The Spirit of Cricket

1. Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the laws but also within the spirit of Cricket.
2. The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, umpires and coaches.
3. Respect is central to the spirit of Cricket.
4. Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents, organisers and the authority of the umpires.
5. Play hard and play fair.
6. Accept the umpire’s decision.
7. Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.
8. Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
9. Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
10. Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
11. Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from diverse cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.

General Rules

12. Matches will be a 20 Overs a side each and will be broadly played as per the ICC norms and rules.
13. A match is played between two sides, each of eleven players, one of whom shall be the captain.
14. For each match the captain can nominate best 11 to bat and simultaneously best 11 to bowl. The captain will have to submit the list of both to the umpires and Sportobuddy/NSCI before the match starts. This also should have 5 names for the substitutes. Substitutes will not be allowed to bowl/bat under any circumstances. Substitutes will only be allowed to field with the consent of the umpires only. There will be no substitutes allowed as a runner for the batting side.
15. Only those nominated as substitute fielders shall be entitled to act as substitute fielders during the match.
16. A team can only play if there are minimum 9 players available on the ground. If there are less than 9 players than the opposite team will win the match by walk over and will gain points with bonus and the other team will lose one point from their tally.
17. All those nominated including those nominated as substitute fielders, must be eligible to play for that team and by such nomination the nominees shall warrant that they are so eligible.
18. If at any time the captain is not available, a deputy (Vice Captain) shall act for him.
19. The captains are responsible always for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket as well as within these Playing Conditions.
20. The ball shall be bowled from each end alternately in overs of 6 balls.
21. For a Dead Ball / Wide / No Ball the bowler will have to bowl an extra delivery which is a valid delivery.
22. A Bowler can bowl a maximum of 4 overs per match.
23. If a boundary is scored before the batsmen have completed sufficient runs to win the match, the whole of the boundary allowance shall be credited to the side’s total and, in the case of a hit by the bat, to the striker’s score.
24. If a Batsman retires because of an injury, then that batsman will be considered retired out and he will not be allowed to bat again.
25. No runner will be allowed to the batsman while batting (under any circumstances).
26. A Bowler shall be limited to bowl 1 bouncer per over. Second bouncer in the over will be given a No ball.
27. The delivery following any no ball shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it.
28. The delivery following any no ball shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it.
29. For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a No Ball i.e. 

a) Handled the ball, b) Hit the Ball twice, c) obstructing the field and (d) Run Out


30. Players must strictly adhere to dress code as prescribed by NSCI, they will not be allowed to participate if this is not followed.
31. Any disturbance in the form of cheering or other such noises that can disturb the batsmen, after the bowler starts the run-up will not be allowed & the ball will be declared as dead ball.
32. At the instant of a delivery, there may not be more than 5 fieldsmen on the legside.
33. For the first 6 Overs Powerplay, only two fielders are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery.
34. For the remaining overs, minimum 4 fielders must be inside the field restriction area (this does not include the wicketkeeper & bowler)
35. In the event of an infringement of above mentioned 3 field restriction rules, the umpire shall call and signal No Ball.
36. The delivery following any no ball shall be a free hit.
37. For the free hit, If the same batsman is on strike, the captain of the fielding side cannot change the field. However, if the batsmen have crossed during the No ball delivery, then the field may be changed.
38. The captains shall exchange the teams at the time of the toss. The team list must be as per the format given at the time of the match.
39. All the captains are requested to keep a copy of these rules with them during the match days. This would help in resolving any issues that might crop up during the match.
40. A team will get 2 points for a win and 1 point for a Bonus Point.
41. Bonus Point: 
    • If a team chases the total within 15 overs, they get a Bonus Point.
    • If a team wins with a difference of 50 runs, they get a Bonus Point.

Eligibility Criteria

42. Captains to make sure that the squad is as per the allotted players in the auction.
43. Sportobuddy/NSCI trusts the captains to do the thorough check the players and does not make anyone play beyond the allotted players to that team.

Umpiring Criteria

44. Umpires decision will be the final one in case of ball delivery during an over.
45. The umpires shall control the game as required by the Playing Conditions, with absolute impartiality.
46. Sportobuddy will deploy only qualified, experienced and impartial umpires for NCL 2018.
47. Neither team will have a right of objection to the appointment of any umpire or match referee.
48. Any objection taken against the Umpire by a batsman, a bowler, an opposing captain, or any other team member will not be entertained.
49. An umpire shall not be changed during the match, other than in exceptional circumstances, unless he/she is injured or ill.
50. Before the match the umpires shall consult with Sportobuddy/NSCI to determine the balls to be used for the Matches.
51. Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that the wickets are properly pitched, the creases are correctly marked, the boundary of the field of play complies with the requirements.
52. Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that the conduct of the match is strictly in accordance with these Playing Conditions. 1. Ball 2. Visibility 3. Size of the Stumps 4. Bails
53. The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
54. The Umpires are authorized to intervene in cases of:
    • Time wasting
    • Damaging the pitch
    • Dangerous or unfair bowling
    • Tampering with the ball
    • To dispute an umpire’s decision by word, action or gesture
    • To direct abusive language towards an opponent or an umpire
    • Cheating or any other practice, for instance: 
    • Appeal knowing that the batsman is not out 
    • To advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing 
    • To seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s own side.
55. It is solely for the umpires together to decide whether either conditions of ground, weather or light or exceptional circumstances mean that it would be dangerous or unreasonable for play to take place.
56. Conditions shall be regarded as dangerous if there is actual and foreseeable risk to the safety of any player or umpire.
57. The umpire shall wait until each signal to the scorers has been separately acknowledged by a scorer before allowing play to proceed.
58. The umpires shall, throughout the match, satisfy themselves as to the correctness of the number of runs scored, the wickets that have fallen and, where appropriate, the number of overs bowled.
59. The umpires shall ensure that they are able to contact the scorers at any time during the match and at its conclusion to address any issues relating to the correctness of scores.
60. Any discrepancies regarding the scores will be addressed by the umpires and that decision will be considered as final.
61. Three scorers shall be appointed to record all runs scored, all wickets taken and, where appropriate, number of overs bowled. (Online and Manual)
62. The scorers shall accept all instructions and signals given to them by the umpires and shall immediately acknowledge each separate signal.
63. If the umpire miscounts the number of valid balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand.
64. If, having miscounted, the umpire allows an over to continue after 6 valid balls have been bowled, he/she may subsequently call Over when the ball becomes dead after any delivery, even if that delivery is not a valid ball.
65. A bowler shall be allowed to change ends as often as desired, provided he does not bowl two overs consecutively, nor bowl parts of each of two consecutive overs, in the same innings.
66. If, after the players and umpires have left the field in the belief that the match has been concluded, the umpires discover that a mistake in scoring has occurred which affects the result then, the following procedure:  If, when the players leave the field, the side batting last has not completed its innings and, either the number of overs to be bowled in that innings has not been completed, or the end of the innings has not been reached then, unless one side concedes defeat, the umpires shall order play to resume.
67. If either umpire considers an action, not covered by these Playing Conditions, to be unfair he/she shall intervene without appeal and, if the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball and implement the procedure as per ICC Rules. Otherwise umpires shall not interfere with the progress of play without appeal except as required to do so by the Playing Conditions.

Match Ball

68. NSCI shall provide white cricket balls of an approved standard for T20 cricket and spare used balls for changing during a match.
69. The fielding captain or his nominee may select the ball with which he wishes to bowl from the supply provided by Sportobuddy/NSCI. 
70. The umpire shall take a box containing at least 6 new balls to the dressing room and supervise the selection of the ball.
71. During play umpires shall periodically and irregularly inspect the condition of the ball and shall retain possession of it at the fall of a wicket or any other disruption in play.
72. One new ball shall be used at the start of each innings.
73. 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 ball which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before the need for its replacement. When the ball is replaced, the umpire shall inform the batsmen and the fielding captain.
74. If the ball is lost in the first 5 overs, then it will be replaced with the New Ball in the field. This new ball will be selected by the umpire.
75. It is an offence for any player to take any action which changes the condition of the ball.
76. The umpires shall make frequent and irregular inspections of the ball. In addition, they shall immediately inspect the ball if they suspect anyone of attempting to change the condition of the ball.
77. Except in carrying out his normal duties, a batsman is not allowed to damage the ball other than, when the ball is in play, in striking it with the bat.
78. A bowler / fielder can polish the ball on his clothing provided that no artificial substance is used and that such polishing wastes no time.
79. Removal of mud from the ball should be done in the presence of the umpires.
80. If the umpires find out that the bowler or a fielder is tempering with the ball than he will be given the Red Card on immediate basis.

Match Pitch

81. The umpires shall be the sole judges of the fitness of the pitch for play
82. The positions of a bowling crease, a popping crease and two return creases shall be marked by white lines.
83. As a guideline to the umpires for the calling of Wides on the offside the white lines are clearly marked.
84. Creases shall be re-marked in the new innings as per umpire’s decision.

Match Timings

85. Players must be present on the ground as per the reporting time mentioned on the draws.
86. Toss will be done as per the prescribed time mentioned on the draws.
87. Each Innings of 20 Overs are to be concluded in 90 Minutes Max.
88. Each Innings of 20 Overs are to be concluded in 85 Minutes Max for Semi Finals and Finals. 
89. There shall be a 5-minute interval between innings.
90. If the innings of the team batting first is completed prior to the scheduled time for the interval, the interval shall take place immediately and the innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier.
91. In circumstances where the side bowling first has not completed the allotted number of overs by the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the first innings, the umpires shall reduce the length of the interval by the amount of time that the first innings over-ran. The minimum time for the interval will be 10 minutes.
92. No drinks intervals shall be permitted. 
93. An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the umpires. Only Sportobuddy Volunteers will be allowed to carry the drinks to the players with the permission of the umpires.
94. The umpires shall ensure that the scorers are informed of all agreements about hours of play and intervals and of any changes made thereto as permitted.
95. The bowler’s end umpire shall call Play before the first ball of the match and on the resumption of play after any interval or interruption.
96. The actual over rate shall be calculated at the end of each innings by the umpires.
97. In calculating the actual over rate for the match, allowances shall be given as follows:
    • The time lost because of treatment given to a player by authorised medical personnel,
    • The time lost because of a player being required to leave the field because of an acute injury,
    • The time lost because of time wasting by the batting side, 
    • The time lost due to all other circumstances that are beyond the control of the fielding side.
98. In the event of any time allowances being granted to the fielding team (time wasting by batting team), then such time shall be deducted from the allowances granted to such batting team in the determination of its over rate.
99. Sportobuddy & NSCI will be continuously be in touch with the umpires to make sure the innings are completed within 85/90 minutes for each innings. The decision of whether the team has caused the delay or not will be decided solely by the umpires present on the field.

1st Innings time Penalty:
The bowling team needs to complete the allotted 20 overs in 85+5 minutes, even if they cross the allotted time limit. In this case, the same team batting second will face a penalty of the extra time taken to complete their allotted 20 overs as follows:
4 extra mins = 1 over penalty
e.g. Team bowling first takes 94 minutes to complete 10 overs. Here, they will get to bat 1 over less i.e. 19 overs to chase the target.

2nd Innings time Penalty:
Second innings will stop at the time allotted for that innings and accordingly penalty will be applied  to the  bowling team. Penalty for slow over rate will be average run scored in the inning + 10 runs for every  over bowled short.
e.g. Team bowling second finishes 19 overs in allotted time. In this case, the  innings will stop and the batting team will get penalty runs as follows Penalty Runs Calculation is Average runs scored by the team  batting second + 10 runs per over.

100. The captains shall toss a coin for the choice of innings, on the field of play and under the supervision of NSCI / Sportobuddy and Umpires not earlier than 30 minutes, nor later than 15 minutes before the scheduled or any rescheduled time for the start of play. 
101. As soon as the toss is completed, the captain of the side winning the toss shall decide whether to bat or to field and shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of this decision immediately. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed.
102. Any team not present on the match day and gives a walk over to the opposite team will lose 1 point from its winning points. Also, the opposite team will be awarded the winning points along with the bonus point. (League as well as International Championship Points)
103. Any team coming late which will result in the delayed start, that team will lose 1 over for every 5 minutes of delay from their batting quota.

Ties & Super Over

104. If the scores are equal, the result shall be a tie and equal points will be awarded to both the teams on the league round.
105. Super Over will be introduced during the Quarter, Semi Final and Finals. In case if there is no time to execute the super over during Quarter Finals & Semi-Finals match then the team whose batsmen has hit the most number of boundaries shall be the winner.
106. In case if there is no time to execute the Super Over during Bronze Finals & Championship-Finals match then both the teams will be announced as Joint Champions. (Same Points will be given to both for the International Championship).
107. In both innings of the Super Over, the fielding side shall choose from which end to bowl.
108. Only nominated 11 players in the match may participate in the Super Over. 
109. Each team’s over is played with the same fielding restrictions as apply for the last over in a match played.
110. The team batting second in the match shall bat first in the Super Over.
111. The loss of two wickets in the over ends the team’s one over innings.
112. If the score is equal in the Super Over, 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 unbowled 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 Wides, no balls or penalty runs.

For Example:


Runs scored from:	Team 1	Team 2
Ball 6	1	2
Ball 5	4	4
Ball 4	2	4
Ball 3	6	2
Ball 2	0	1
Ball 1	2	6


In the above example both teams scored an equal number of runs from the 6th and 5th ball of their innings. However, team 1 scored 2 runs from its 4th ball while team 2 scored a single so team 1 is the winner.



Premature Match Termination

113. Prematurely Terminated Matches, Duckworth/Lewis/Stern Regulations methods will be implemented by the umpires and the equation will be informed to the captains. (This can be for the lights been turned off too)
114. At the time of quarter finals, semi-finals if the match is washed out, the team with the maximum points at the group stage will go ahead. If the teams are still equal on points than the higher net run rate will be taken into consideration.

Discipline / Yellow and Red Cards

115. Yellow Card:
     • Offences include excessive appealing and showing dissent at an umpire’s decision. Following this there will be an official warning, post official warning 2nd offence will result in yellow card to that player. 
     • Offences like including throwing the ball at a player or making deliberate physical contact with an opponent during play, will result in the immediate awarding of yellow card to the player.
     • Two Yellow cards in a match will result in Red Card and will result in the removal of the player from the field for rest of the match on that day. (Two Yellow cards in a match will result in suspension of the player in the next match).
     • No player can talk on the mobile phones on the field and is also not allowed to keep the phones with umpires. If found guilty, it will result in awarding of Yellow Card to the player/s.
     • No one will be allowed to go to the cameraman for replays and no decision will be overturned. Live feed is not for the referrals and decisions. Live feeds are only for the updates of the match.
     • Anyone charging the camera crew for the above will be awarded Yellow Card Immediately.
116. Red Card:
     • Offences like intimidating an umpire or threatening to assault another player, team official or spectator will result in a Red Card to the player and removal of the offending player from the field for rest of the match.
     • Offences like threatening an umpire or committing any act of violence on the field of play, will result in result in a Red Card and removal of the offending player for the remainder of the match. If the player is batting at the time of the offence, he will be recorded as ‘retired out’.
     • Any player found drinking Alcohol/smoking on the ground/dressing rooms/premises of the ground would be given Red Card and will result in removal of player for rest of the match on that day and would not be allowed to play the next match also.
117. Any player found misbehaving with the organising staff / organising committee / organising management of NSCI / Sportobuddy will be immediately terminated from the club without any prior notice and membership fees will be forfeited. It is the captain’s duty to maintain the level of discipline with his players. In case of any such incident of termination, the team also will lose points from the Championship Points.

 
Net Run rate Calculation:
A team’s net run rate is calculated by deducting from the average runs per over scored by that team, the average runs per over scored against that team. In the event of a team being out in less than its full quota of overs, the calculation of its net run rate shall be based on the full quota of overs to which it would have been entitled and not on the number of overs in which the team was dismissed. Calculating net-run rate of Team A – example 1 Game 1 – Scored 150 runs in 20 overs, conceded 120 runs in 20 overs Game 2 – Scored 120+ runs in 15 overs, conceded 180 runs in 20 overs Game 3 – Scored 160 runs in 20 overs, conceded 161 runs in 14.2 overs + Denotes all out Across the three games, ‘Team A’ scored 430 runs in 55 overs – but because Team A was dismissed before their allotted 20 overs in game 2, the net run rate is calculated as if they scored their runs over the full 20 overs. Therefore, Team A scored 430 runs in 60 overs at a rate of 7.16 runs per over. Team A’s opposition scored a total of 461 runs across the three games in a total of 54.2 overs. Note, in game 3 the opposition were not all out therefore there is no change to their overs. The opposition net run rate is subsequently 8.48 (461/326 * 6). To calculate NRR, compute foragainst (7.16-8.48) to end up with: - 1.32 In the case of a forfeit, the team will lose -0.5 on their net-run rate. The opposition team will gain +0.5 on their net-run rate.

1. Sportobuddy/NSCI will not be responsible for any loss/damage/injury occurring during the tournament or after the tournament. A first aid kit will be provided at the venue but in case of a player needing immediate medical attention, all medical expenses will have to be borne by the player. Under no circumstances, the organizers will be held liable for any such expenses.
2. Sportobuddy/NSCI will not be responsible for any personal/material loss during the tournament or after the tournament.
3. Sportobuddy/NSCI is not responsible for the cancellation or postponement of the matches/tournament due to any unforeseen/natural circumstances that may be beyond control.
4. Request for the postponement and/or shifting of matches shall not be entertained.
5. Sportobuddy/NSCI believes in sporting fun along with safety of all the players, we urge you to use the best of your helmets and guards which is prescribed by your coaches and team consultants.
6. Sportobuddy/NSCI will not be responsible for any personal/material loss or theft during the tournaments or after the tournaments.
7. If any team walks out of the ground for whatsoever reasons without the umpire’s consent, it will be deemed that the team has forfeited the game and points with bonus will be given to the opposite team.
8. Team playing in the entire tournament with a true sportsman spirit will be awarded with the Fair Play Award. Decision of Umpires and the organizing committee will be the final one in this regard.
9. In matter of doubts/issues/queries not covered by the tournament rules, the decision of the Organizing committee present on the ground will be final and binding upon all concerned as per the standard rule. Sportobuddy/NSCI reserves the rights to all decisions pertaining to any issues/concerns raised during and after the tournament.