Even when laws have been written down, they ought not always to remain unaltered –

Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)
 

The game of Tennis Ball Cricket has been 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 ball Cricket, not all withstand the test of time.
 

Teams have always played with a general understanding of Cricket Laws. Though this general understanding is good most of the time, it is vulnerable to misinterpretations, depending on how various individuals have read or exercised the law in their experience. To ensure fair gameplay we have highlighted some of the rules that may be specific to this tournament in addition to the ICC Code of Laws for Cricket as below:
 

1. Provision of accurate team and player information

1. It is expected that each player registering in the tournament provides their true, correct, and up-to-date information. A copy of a valid ID Proof either Kuwait Civil ID or Passport would be required at the time of registration.
2. Participation in the Cricket tournament is not guaranteed until receipt of the completed team registration form and payment.

2. Game Format

1. Games will be played at one or more venues (grounds will be decided soon).
2. Before the toss, both captains will determine and ascertain the boundary of play, including the application of declared runs due to obstacles on the field if any.
3. Both the captains shall satisfy themselves that the wickets are properly pitched, and the creases are correctly marked before the toss.
4. The length of the pitch should not exceed 20 yards (18 meters). The inner circle (depending on the size of the ground), should not exceed 30 yards (27 meters) 
5. Bowling will take place from only one end.
6. Each game will be 16 overs per innings.
7. The first 4 overs are mandatory Power Play and only 3 fielders can be outside the inner circle.
8. For the rest of the overs, only 5 fielders are allowed outside the inner circle.
9. The game can either result in a Win, Loss, or Tie. If a team forfeits, there will NOT be a rescheduled match, however, the present team will be awarded winning points. The team forfeiting will be deducted one match point.
10. If the forfeiting rule is applied to both teams since both contributed to the delay at the start of the game, the match should be declared nullified and recorded as not played. No points shall be awarded to any team in this case. This also stands even if both teams agree not to play any game.
11. In case of a tie, each team will be awarded 1 point each during the league. During the knockout phase, if there is a tie, the result will be decided by a Super Over.
12. Rules for Super Over –
    • The team batting second in the match will bat first in the Super Over.
    • 3 Batsmen from each team can bat and 1 bowler from each team will bowl.
    • The entire fielding unit is allowed to field.
    • In case super over is tied, the rules below are applicable:
      • Highest Number of 6’s (main + super over) – 1st priority
      • Highest Number of 4’s (main + super over) – 2nd priority
      • Least Number of wickets fallen (main + super over) – 3rd Priority
13. One (1) Bonus point will be rewarded for the team that achieves victory with a run rate 1.25 times that of the opposition.
14. A team run rate will be calculated by reference to the number of runs scored divided by the number of overs/balls faced. Where a side is all out, the number of overs to be used is the maximum number of overs that side was otherwise eligible to face.
15. In case a match must be abandoned due to rain, sandstorm, or interference from Police or Municipal authorities, and if there is no option left to continue the match on the same day, then both teams will be awarded 1 point each, and the match CANNOT be rescheduled to another day or week.
16. In case, a game must be canceled before completion and after the second innings completed 8 overs, and if it’s not possible to continue within the next 1 hour, the D&L method will be used to decide the winner. Any match which cannot complete 8 overs in the second innings will be cancelled with 1 point awarded to each team.

3. Match Timings & Toss

1. The official start timings for the league matches would be 6:00am and will gradually increase depending on Sunrise timings. The final timings will be confirmed with the weekly schedule. However, with mutual consent (informed at least by earlier Thursday evening on the WhatsApp group – FCL Season Five by both captains), the timings can be agreed upon.
2. Teams are expected to report on the ground at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of play.
3. Both captains and at least nine players must be present for the toss 15 minutes before the scheduled or agreed time. The team not reaching on time will have to forfeit the toss.
4. A coin toss will be completed off the field, and both teams will be fully prepared to take the field as soon as the field is available.
5. Each captain shall nominate his players in the CricClubs application along with the opposite captain immediately after the toss. Both captains must also include names of the 4 substitutes who could later be included as the Super-Sub or Impact player in any of the innings.
6. All teams are expected to be prompt and ready to play and start the game at the scheduled or agreed time. Any delay in the start of the game will result in the defaulting team being penalized with a deduction of overs in the following manner:
   • 1 over after the first 15 minutes
   • 1 over every subsequent 5 minutes.
   • A delay of more than 30 minutes will be considered as a forfeit and the other rule for forfeit (as mentioned above) will apply.
   • For proper calculation of run rate, the actual overs after penalty must be updated in the app and not keep it to the default 16 overs.
7. The innings break is a maximum of 10 minutes and there can be only two drink breaks per innings of 2 minutes each.
    

4. Cricketing Gear

1. The game will be played using Headly Heavy Tennis Ball only.
2. Wicketkeepers and Batsmen are allowed to wear gloves. Hand or gloves are considered as part of the bat if the bat is held by the batsman.
3. Only bats made of willow are allowed. Any other bats may not be used (fiber, steel plated, etc.)
4. Stumps at the batting end must be of standard size as per cricketing laws. If portable stumps are used, the base will be considered as a part of the stumps.
5. Team jerseys will be compulsory for teams that are qualified for Quarter Finals and beyond. However, for all matches, players are expected to be adequately dressed in proper tracks, T-shirts, and sports shoes at the least. Players not adhering to this rule will be disallowed to participate in the match.

5. Umpires and Fair Play

1. The umpires during the League and 'Top 16' stage will be appointed by the mutual understanding of the teams. The teams will nominate 2 umpires from their side who will officiate the game.
2. During the Quarters, Semis, and Finals, FCL Organizing Committee will arrange for neutral umpires who will be thoroughly educated on the FCL rules and regulations.
3. The umpires are expected to know the rules and regulations of the tournament and will always remain impartial on the field.
4. The umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play on the field. The umpires’ decision will be final and both teams must accept it gracefully.
5. The umpires may consult with each other whenever necessary.
6. Any dispute needs to be discussed with the umpire only by the team officials (Manager, Captain, or Vice-Captain). Other players must be instructed to only speak to their officials and not with the umpires or opposition team players.
7. All disputes (if any) shall be determined by the umpires and if the team captains do not agree, the matter must be immediately escalated to the FCL Organizing Committee to discuss the same.
8. Any player showing unreasonable dissent in the opinion of the umpires shall be disqualified from further play in the game without a substitute in his place.
9. Any player involved in verbal and physical abuse of the umpire, any other player or spectator will be disqualified immediately from the tournament.
10. The team officials (Manager, Captain, and Vice-Captain) are always responsible for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit & traditions of the game as well as within the Laws.
     

6. General Rules
    

1. Transfer of players between teams is not allowed unless the player has not played a single match and the team would like to release him. This can only be done before 20^th October 2023; the time limit given to add or replace any player who hasn’t played a single match
2. Each bowler can bowl a maximum of 4 overs per match.
3. A batsman cannot be given out Leg Before Wicket (LBW). The batsmen can run leg byes.
4. A captain can retire a batsman only at the end of any over unless the batsman is really hurt.
5. It is unfair if the wicketkeeper standing back makes a significant movement toward the wicket after the ball comes into play and before it reaches the striker. In the event of such an unfair movement by the wicketkeeper either umpires shall call and signal a No Ball.
6. One bouncer is allowed per over, provided the ball passes between the shoulder and the head. However, the ball passing over the head will be declared as wide if no contact is made by the bat.
7. If the first bouncer is above head height and the batsman made contact with the bat, then it’s considered as first bouncer and it’s considered as a legal delivery. Also, batsmen would be declared out, or scored runs would be counted respectively. If the bowler bowls more than one bouncer in an over, the umpire shall declare the ball as a No Ball.
8. A high full pitch (full toss ball) above waist height will be considered as a No Ball.
9. The bowler is considered to be chucking if he/she bends the elbow joint over 15 degrees while completing his delivery. As per the rules, the leg umpire has the authority to declare it as a No ball if the bowler is found to be chucking the ball even after giving 1 warning in the game.
10. All fielders must be within the boundary of play during the innings. If any fielder is out of the boundary line at the time of bowling, the umpire will signal a No Ball.
11. Smoking on the field during gameplay is strictly prohibited and the umpire will signal a No Ball if any fielder is caught smoking on the field.
12. Fielders and bowlers are prohibited from distracting the batsman from the instant the bowler starts the bowling stride to the instant the ball is either played or crosses the normal batting position of the batsman. The batsman can inform the umpire if he is getting distracted and the umpire will give a warning to the respective player. Another instance can lead to the umpire calling a No Ball.
13. Batsman could be declared out:

• When a batsman thinks that he is going to run out and he blocks the ball with his bat or changes his line intentionally when running between wickets to block the ball.
• The striker is out should willful obstruction or distraction by either batsman prevent a catch from being made.

15. Batsman cannot be called out when a batsman is running between wickets, he does not deviate from his course and the ball hits him without the batsman blocking the ball on purpose.
16. Every team and player is expected to keep the environment clean and not litter the grounds with water bottles, eatables, and any other rubbish. Respective teams will be responsible in case of any complaints or consequences.

7. Substitutes and Super-Sub (Impact Player)
    

1. If a fielder fails to take the field with his side at the start of the match or at any later time, or leaves the field during a session of play, the opposition captain and the umpires must be informed about the reason for his absence.
2. If the umpires and opposition captains are satisfied that a player has been injured or becomes ill during the play, they shall allow that player to have a substitute acting instead of him in the field or a runner when batting. Normal fatigue or tiredness cannot be considered for a batsman requesting a runner.
3. A substitute shall not be allowed either to bat or bowl or to act as wicketkeeper or as captain on the field of play.
4. If a fielder is absent from the field during the play, he shall not be permitted to bowl thereafter immediately on his return, until he’s been on the field for an equal number of overs as he’s been off the ground, rounded to a complete over.
5. One (1) Super-Sub player (also known as an Impact player in IPL) can be introduced anytime during the play of the game. The player must be amongst the 4 substitute players only. The Super-Sub can bat, bowl, field, and keep like any other player.

Any team or player entering and participating in the tournament has agreed to be bound by the Rules & Regulations of the Friday Cricket League. Decisions involving the operation of the tournament, organization, interpretation of rules & regulations, terms & conditions or other tournament/event matters will be determined by the Tournament Organizing Committee of Friday Cricket League. The decisions of the Organizing Committee are final and binding.