OFFICIAL RULE BOOK

www. Internationaltenniscricket.com

2

TENNIS CRICKET

Official Rule Book

Mr. Santosh Srivastava Mr. Ravinder Kapil

Published by:

International Tennis Cricket Federation Mathura sports school, Amar colony, Goverdhan road,

Mathura 281004, U.P. India Mobile: 7520065722

E mail: internationaltenniscricket@gmail.com

Website: www. Internationaltenniscricket.com

“This book is an official publication of the International

Tennis Cricket Federation. It is fully protected by copyright

and nothing can be reprinted in any manner, either wholly

or in part, for any use whatsoever, without a written

permission from ITCF.”

I T C F 1

Written

on behalf of ITCF

by

Mr. Kanhiya Gurjar

Editors:

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Kanhiya Gurjar was born in a farmers

family in Mathura on Janmashtami in

the birth place of Lord Krishna. He had

lost his father in childhood and was

brought up by his mother. His mother

herself encouraged him to excel in

sports when she saw his interest in it.

He made sports his aim in life. Later he

got a service in SSB through sports quota. The spirit for

service to the nation and passion of sports was in his

obsession. Thorough encouragement of mother and

his hardworking kept glowing up his personality. He

earned a fame tremendously in sports without any re-

sources and worked as a caption also of the Indian team.

He accomplished many tasks in 2002 to increase sports

and in 2012 gave origin to tennis cricket. Presently he is

working in SGFI.

The game of Tennis Cricket was being played across the

world with virtually no set of rules and regulations or by

bending and adapting those that are set in ICC Code of

Laws for Cricket. Although most of the laws in the Code

are directly and practically applicable to Tennis Cricket,

not all withstand the test of time. We are happy to

present this book to all those who wish to know about

Tennis Cricket. Kanhiya Gurjar

Founder Secretary, ITCF

Preface

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INDEX

S. No. Content Page

1 Introduction 6

2 What is Tennis Cricket? 6

3 Teams 7

4 Player‟s Uniform 8

5 Tennis cricket ground 8

6 Tennis cricket pitch 8

7 Score Board 11

8 Playing Equipments 12

8.1 Tennis cricket Ball 12

8.2 Tennis cricket Bat 12

8.3 Wickets 12

8.4 Necessary safety guard 13

9 Umpires 13

9.1 Umpire‟s Duties 13

10 The Scorer 18

11 Captain‟s Responsibilities 19

12 General Playing Rules 20

12.1 The innings 20

12.2 Power-Play and Field Restrictions 21

12.3 The over 22

12.3.1 No ball 23

12.3.2 Free-Hit 24

12.3.3 Out on Free-Hit 24

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S. No. Content Page

12.3.4 Runs on Free Hit 24

12.3.5 Wide ball 25

12.3.6 Dead Ball 25

12.4 Runs 26

12.4.1 One Run 26

12.4.2 Boundary (Four Runs) 26

12.4.3 Boundary (Six Runs) 27

12.4.4 Extra runs 27

a No Ball 27

b Wide Ball 27

c Bye 27

d Leg Bye 28

12.5 Dismissal of batsman 28

12.5.1 Bowled 28

12.5.2 Caught 28

a Catches on Boundary Lines 29

b Caught Behind Decision 29

12.5.3 Handled the ball 29

12.5.4 Hit wicket 30

12.5.5 Hit the ball twice 30

12.5.6 Run Out 31

12.5.7 Stumped 32

12.5.8 Batsman Retiring 33

12.5.9 Retired Hurt 33

12.5.10 Mankading 34

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S.No. Content Page

12.5.11 Time out 34

12.5.12 Leg Before Wicket (LBW) 34

12.6 Substitutes 34

12.7 Umpires Reversing their Decision 35

12.8 Innings Closed 36

12.9 Match Scoring 36

12.10 Tie Games 36

12.10.1 Super Over Format 37

12.11 Results 38

12.12 Points System for Playoff 39

12.12.1 NNR Formula 40

13 Non Playing rules 40

13.1 Player registration 40

13.2 Team Formation 41

13.3 Team Declarations 41

13.4 Match Timings and Punctuality 42

a. Players 42

b. Umpires 44

13.5. Match Forfeiture Policy 45

13.6 Rain/Washouts/Bad Weather/

Bad Light/ Unavailability of Ground 46

13.7 Conduct and Penalties 47

a. Match Penalties 47

b. Player / Team Conduct 47

14 Signals 49

15 Tennis Cricket Score Sheet 52

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1. Introduction Tennis Cricket is a variant of Cricket being

played by using a Heavy Tennis Cricket Ball. It is also

known as an injury free game as compared to leather

Cricket. Its existence is widespread because of its low

cost and is played by majority of people in the world.

However, there is no definite record of its origin as to

when Tennis Cricket was first started. Tennis Cricket

is very popular in South-Asian cricket playing coun-

tries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri-

Lanka. It is also played by South-Asian expatriates

living in Middle-Eastern countries such as the UAE,

Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and by emi-

grants in the United States, Australia and Canada. The

first International Tennis Cricket body formed world-

wide is the International Tennis Cricket Federation

(ITCF).

2. What is Tennis Cricket? Tennis Cricket is a team game being Played be-

tween Two teams of 11 players each in field in a

rounded rectangular ground of 40 meters

(Boundary) and 20 meters (inner-circle) radius from

the middle stumps and a pitch measuring 18 meters

in length and 3 meters in width. The game is played

with a heavy Tennis Cricket Ball weighing 125 grams

and a light Tennis Cricket Bat of length not more

than 38 inches and width not more than 4 1/4 inch-

es using safety guards such as helmet, batting and

wicket keeping gloves, thigh pads and abdomin-

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-al and groin guards. The matches are played in a sin-

gle inning for each team.

3. Teams:

The Tennis Cricket team consists of 16 players (11 in

field and 5 as substitutes). The match is played be-

tween two teams of 11 players each, unless otherwise

agreed. Each side shall play under a captain who be-

fore the toss shall nominate his team of 11 players

who may not therefore be changed without the con-

sent of opposing captain.

Note:

i. If a captain is not available at any time, a deputy

must act for him among the already nominated

players.

ii. No match in which more than 11 players a side

take part can be regarded as an official match and

no side field with more than 11 players in any

case.

iii. Minimum Players Required in a team should not

be less than 8. MPR allowed for a team should be

2 players less than the opponent team. i. e. if a

team is playing with full 11 players in field, the

opponent should have at least 9 players to play an

official match. If a team is playing with 10 players

in field the opponent team must field minimum of

8 players.

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4. Player‟s Uniform:

In Tennis Cricket a player should be in Jersey an low-

er.

Jersey should have a particular identification number

in chest as well as in back side compulsorily identifi-

cation number should be in two digit.

Colour of the Jersey should be in accordance with

the colour allotted to the district/ state/country.

Comfortable sports shoes should be used while play-

ing without spikes.

Note: No player or umpire should be wearing slippers,

sandals, or open footwear.

5. Tennis cricket ground:

Tennis Cricket is played in rounded rectangular

ground of 35-40 meters (Boundary) and 18-20 me-

ters (inner-circle) radius from the middle stumps on

each sides of the pitch for all age groups. Outer

boundary should be marked in such a way with white

colour or rope so that it should be clearly visible from

distance. Inner circle should be marked with white

colour dotted line.

6. Tennis cricket pitch:

The Tennis cricket pitch is that area of the field

where the batsman bats (plays) and the bowler

bowls. The pitch is a rectangular area in the middle

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10

I T C F 9

Tennis cricket ground

11

I T C F 10

Tennis cricket Pitch

12

of the ground, 18 meters in the length 3 meters in

width. The pitch is deemed to be the area of ground

between the bowling Crease 1 meter in width on ei-

ther side of the line joining the centre of the wickets.

Before the toss, the executive of the ground shall be

responsible for the selection and preparation of the

pitch: there after the umpires shall control its use and

maintenance. The pitch shall not be changed during

the match unless it becomes unfit for play, and then

only with the consent of both captain. We can play the

tennis cricket match on hard pitch, green grass pitch

or mat. The over will be thrown alternatively from both

ends of the pitch. Pitch Curator is responsible for

making the pitch according to the standards laid by

ITCF and keeping it ready and maintaining it before

and during the championship. Grounds men are

responsible for maintaining the ground during the

championship.

7. Score board:

A score board is a display board in the ground, which

shows the live status of the match being played. It

should be placed in the ground in such a way that it

should be visible to all. It should contain the names of

playing team, names of bowlers, runs scored by the

individual players, wicket taken by bowlers, Total

score as well as wickets fallen. Electronic/ Manual

score boards should be used during the matches.

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8. Playing Equipments:

8.1 Tennis cricket Ball: The ball used in Tennis cricket is just like lawn Tennis

Ball. The tennis cricket ball is a made of hard rubber

and circumference of 8 inches and weight of 125gm.

Hardness of the ball is such that it can be delivered at

speed of more than 70 km/hr. The colour of the ball

should be Orange in day time & Lime in the night. The

ball can only be changed until the permission of the

umpire in the following conditions:

i. If the ball is loose or cracked or lost.

ii. If the ball is out of shape. (If the ball is

replaced due to loose shape or lost, the so

replaced ball must be identical to that of lost

ball.)

The umpire must inform the batsman whenever a ball

is to be changed.

8.2 Tennis cricket Bat: The Tennis cricket bat is made of wood and has the

shape of a blade topped by a cylindrical handle. The

blade must not be more than 4 ½ inches wide and the

total length of the bat not more then 38 inches.

NOTE: Flat bat from both side are not permissible.

8.3 Wickets: Each wicket consists of three wooden stumps placed in

a straight line and surmounted by two wooden

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cross-pieces called Bails; the total height of the wicket

including bails is 28.5 inches and the combined width

of the three stumps is 9 inches. Bowling will be done

from both sides of the wickets alternatively.

8.4 Necessary safety guard:

i. Batting gloves

ii. Helmet

iii. Wicket keeping gloves

iv. Upper body guard

v. Abdominal guard

vi. Groin guard

vii. Safety Pads (Batsman & Wicket Keeper)

9. Umpires: Before the match two umpires shall be appointed, one

for each end to control the game as required by the

Rules with absolute impartiality. They are the final au-

thority during the game and their decisions will be con-

sidered final. Neutral umpires should be assigned to

adjudicate each game. No umpire shall be changed

during the match, other than in exceptional circum-

stances, unless he is injured or ill. If there has to be

change of umpire the replacement shall act only at the

striker‟s end. If in worst situation the umpires do not

show up at all the teams will continue with the using

the players from their playing 11 as umpires unless

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the captains agree that they should take full respon-

sibility as an umpire. In the event that umpires are

unable to get to the field on time, they should pro-

actively call ahead to the playing Captains to inform

them of their delay and estimated time of arrival.

9.1 Umpire‟s Duties:

a. Both umpires need to be at the ground at least 10

minutes before the stipulated start time to ensure

that the coin toss and boundary setup is performed

before the match start time. In case of umpires not

arriving on time, both the captains will do the toss

and get on with the game using the batting team

players from the playing 11 as the umpires until

official umpires arrive. Umpires can change as need-

ed in this special condition. Also, sometimes the um-

pires from earlier game are on field and can be re-

quested to officiate until the next game umpires ar-

rive.

b. Umpires will keep time of all breaks, and notify the

captains as to when to resume.

c. Before the toss, the umpire shall ascertain the hours

of play and agree with the captain, the ball to be

used during the match, time and duration of inter-

vals for next inning, the boundary of the field of play

and special conditions of play affecting the conduct

of the match.

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d. Before the toss and during the match, the umpire

shall satisfy themselves that the wickets are properly

itched, the creases are correctly marked and the

boundary of the field is correctly marked.

e. Before the toss and during the match, the umpires

shall satisfy with all equipments and shall be the

sole judges of fair and unfair play.

f. All balls to be used in the match, having been ap-

proved by the umpires and captains, shall be in the

possession of the umpires before the toss and shall

remain under their control throughout the match.

g. The umpire shall take possession of the ball in use

at the fall of each wicket, at the start of any interval

and at any interruption of play.

h. If during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered

or the umpires agree that it has become unfit for

play through normal use, the umpires shall replace it

with a brand new ball immediately (only if lost) or at

the end of the over or fall of wicket whichever is ear-

lier. When the ball is replaced the umpires shall in-

form the batsmen and the fielding captain.

i. i. The coin-toss will be conducted in the presence of

the umpires before the stipulated match start time.

The team winning the toss will declare its decision

immediately. Captains or their representatives for

the toss should be ready for this ahead of the match

start time.

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j. The umpire shall have the discretion to implement

the procedures of the above for reasons other than

the ground, weather or light, if they consider that

exceptional circumstances warrant it.

k. The umpire shall change ends after a side has

completed the innings.

l. An umpire should stand where he can best see any

act up on which his decision may be required, Sub-

ject to his over-riding the umpire at the bowler‟s end

should stand where he does not interfere with either

the on the off instead of the leg side of the pitch, he

should obtain the permission of the captain of the

fielding side and inform the batsman.

m. The umpire must not allow the attitude of players or

spectators to influence their decisions under the

Rules.

n. In the event of the player failing to comply with the

instructions an umpire or criticizing his decisions, the

umpire should in the first place request the captains

to take action and if this proves ineffective, report

the incident forthwith to the executives of the teams

taking part in the match.

o. An umpire is justified in intervening under this Rules

should any player of the fielding side incommode the

striker by any noise or motion while he is receiving a

ball.

p. It is the duty of the umpires to intervene and prevent

players from causing damage to the pitch which may

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assist the bowlers.

q. No player shall leave the field for the purpose having

a rub down or shower while play is actually in pro-

gress.

r. Umpires will be the authority to grant a fielding sub-

stitute to the fielding side if the situation merits it.

They will keep track of the number of overs during

which a fielder has left the field.

s. Umpires are urged to take their time when making a

decision, and if there are any doubts then the um-

pire with the primary jurisdiction should consult the

other umpire. Caught-behind decisions (and run-outs

at the bowlers end) are the primary jurisdiction of the

main umpire. When in doubt, he should consult the

leg umpire FIRST and PRIOR to giving out hastily. He

can take into consideration any evidence from the

leg umpire (e.g. sounds) but the final decision needs

to be made by the main umpire to ensure a fair deci-

sion. Caught-behind decisions CANNOT be solely

made on sounds heard by the leg umpire but rather

need to be based on other factors not visible to the

leg-umpire (e.g. deflection, deviation, angle, etc of

the ball).

t. The leg umpire will have primary jurisdiction over

decisions on run-out/stumping/ hit wicket/ no-balls

due to height decisions at the strikers end. Addition-

ally from his advantage point, a leg umpire can opine

on whether a wicket-keeper/fielder has cleanly

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collected a catch, ball crossed the boundary, fielder

placements inside/outside the circle, and on leg/off

side fielder counts.

u. The leg umpire should never initiate a discussion

with the main umpire or approach him on items out

of his jurisdiction. The main umpire needs to INITI-

ATE a consult if he is in doubt about a verdict or

needs clarification on a rule.

v. The umpire should give the benefit of doubt to the

batsman if they are intentionally prevented by the

bowler or any other fielder to safely make their

ground while running between the wickets. The

umpire(s) will make the final determination for such

„in-game‟ incidents.

w. Both umpires should have light meters.

10. The Scorer: All runs scored shall be recorded by scorers appoint-

ed for the purpose. The scorers shall accept and

acknowledge all instruction and signals given to

them by the umpires.

Note:

The umpires should wait until a signal has been an-

swered by a scorer before allowing the game to pro-

ceed. Mutual consultation between the scorers and

the umpires to clear up doubtful points is at all times

permissible. During the progress of the game, the

scorers appointed should frequently check the total

to ensure that the score sheets are correct.

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Once the umpires have agreed with the scorers the

correctness of the scores at the conclusion of the

match the result cannot thereafter be changed.

11. Captain‟s Responsibilities:

i. One player from each team will act as team Captain

for the duration of the match.

ii. Only the captain or player appointed by captain

should be coming forward for the coin toss unless

he is either not playing or has not arrived on to the

ground. Under these circumstances, another player

can fill in for the toss duties and will act as the

captain until the captain shows up.

iii. They should control the behavior of all his team

players. (Conduct of his team).

iv. Ensure the team players respect the umpire's

opinions and decisions.

v. Captains are responsible for ensuring that the

boundary cones/flags are setup before the match

start time.

vi. The umpire should not be pressurized in any circum-

stances. It will be captain‟s responsibility to make

sure sure nobody crowds or threatens the umpire.

vii. Captains need to ensure that they have at least the

minimum 8 players available at the coin toss in or-

der to toss and start the match. Failure to meet the

MPR rules will result in the match being declared as

a forfeit.

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12. General Playing Rules:

12.1 The innings: Age of the players is considered while deciding the

number of overs in an inning in Tennis Cricket. Deci-

sion of number of overs should not hamper the excite-

ment of the game. Number of overs in an inning is as

follows:

Age Group Overs Time

Sub-junior 10 30 -5- 30 Minutes

Junior 12 36 -8- 36 Minutes

Senior 15 45-10-45 Minutes

Each team has to use minimum five bowlers in an

inning. One bowler can deliver maximum two overs in

sub-junior, three overs in junior and senior level

matches. The umpires and fielding team captions

should ensure to finish their quota of overs in stipulat-

ed time. There shall be no intervals during the match

except of innings break in a match. If fielding side

fails to complete their inning in time, they will be

awarded penalty of 5 runs for every 5 minutes delay

after the stipulated time for slow over rate.

The main aim of the bowler, supported by his fielder is

to dismiss the batsman. A batsman when dismissed is

said to be “out” and that mean he must leave the

field of play and be replaced by the next batsman on

his team. When ten batsmen have been dismissed (all

out), then the whole team is dismissed

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(All OUT) and the innings is over.

The captains shall toss for the choice of inning on the

field of play not earlier than 10 minutes, not later than

5 minutes before the scheduled or any re-scheduled

time for the match to start. The captain of the side win-

ning the toss will notify the opposite captain of his deci-

sion to bat or to field. Once notified the decision may

not be altered.

At the start of each inning the umpire at the Bowler‟s

end shall call „play when the side refusing to play shall

lose the match. After „play‟ has been called no trial ball

shall be allowed to any player. The Wicket-Keeper is

allowed to bowl in the innings if desired.

12.2 Power-Play and Field Restrictions: The first three overs of each inning in senior and first

two overs in junior and Sub-junior group will be the

“Fielding Power Play” and two overs in Junior and Sen-

ior and one over in Sub-Junior will be “Batting power

play”.

Two overs of “Batting power play” should be taken be-

fore 12th over or otherwise 12th and 13th over will be

“Batting power play” senior group. Similarly Two overs

should be taken before 9th over and one over should

be taken before 8th over in sub-junior group otherwise

9th and 10th over in junior and 8th over in sub-junior

group will be “Batting power play”.

A maximum of four fielders, two on each side can be

outside the 20 meters circle during the fielding and

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batting power play. For the remaining overs a mini-

mum of 4 players need to be inside the 20 meters cir-

cle (not including the bowler and wicket-keeper).

If a team is playing with less than 11 players, then they

need to ensure that 7 players are within the 20 meters

circle during the Power Play period. E.g. If a team starts

the match with 8 players, then 7 players need to be

inside the circle, and only 1 player will be allowed out-

side 20 meters.

Once the Power Play is over and the fielding team is

still playing short, then they need to ensure that the

inner circle is first and foremost protected i.e. at least

4 fielders will still need to be inside.

12.3 The over: A Bowler may require the Batsman at the wicket from

which his bowling to stand on whichever side of it he

may dir- The ball shall be bowled from each wicket al-

ternately in over‟s of 6 balls without „No Ball‟ and

„Wide Ball‟. An over shall start when the bowler starts

his run up or, if he has no run up, his delivery action for

the first delivery of that over, When 6 balls have been

bowled other than those which are not to count in the

over and as the ball becomes dead, the umpire shall

call „Over‟ in a distinct manner before leaving the wick-

et.

A Bowler shall finish an Over in progress unless he be

incapacitated or be suspended for unfair play. He shall

be allowed to change ends as often as desired. Pro-

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-vided only that they should not bowl Tow, Over‟s con-

secutively.

12.3.1 No Ball: A ball is considered No Ball if

bowler breaks the rules of bowling

either by:

a. using an inappropriate arm ac-

tion.

b. Overstepping the popping crease.

c. Having a foot outside the return

crease.

d. After the bowler starts his run up fielders are not

allowed to talk or move side-ways.

e. If there are more fielders in outside 20 mtrs than

permitted

f. Any bouncer over the head or full toss above waist

will be called a No-ball. One bouncer above shoul-

der and below head level is allowed per over. For

bouncers and full toss, the batsman's movement

in the crease right before the delivery is bowled

will be taken into consideration. The leg umpire

will be the primary authority for signaling a No-ball

due to height. The main umpire should consult

with the leg umpire before declaring a No-ball due

to height.

The umpire signals „No ball‟ by extending one arm

horizontally.

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12.3.2 Free-Hit:

The delivery following a “No ball” called for a foot fault

shall be a “Free Hit” for whichever batsman is facing it.

If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery

(any kind of no ball or a wide ball) then the next deliv-

ery will become a free hit for whichever batsman is

facing it.

For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only

under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even

if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball.

Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries

unless there is a change of striker or No Ball is given

due to wrong field placement.

The umpires will signal a free hit by (after the normal

No Ball signal) extending one arm straight upwards

and moving it in a circular motion and verbally com-

municating it to the batsman /bowler.

12.3.3 Out on Free-Hit:

Batsman can be out as follows only on a free hit:

a. Out via run out

b. Out via obstructing the fielder while running

12.3.4 Runs on Free Hit:

Runs taken while out on a Free hit:

a If the batsman is bowled on free hit. The bats-

man can take a run if possible and the run will

be counted as a bye.

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In all other circumstances the batsman can take a run,

even if he was out caught on free hit and the runs will be

awarded to batsman.

12.3.5 Wide ball:

If the Bowler bowls the ball so high over

or so wide of the wicket that in the opin-

ion of the Umpire it passes out of reach

of the Striker, and would not have been

within the reach of the batsman taking

guard in the normal position, The umpire

shall call and signal Wide Ball as soon as

it shall have passed the striker. As with a

no ball, a wide must be re-bowled.

The umpire signal „Wide‟ by extending both arms

horizontally.

12.3.6 Dead Ball:

The umpire shall regard the deliberated

defection of the ball by any part of the

striker‟s person, except the hand holding

the bat as Unfair, and as soon as he sat-

isfied that the fielding side have no

chance of dismissing either batsman as

an immediate result of such action, he

shall without delay, call „dead ball‟. In

deciding whether such deflection is delib-

erate, the criterion shall be whether or

not the batsman has attempted to play with his bat.

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Any abnormal bounce or lack of it due to the condition of the pitch and if the ball is cracked or become out of shape during the play, it will be signaled a “Dead ball” by the umpire and the delivery will need to be re-

played.

Any scoring or wickets due to such an instance will not be considered. The umpire will have the final au-thority to decide what constitutes as a „Dead ball‟ in

such instances.

12.4 Runs: Run is a term used in cricket for the basic means of scoring. The primary concern of the batsman on strike is to prevent the ball hitting the wicket and secondari-ly to score runs by hitting the ball with his bat so that he and his partner have time to run from one end of the pitch to the other before the fielding side can re-

turn the ball.

12.4.1 One Run:

A batsman score a run by hitting the ball with his bat so that he and his partner have time to run from one end of the pitch to the other before the fielding side can return the ball. The batsman will be awarded „One Run‟. If he run back from the other end to their own end, he will be awarded „Two runs‟. A maximum of „Four Runs‟ can be taken on one

delivery by this manner.

12.4.2 Boundary (Four runs):

A boundary is the scoring of four runs

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runs from a single delivery with the ball reaching the

boundary line by touching the field.

12.4.3 Boundary (Six runs):

A boundary is the scoring of six

runs from a single delivery with the

ball reaching the boundary line

without touching the field.

12.4.4 Extra runs:

Additional runs gained by the bat-

ting team due to errors made by

the fielding side are called Extra

runs. These runs are included in

the scores of a team but not credited to the bats-

man. These are achieved in four ways:

a. No Ball: One extra run and a „Free Hit‟ will be

awarded to batting side for each No Ball.

a. Wide Ball: One extra run and a ball will be

awarded to batting side for each wide Ball.

b. Bye:

If the ball, not being a No

ball or a Wide, passes the

striker without touching his

bat or person, any runs

completed by the batsmen or a

boundary allowance shall be

credited as Byes to the batting

side.

I T C F 27

29

d. Leg Bye: If the ball touches any

part of the striker‟s dress or person

except shall call or signal „Leg Bye

„such runs to be scored Leg Byes.

NOTES: The Umpire signals „Bye‟ by

raising an open hand above the head

and „leg Bye‟ by touching a raised

knee with the hand.

12.5 Dismissal of batsman:

In tennis cricket to maintain the interest and to carry

on the game without disputes there are following

rules to declare a player out:

12.5.1 Bowled:

The bowler has hit the wicket with the ball and the

wicket has “broken” with at least one bail being dis-

lodged. If the ball hits the wicket

without dislodging a bail is not out.

12.5.2 Caught: The batsman has hit the ball with his

bat or of the hand and the ball has

been caught before it has touched

the ground by a member of the field-

ing side.

I T C F 28

30

a. Catches on Boundary Lines:

Umpires will make the decision on this subject

based on his/their best judgment. Umpires can

take the catcher or the next close in fielder input if

they need to but it is not mandatory. Batting

team / Fielding team players should not interfere

in this situation nor should they charge towards

the boundary line or into the field. Captains should

instruct their players to hold their position for any

controversial catches/fielding attempts near the

boundary prior to the match. If a player move from

their position after the play, and the umpire is una-

ble to pinpoint the exact spot, then the benefit of

doubt should be given to the batsman.

b. Caught Behind Decisions: Caught-behind decisions need to be made by the

main umpire. He can take into consideration any

evidence from the leg umpire (e.g. sounds) but the

final decision needs to be made by the main um-

pire to ensure a fair decision.

12.5.3 Handled the ball: Either Batsman is out “Handled the Ball” if the

batsman touches the ball while in play with his

hands, unless it has been done at the request of

the opposite side

I T C F 29

31

Note: When a batsman is given out under this is

„Handled the Ball‟ and the bowler does not get credit

for the wicket.

12.5.4 Hit wicket: A batsman is out hit wicket, if he dislodges one or

both bails with his bat, person, clothing or equipment

in the act of hitting the ball, or when setting off for a

run.

Note: The Striker is „Out‟ under these conditions:

In making a second stroke to keep the ball out of his

wicket he hits it down.

While Playing at the ball, but not otherwise, his wick-

et is broken by his cap or hat falling, or by part of his

bat.

A batsman is not out for breaking the wickets with

his bat or per son while in the act of running.

12.5.5 Hit the ball twice: The Striker is out „Hit the ball Twice‟ if the ball be

Struck or be stopped by any part of his person, and

he will fully strike it again, except for the sole pur-

pose of guarding his wicket, which he may do with

his bat or any part of his person, other than his

hands No runs except those which result from an

over throw shall be scored from a ball lawfully struck

twice.

I T C F 30

32

Note:

a. It is for the umpire to decide whether the ball has

been so struck a second time legitimately or not. The

umpire may regard the face that a run is attempted

as evidence of the batsman‟s intension to take

advantage of the second stroke, but it is not conclu-

sive.

b. A batsman may not attempt to hit the ball twice, if in

so doing he baulks the wicket keeper or any fields-

man attempting to make a catch.

c. This Law infringed if the striker, after playing the ball

and without any request from the opposite side, us-

es his bat to return the ball to a fieldsman.

d. The Correct entry in the score book when the striker

is given out under this Law is Hit the ball twice, and

the bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

12.5.6 Run Out: A member of the fielding side has broken or “put

down” the wicket with the ball while a batsman was

out of his Crease. This usually occurs by means of an

accurate throw on the wicket while the batsman is

trying to make a run. In the case of run-out appeals,

a batsman is considered to be out of his ground un-

less a part of his bat or body is grounded on or inside

the crease. Thus, if the body or the bat is not ground-

ed on or inside the crease line, the batsman is

“OUT”.

I T C F 31

33

either batsman can be adjudged “RUNOUT” if they

are out of their crease even if the ball only made

contact with the body/clothes. Even though leg-bye‟s

don‟t count towards a score, both the batsmen need

to ensure that they are in their respective creases to

avoid being run out. The only exception is if the um-

pire calls it a “Dead-play” while the batsman is still

running/ walking between the wickets.

12.5.7 Stumped: A batsman is out Stumped if in receiving a ball, not

being a N0 Ball delivered by the Bowler, he be out of

his Crease otherwise than in attempting a run, and

the wicket be put down by the wicket- keeper without

the intervention of another fieldsman. Only when the

ball has touched the bat or person of the Striker may

the wicket keeper take it in front of wicket for this

purpose.

In the case of stumping appeals, a batsman is con-

sidered to be out of his ground unless a part of his

bat or body is grounded inside the crease. Thus, if

the body or the bat is grounded on the crease line,

but not inside, the batsman is “OUT”.

Note:

a. The striker may be stumped if the wicket is bro-

ken by a ball rebounding from the wicket Keep-

er‟s person.

b. If the stumps have been broken once i.e. bail(s)

have been dislodged, or stumps been hit during

I T C F 32

34

the course of an on-going play, then to successfully

appeal for an ensuing run-out / stumping, the fielding

side will have to manually uproot at least one of the

standing stump(s) with the ball in possession. If none

of the stumps are standing up due to an earlier dis-

placement, then the fielding side needs to re-insert

one stump and then uproot it again with the ball in

possession in order to successfully appeal for a

dismissal. If bails are not being used in the event of

high winds, then the fielding side will not be required

to uproot the stumps for a run-out/stumping appeal.

12.5.8 Batsman Retiring: A Batsman may retire at any time, but may not

resume his innings without the consent of the Oppos-

ing Captain, and then only on the fall of a wicket.

12.5.9 Retired Hurt: A batsman will only be allowed to retire due to a phys-

ical condition. A batsman cannot be retired by teams

based on their batting performance. A batsman can

only be retired if they have sustained an injury that

prevents them from continuing. The umpires will

make the judgment to assess on whether a batsman's

request for retirement should be granted based on

their own observations. However, they are not permit-

ted to return to batting in the inning again.

Note:

When a Batsman has retired owing to illness, injury or

I T C F 33

35

some other unavoidable cause, his innings is regard-

ed as Retired as Not out but otherwise as a complet-

ed innings to be regarded as Retired Out.

12.5.10 “Mankading” (Bowler attempting to run out

non-striker before delivery): The bowler is permitted, before entering his delivery

stride, to attempt to run out the non-striker. The ball

shall not count in the over. The umpire shall call and

signal “Dead ball” as soon as possible if the bowler

fails in the attempt to run out the non-striker.

12.5.11 Time out: The incoming batsman must be in position to take

guard or for his partner to be ready to receive the next

ball within 3 minutes of the fall of the previous wicket.

If this requirement is not met, the incoming batsman

will be out. Timed-out. The striker is out in such cases.

12.5.12 Leg Before Wicket (LBW):

First and foremost, the ball must, in the opinion of the

on-field umpire ,be going onto hit the stumps if the

ball had not hit the pad of the batsman first. If the

batsman plays an attempted shot to the delivery, then

the ball must hit the batsman pad in line with the

stumps for the batsman.

12.6 Substitutes: Substitute fielder can only be used for injuries sus-

tained during the game. Players cannot be provided

substitutes for getting tired on the field.

I T C F 34

36

Teams may only use players from their 16 players

team as substitutes. However, prior to doing so they

need to get the approval of the umpire.

If a player has been off the field for a certain number

of overs, they will not be allowed to bowl for the num-

ber of overs spent off the field. (e.g. if a player is off

the field for 3 overs, then upon their return they can-

not bowl for the next 3 overs).

A player will not be allowed to open the innings for

his team if he has spent time off the field. He can bat

at any other position.

By-runners for a batsman are not allowed under any

circumstances including injuries, cramps, fatigue,

etc. during a match.

Umpires need to be approached for all fielding sub-

stitute requests. Umpire's get to make the decisions

on all the above scenarios based on their best judg-

ment of the on-field circumstances.

12.7 Umpires Reversing their Decision: All umpires need to be thorough with the ITCF rules.

To avoid controversies, umpires are advised to take

well thought decisions; once the decisions are made

they should not be over turned.

Main umpires should initiate discussion with leg um-

pire (and vice-versa) based on which umpire has the

primary jurisdiction prior to making the decision and

NOT after making the decision.

Leg umpires should not at any time advice, suggest,

I T C F 35

37

or give decisions related to main umpires jurisdiction

(and vice-versa) unless the main umpire reaches out

to leg umpire himself.

12.8 Innings Closed:

An innings closed when:

i. Ten of the eleven batsmen are out. In this case,

the team is said to be “ALL OUT”.

ii. The team has only one batsmen left who can

bat, one or more of the remaining players being

unavailable owing to injury, illness or absence

again the team is said to be “ALL OUT”.

iii. The team batting last reaches the score required

to win the match.

iv. A captain declared his teams closed while at

least two of his batsmen are not out.

12.9 Match Scoring:

The scorers should announce the score at the end of

every over to avoid any discrepancies with the field-

ing team. Umpires have to sign off on the final score

sheet after the match. Umpires should ensure that

scorecards are complete, legible, and tally prior to

signing them. Scorers should be asked to complete

all these details if there is missing data.

12.10 Tie Games: In the event that both teams have the same score at

the end of their stipulated over‟s, the match will be

I T C F 36

38

declared as “Tie”. In league stages both the teams

will be awarded „One point‟ each for a Tie Match. In

play off matches, the tie-breaking decision will be

resolved by a “Super-Over”.

12.10.1 Super Over Format:

a. Team batting second in the regular match will

bat first in the Super Over.

b. Each team will select 3 batsmen and 1 bowler

to play the Super-Over.

c. The team scoring most runs at the end of the

Super-Over will be deemed winners of the

match.

d. If the batting team loses 2 wickets in the Super-

Over they will be considered „all-out‟.

e. If scores are still tied after the Super-Over over-

all tally of boundaries (Six) from the regular

game and the super over will be considered

and the team with the higher number of bound-

aries (Six) will be declared the winner.

f. If the number of boundaries (Six) hit by both

teams is equal, overall tally of combined bound-

aries (Six and four) from the regular game and

the super over will be considered and the team

with the higher number of combined bounda-

ries will be declared. the winner the team.

I T C F 37

39

g. If the number of combined boundaries hit by both

teams is equal, whose batsmen scored more

boundaries (Six) during its innings in the main

match (ignoring the Super Over) shall be the

winner.

h. If still equal, whose batsmen scored more com-

bined boundaries during its innings in the main

match (ignoring the Super Over) shall be the

winner.

i. A count-back from the final ball of the Super

Over shall be conducted. The team with the

higher scoring delivery shall be the winner. If a

team loses two wickets during its over, then any

un-bowled deliveries will be counted as dot

balls. Note that for this purpose, the runs

scored from a delivery is defined as the total

team runs scored since the completion of the

previous legitimate ball, i.e. including any runs

resulting from wide, no ball or penalty runs.

12.11 Results:

A match is won by the side which shall have scored a

total number of runs in excess of that scored by the

opposing side in its complete innings. A match shall

be lost by a side which either concedes defeat or in

the opinion of the umpire refuses to play and the

umpires shall award the match to the other side.

I T C F 38

40

Note:

i. It is responsibility of the captains to satisfy them

selves on the correctness of the scores on the con-

clusion of their innings.

ii. The result of the finished matches is stated as a

win by runs, except in the case of a win by the side

batting lost, when it is by the number of wickets still

to fall.

iii. A „Draw‟ is regarded as a „Tie‟ when the scores are

equal at the conclusion of play but only if the match

has been played out. If the scores of the completed

innings of both the sides are equal, it is a „Tie‟ but

only if the match has not been played out the

further conclusion.

12.12 Points System for Playoff Considerations and

League Standings: Two points are awarded to the winning team in a

league match. If a match ended in a draw during the

league stage, both the teams will share one point each.

The team having the highest points after the comple-

tion of the league matches will qualify for Playoff stage.

In case two teams have equal points after league

matches, NRR will be considered to find league stand-

ings. In the rare event that competing teams have the

same NRR at the end of the league phase (to the 4th

decimal space), then the team that won the head-to-

head matchup between the teams during the group/

I T C F 39

41

pool phase will be considered as the higher ranking

team.

12.12.1 NNR formula:

NNR formula for playoff matches will be as follows:

NNR = (Total runs scored by a team/ Total overs

played by a team) -- (Total runs scored against the

team/ Total overs played against the team)

13.Non Playing rules:

13.1 Player registration: In order to participate in ITCF‟s official matches, all

teams need to register their team players to the ITCF‟s

official website (www.internationaltenniscricket.com)

prior to the provided deadline. However, online regis-

tration can be done anytime throughout the year by the

player on website. The player will get ITCF Registration

number and an identity card. This „Player Registration

Number‟ is mandatory to mention along with his photo

on every championship he participate.

Any player that does not have an online registration will

not be eligible to participate in official matches. All

players should have their ID cards available in the

event that the umpire or opposing team captain needs

to verify a player before the match. This is to ensure

that no ineligible player is participating in the

tournament. If a player fails to provide adequate

I T C F 40

42

identification, to the umpire‟s satisfaction, then they

may be asked to sit-out the game unless the oppos-

ing team is satisfied with their identity.

13.2 Team Formation:

Each team will be allowed to constitute a team of

16 players for a tournament on official website.

Players can be added /dropped before tournament

deadlines set by the Organizers. After constituting

the team on website, they need to take a print out

of Team report and submit it duly stamped and

signed at the time of team reporting at the champi-

onship venue.

13.3 Team Declarations:

All Teams should declare their Playing 11 at the

toss and exchange it with opposite captains and

identify if any of the players are coming late. The

names can be written down on either the score-

cards or a separate sheet. This will ensure that all

identification related issues are dealt with prior to

the start of the match.

Captains are responsible for ensuring that the prop-

er names are entered on the scorecards and there

is no discrepancy. Opposite captains should verify

the submitted scorecard to confirm it‟s accuracy.

A player identified as part of the declared Playing XI

before the match is considered as having played a

I T C F 41

43

match under the following conditions:

a. If his team is bowling first, then a player needs field

for at least 5 overs in order to qualify.

b. If his team is batting first, then the player needs to

have either batted in the innings, OR fielded at least

5 overs in the second innings if he never got an

opportunity to bat in order to qualify. If a player

meets either of the above conditions and was part

of the declared Playing XI (i.e. not a substitute field-

er) then captains can enter them on the scorecard

as a qualified player.

13.4 Match Timings and Punctuality:

a. Players: 1. At least 8 players of a team have to be present 10

minutes before the start of their scheduled match

time. Failing to do so will result in the automatic

loss of toss for the team in question.

It is strongly suggested that:

a. Captains should pro-actively identify the

present players to the umpires.

b. Umpires should pro-actively ask each Cap-

tain to indicate if their players are visibly

insight.

2. In case both teams are missing players then the

one with more players present on the ground at

the start of the game are declared as toss win-

ners (as long as one team has 8 or more players

I T C F 42

44

3. If neither team has at least 8 players available

to start the match on time, then both teams will

be asked to play a reduced overs match based

on the time lost. To calculate the revised num-

ber of overs, umpires should reduce 1 over for

every 3 minutes lost across both innings. e.g. If a

match starts 12 minutes late, then the match

needs to be reduced by 4 overs i.e. from a total

of 30 overs to 26 overs. Each innings will be

reduced by 2 overs to accommodate for the late

start. Similarly power play overs will be reduced

in a reduced over match.

4. If one of the teams does not have 8 players by

the match start time then the match will not be

started until the 8th player shows up. The of-

fending team will be penalized 1 over for every 3

minutes lost as a result of the 8th players not

being present by the scheduled match start

time. e.g. If the 8th players arrives 15 minutes

after the scheduled match start time, then the

team will be penalized 5 overs from their in-

nings. This means that the offending team will

bat for 10 overs and their opposition will bat for

the full 15 overs.

5. For games that start late, both umpires and cap-

tains need to ensure that the match ends by the

stipulated end time by minimizing/cancelling

drink breaks and or innings breaks to make up

for any lost time.

I T C F 43

45

6. Umpires will ensure that teams do not waste

time by frequent huddling/discussing strategies

especially during tight games.

7. The first ball needs to be bowled by the desig-

nated start time of the match to ensure that no

matches get interrupted due to late starts.

8. Umpires and Captains need to ensure that any

pre-match warm-ups on/off the pitch do not re-

sult in a delayed start to the match.

9. If for some reason the match cannot be started

on the stipulated start time, both captains

should agree to play a reduced-over match to

ensure that the match can finish on time.

b. Umpires:

1. Both umpires need to be at the ground at least 10

minutes before the stipulated start time to ensure

that the coin toss and boundary setup is performed

before the match start time. In case of umpires not

arriving on time, both the captains will do the toss

and get on with the game using the batting team

players from the playing 11 as the umpires until

official umpires arrive. If in worst situation the um-

pires do not show up at all the teams will continue

with the using the players from their playing 11 as

umpires. Umpires can be changed as needed in this

special condition.

I T C F 44

46

2. Also, sometimes the umpires from earlier game are

on field and can be requested to officiate until the

next game umpires arrive.

3. In the event that umpires are unable to get to the

field on time, they should pro-actively call ahead to

the playing Captains to inform them of their delay

and estimated time of arrival.

4. Captains need to ensure that they only send umpires

that are knowledgeable on general cricketing rules,

have read and understood the rule book, and can

confidently officiate the matches.

13.5. Match Forfeiture Policy:

ITCF discourages teams for forfeiting their games.

Hence, teams that forfeit a match will be severely pe-

nalized. A match will be considered as a „Forfeit‟ un-

der one of the following conditions:

a. A Team is a No-Show for a match or refuses

to play the match.

b. A Team violates the Minimum Player Rule.

c. A Team violates ITCF conduct policy resulting

in the umpires calling the game off and

awarding it to the opposition.

What Happens after a Game is forfeited? The offending team may/will be penalized with player

and/or team Suspensions. ITCF Organizers will take

into consideration the events leading to the forfeiture

I T C F 45

47

and inform teams accordingly of the outcome. The

opposition will be declared as the „match winners‟ and awarded the points. No NRR allocation will be

applied to forfeited games.

13.6 Rain/Washouts/Bad Weather/Bad Light/

Unavailability of Ground: a. If a match is interrupted due to rain/ Bad weather,

it will be played as per D/L system. Minimum 3

overs from each team (if not getting All Out) is com-

pulsory to get a result in such matches.

b. If the game is not completed due to weather/light/

ground availability then the game will be resched-

uled. The final decision with regards to rescheduled

games will rest with the Organizers.

c. If it has rained the previous night or is raining and

the game has not already been called off, then a

pitch inspection should be performed by the um-pires and captains. If the umpires deem play possi-

ble, then the match should be played that day. Um-pires should take into consideration the ground

conditions to ensure a safe match.

d. If there is no chance of play that day the match will

be rescheduled to a later date. The Organizers, af-ter consulting with the captains and umpires would

decide about whether the match should be re-

scheduled. Washed out games will be rescheduled just once. Any subsequent washouts of the same

league round game will result in the teams sharing

points.

I T C F 46

48

e. The final decision about rescheduling would be

taken by the Organizers. The Organizers can call

off games ahead of time based on the weather.

Such decisions will be communicated to the play-

ing teams and umpires.

13.7 Conduct and Penalties:

a. Match Penalties: The Organizers is focused on providing all teams with

a fair, safe environment to play cricket through its

tournaments while ensuring that all teams comply

with the stipulated Rules and Regulations.

Any team(s) found to be guilty of any rule violations or

misconduct will be liable for getting penalized as

deemed appropriate by the Organizers. Penalties can

range from warnings, point deductions, disqualifica-

tion, to getting banned from future tournaments, etc.

b. Player / Team Conduct:

1. Captains are responsible for the actions of their

players at all times and for maintaining on-field

harmony. In addition to players, captains/teams

can also be penalized for any team offenses.

2. Decisions by the umpires on the field of play are

final. Any player showing unreasonable dissent in

the opinion of the Umpires/Organizers shall first

be warned for misconduct. Repeated offenses

may result in player and/or team disqualification

I T C F 47

49

from the match and/or tournament along with

team penalties.

3. Fielders and bowlers are prohibited from shouting

anything from the instant the bowler starts his

bowling run-up to the instant the ball is either

played or crosses the normal batting position of

the batsmen.

4. Under no circumstances should players from the

pavilion enter the ground to dispute any on-field

decisions. The batting team captain will be re-

sponsible for ensuring that players stay off the

field. If there are any questions/concerns then

only the captain should inquire off the umpires for

clarification. Teams/players will be suspended

from that game or future games based on the

reports of the incident can be penalized for enter-

ing the playing field to dispute decisions and

causing a match delay.

5. All questions/concerns related during the match

need to be addressed and directed towards the

umpires. Communicating with opposing team

players is not advised as it generally does not re-

solve the issue.

6. Sledging on the field– Umpires will warn the of-

fending player once. If the behavior continues

then umpires have the authority to penalize the

player by suspending them from the game. This

will apply to fielders, bowlers, and batsmen.

I T C F 48

50

7. Any player involved in verbal and/or physical

abuse of umpire and/or opposing team player(s)

can/will be disqualified from the Tournament im-

mediately, and the team will not be allowed to

field a substitute in his place. In addition the play-

er(s) who instigates the offending player could

also be suspended from that game or future

games or even disqualified from the tournament

based on the neutral reports.

14. Signals: The following code of signals shall be used by the um-

pires when the ball is in play:

i. Dead Ball – by crossing and

re-crossing the wrists below

the waist.

ii. No Ball – by extending one

arm horizontally parallel to

the shoulder height.

I T C F 49

51

iii. Out – by raising an index finger

above the head.

iv. Wide Ball – by extending both arms

horizontally parallel to the shoulder

height.

v. Boundary (4 Runs)– by waving an

arm from side to side finishing with

the arm across the chest.

vi. Boundary (6 Runs) – by raising

both arms above the head.

vii. New Ball – by holding the ball above the head.

viii. Revoke last signal – by touching both shoulders

each with opposite hands.

I T C F 50

52

ix. Bye – by raising an open hand

above the head

x. Five Penalty Runs – by repeated

tapping of one shoulder with the

opposite hand five times.

xi. Leg Bye – by touching a raised

knee with the hand.

xii Short Run – by bending one arm upwards and touching the nearer

shoulder with the tips of the fingers.

xiii. Declared Runs – By raising the fingers equal to runs declared above head and repeatedly tapping the

wrist with other hand.

The umpire shall wait until each signal to the scorers

has been separately acknowledged by a scorer before

allowing play to proceed.

I T C F 51

53

I T C F 52

15. Tennis Cricket Score Sheet:

54

International Tennis Cricket Federation Mathura sports school, Amar colony, Goverdhan road,

Mathura 281004, U.P. India Mobile: 7520065722

E mail: internationaltenniscricket@gmail.com

Website: www. Internationaltenniscricket.com