protest' rule abolished:

The rule B4 (i) has been abolished from the rulebook with immediate effect(as per decision taken by BCL committee on 2 April 2012). Therefore, fromimmediate effect (for matches starting 13 April 2012), all umpiringdecisions, whether correct or not, whether technically wrong or otherwise,will be FINAL & BINDING on both teams. Any players or teams foundarguing with, abusing or accusing the umpire, or wasting time in thisprocess, will be punished stringently in accordance with the Penalty Rules(see point no. 6 below).

Towards this end, every team captain must sign a Declaration to besubmitted to the BCL Committee (a format is attached to this document,and is also sent to the teams by email) that they will abide by ALL thedecisions of the umpire (even those that are wrong) and that the captainand/or the manager will take personal responsibility to educate his team inthis regard. Umpires will not be required to call the sports secretary or anycommittee member for clarification of a rule relating to the game (batting,bowling, fielding, scoring, methods of dismissals etc.), but can reconfirm onany technical matters like playing conditions, team kits, quality of thecricket equipment, missing player cards etc.

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Power play overs: A batting team has to choose its 2 overs power playovers during 25 overs game, before the Start of an Over . After beingnotified, the bowling team will have the benefit to decide who will bowlduring that power play over, and even to change a bowler for this purpose.

It is clarified that, both these acts must be done before a bowler Starts theOver .

For this purpose, Start of an Over means a bowler starting his run up tostart his over, or when a bowler has no run up, then his first move to bowl.An Umpire will decide if the bowler has started his run up or not, for theapplication of this rule.

Once a power play is opted for by the batsman, by communicating to theumpire, a batting team cannot reverse its decision.

Super Over: If the match result is a tie at the end of the completed set ofovers ,then the Super Over is used to determine the winner. (Not applicableto league matches)

At the time of the toss for the Super Over ,each team will nominate 4players each.(Typically 3 batsmen & a bowler).The batsmen nominatedduring the toss cannot bowl the Super Over.

If it is a tie at the end of the Super Over, then the teams will be comparedfor the nos of sixes hit in the Super Over .The team having scored moresixes in the match are the winners.

If the nos. of sixes scored by both the teams are the same at the end of theSuper Over, then the nos. of fours hit by the two teams will be compared.The team having hit more nos of fours in the match will be declared thewinner.

However, if the nos. of fours & sixes scored by both the teams are equal atthe end of the match, then the winner if decided by the TOSS.

Boundary line fielding and catching rule: This matter is catchingeveryone's attention internationally - especially when a fielder makesefforts to save runs near the boundary (in the process touching or crossing

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the boundary) or when he catches, or makes an effort to catch the ball hitby a batsman.

Due to the difficulties existing in the local cricket matches (especially lack of

camera replays and the disappearance of the boundary line/hump), thedecision to call a boundary or not, when a fielder attempts a boundary linesave, is entirely that of the on field umpire and no team, from inside oroutside the ground, can make any argument with the umpire in this regard.

Also, due to the various technicalities involved in the rules relating tomaking a fair catch of a ball hit in the air by the batsman, it is made veryclear that, a fielder must be inside the boundary (and not touch theboundary line/hump, or cross it) before touching/catching the ball orbefore jumping in air to touch/catch the ball . Having touched the ballinside the boundary line/hump or by jumping from inside the boundaryline, a fielder may go temporarily outside the boundary, and then comeinside to regain his position inside the boundary to once again getpossession of the ball. This process is deemed as being 'a fielder in fullcontrol of the ball inside the boundary line while making a save or takinga catch' .

To clarify, a fielder cannot touch the boundary, or stand outside theboundary before touching/catching or jumping in air to touch/catch theball.

A four/six will be awarded, as the case may be (fielding the ball or catchingthe ball), if the above rule is not followed, as decided by the on-fieldumpire. (This rule shall apply in BCL even if international cricketinterpretations are contrary to this rule).

The 12 per side rule: As the BCL teams know, this rule was introduced dueto various factors as discussed in the Rulebook and many teams have

benefited from this rule at various times, including availability of an extraplayer as a scorer or as a substitute fielder during injury.

To make the best use of this rule, it is clarified once again that, this is NOTthe same as a Super-Sub rule. Super-sub rule requires prior intimation onthe umpire on the 11 players batting and the 11 players fielding/bowling.But in the BCL 12 per side rule, this is not required, as explained below

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(please ignore any other Rulebook notes if it is contrary to the followingclarification)

Under this rule, a team can nominate 12 players for a match. From this

Twelve, ANY 11 players can bat. While their fielding turn comes ANY 11players can go to the field at the start of the innings who form the fieldingEleven (with right to bowl if and when required).

Umpires are not required to be informed if a player who has batted doesnot come to the field. However, an intimation to the umpire is necessary,when the first 11 fielders going to field does not include a player who, asper the captain, is part of the official fielding side of 11 players, but is sittingout for one or more overs due to an injury or other valid reasons.

If and when the umpire is not informed, then the first 11 players going tothe field shall be considered as the fielding eleven.

Change of batting stance (Switch Hit): A batsman sometimes attemptswhat is now known as a switch hit. This normally happens when a batsman,who is right handed (with left leg front and right leg closer to his stumps),reverses his feet position like a left hander batsman (putting his right legfront and left leg closer to his stumps), or vice versa, to attempt a shot,maybe to take advantage of the field placements or to manage thespin/swing generated by the bowler.

This matter has been discussed on the international arena, and the MCChas not made this shot unlawful, since it is agreed that a considerableamount of skill is required to execute this shot, with a high amount of riskfor the batsman.

However, sometimes, a batsman, attempting a switch hit, tries to changehis stance before a bowler delivers the ball, which may result in a bowler

not delivering the ball and returning to his bowling mark to bowl that ballagain. This process may result in time-wasting. If the umpire is convincedthat the batsmans actions are resulting in a time wa ste, then the umpirecan issue a warning to the batsman, and can re-issue the warning a secondtime for the same reason. If a third instance arises with the batsmanattempting the same action, which results in time-waste, then the umpireshall declare a penalty of 5 runs against the batting team.

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( A similar situation arose recently when Kevin Petersen attempted changeof stance in T.Dilshan's bowling in England vs. Sri Lanka test match on 5

April 2012, and the on field umpires issued 2 warnings but no penalty wasdeclared as it was not repeated again ).

Decisions on Wide Ball and LBW rules during a switch-hit: Even though thedecisions of the MCC are inconclusive/unclear to us, BCL is forced to issuethe following rules to make this matter clear to our umpires, from the pointof view of Wide Balls and LBW dismissals.

As is known, the current rules suggest that the margin for a Wide Ball onthe leg side of the batsman is very less compared to the off side margin.Also, a ball pitching outside the leg stump of a batsman is termed NOT OUTfor LBW as per rules, even if the ball was going to hit the stumps.

In both the cases (wide ball and LBW), the umpires shall decide in favor ofthe bowler than the batsman when he is trying a switch hit.

For LBW, the umpires w ill not consider the rule on ball pitching outside theleg stump, since the bowler who genuinely bowled outside the off stumphas now become outside the batsmans leg stump when he changed hisstance, at no fault of the bowler! And the ball bowled outside the originalleg stump by the bowler has now become the batsmans new off stump forwhich the off stump rule must apply. So, in either case, the batsman will begiven OUT if these 3 conditions are satisfied: 1) the ball hit the batsman inthe line of the stumps while attempting a shot (or a ball hitting in or outsidethe line of the stumps when the batsman was not attempting a shot), 2) theball was going on to hit the stumps and 3) the ball did not hit the batsmansbat or gloves before hitting his pads or person; So, the rule of ball pitchingoutside the leg stump will not be applicable in a switch hit.

For a wide ball rule in a switch hit, a ball will be considered to be wide

based on the margin of width applicable for an outside the off stumpdelivery for a ball going past the off stump or leg stump. So, the narrowmargin of outside the leg stump rule for wide will not be applied when thebatsman has changed his stance (from right hand to left hand and viceversa).

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This rule does not apply to a reverse sweep or a scoop shot executed by thebatsman without reversing his original feet position.

Section F:

Code of Conduct for Players and Officials: Based on a reports submittedby the umpire and or Team Captain on any misconduct by a player or ateam, during or after the match, the approved BCL Code of Conduct willapply: (see separate Code of Conduct document)

BCL Cricketers, kindly play your game fair and in the spirit of the game.Respect the umpire and the umpires decisions. Respect your team, your opponents and the environment.

Good luck everyone, enjoy the season

SYED REHAN AHMED MUJTABA NAZIR AHMEDVice Chairman General Secretary

GENERAL:- BCL retains the right to amend the BCLRulebook/Laws and DOT from time to time, or issue additionalguidelines, circulars, notices or clarifications, which will be doneafter discussions by the BCL organizing committee and will beinformed to all team captains ahead of their revisedimplementation. This BCL Rulebook has been issued to all theBCL registered teams from the cricket season 2010-11 asamended subsequently from time to time, and all teams arerequired to comply with the same.

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If any team finds any inconsistency in the rules and regulations from generally acceptable playing conditions, you are requested

to inform the BCL committee accordingly.

NOTE :- BCL organizing committee does not guarantee that alllaws followed internationally are covered in this Rulebook, sincethe playing conditions applicable under the BCL formats aredifferent from the international matches. BCL organizing

committee does not entertain any disputes from any person orentity due to any inconsistent cricket rule included in thisRulebook.