Rules of Cricket


Unfair Play

Dangerous Bowling

If a bowler deliberately either: the umpire will: If the same bowler offends a second time in the same innings, the umpire will repeat the procedure above, informing the bowler that this is a last warning.

If the same bowler offends a third time in the same innings, the umpire will:

Bowler Running on the Pitch

The central rectangle of the pitch, 60.96cm (2') wide and 14.63m (48') long, is called the protected area. Bowlers may not run on the protected area in the follow-through of their run-ups. If a bowler violates this rule, the umpire will apply the series of caution, final warning, and suspension as per dangerous bowling - although the balls are not called no balls.

This rule is designed to prevent unnecessary wear and scuffing of the pitch in the area where balls are most likely to bounce. If a bowler can scuff the pitch, it will provide an unfair advantage to later bowlers.

Tampering with the Ball

If a player on the fielding side violates the rules governing the condition of the ball, the umpires will: On a second offence in the same innings, the umpires will:

Distracting or Obstructing the Batsmen

If any member of the fielding side deliberately distracts the striker by word or action while he is preparing to receive the ball, the umpire will: On a second offence in the same innings the umpire will: If any member of the fielding side deliberately obstructs the batsmen from running between the wickets the umpire will:

Unfair Fielding

Fielders may not use any part of their clothing or protective gear to deliberately extend their ability to field the ball. If one does so, the umpires will: A protective helmet belonging to the fielding side but not currently being worn by a fielder may be stored on the field behind the wicket-keeper. If the ball hits it while live, the umpires will call dead ball and award the batting side 5 penalty runs.

Time Wasting

If either the fielding side or the batsmen waste time the umpire will: On a second offence in the same innings, the umpire will:

Player's Conduct

If any player: the umpire will:


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