29 September, 2017

Men's ODI Match Clause 41: Unfair Play

41.UNFAIR PLAY

41.1. Fair and unfair play – responsibility of captains

The captains are responsible for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of Cricket, as well as within these Playing Conditions.

41.2. Fair and unfair play – responsibility of umpires

The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play. If either umpire considers an action, not covered by these Playing Conditions, to be unfair he shall intervene without appeal and, if the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball and implement the procedure as set out in clause 41.19. Otherwise umpires shall not interfere with the progress of play without appeal except as required to do so by these Playing Conditions.

41.3. The match ball – changing its condition

41.3.1. 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, except as permitted in clause 41.3.2.
41.3.2. It is an offence for any player to take any action which changes the condition of the ball.

Except in carrying out his normal duties, a batsman is not allowed to wilfully damage the ball other than, when the ball is in play, in striking it with the bat. See also clause 5.5 (Damage to the ball).

A fielder may, however:
- 41.3.2.1. polish the ball on his clothing provided that no artificial substance is used and that such polishing wastes no time.
- 41.3.2.2. remove mud from the ball under the supervision of an umpire.
- 41.3.2.3. dry a wet ball on a piece of cloth that has been approved by the umpires.

41.3.3. The umpires shall consider the condition of the ball to have been unfairly changed if any action by any player does not comply with the conditions in clause 41.3.2.
41.3.4. If the umpires together agree that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed by a member or members of either side, or that its condition is inconsistent with the use it has received, they shall consider that there has been a contravention of this clause and decide together whether they can identify the player(s) responsible for such conduct.
41.3.5. If it is possible to identify the player(s) responsible for changing the condition of the ball, the umpires shall;
- 41.3.5.1. Change the ball forthwith.
  - 41.3.5.1.1. If the umpires together agree that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed by a member or members of the fielding side, the batsman at the wicket shall choose the replacement ball from a selection of six other balls of various degrees of usage (including a new ball) and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention.
  - 41.3.5.1.2. If the umpires together agree that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed by a member or members of the batting side, the umpires shall select and bring into use immediately, a ball which shall have wear comparable to that of the previous ball immediately prior to the contravention.
- 41.3.5.2. Additionally, the bowler’s end umpire shall
award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side.
if appropriate, inform the batsmen at the wicket and the captain of the fielding side that the ball has been changed and the reason for their action.
inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable of what has occurred.

The umpires shall then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the player(s) concerned.

41.3.6. If it is not possible to identify the player(s) responsible for changing the condition of the ball, the umpires shall;
- 41.3.6.1. Change the ball forthwith. The umpires shall choose the replacement ball for one of similar wear and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention.
- 41.3.6.2. The bowler’s end umpire shall issue the captain with a first and final warning, and
- 41.3.6.3. Advise the captain that should there be any further instances of changing the condition of the ball by that team during the remainder of the series, clause 41.3.5.2 above will be adopted, with the captain deemed to be the player responsible for the contravention.

41.4. Deliberate attempt to distract striker

41.4.1. It is unfair for any fielder deliberately to attempt to distract the striker while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery.
41.4.2. If either umpire considers that any action by a fielder is such an attempt, he shall immediately call and signal Dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for the call. The bowler’s end umpire shall
- award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side.
- inform the captain of the fielding side, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for the action.
Neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery and the ball shall not count as one of the over.

The umpires may then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the fielder concerned.

41.5. Deliberate distraction, deception or obstruction of batsman

41.5.1. In addition to clause 41.4, it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball.
41.5.2. It is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction, deception or obstruction is wilful or not.
41.5.3. If either umpire considers that a fielder has caused or attempted to cause such a distraction, deception or obstruction, he shall immediately call and signal Dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for the call.
41.5.4. Neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery.
41.5.5. If an obstruction involves physical contact, the umpires together shall decide whether or not an offence under clause 42 (Players’ conduct) has been committed.
- 41.5.5.1. If an offence under clause 42 (Players’ conduct) has been committed, they shall apply the relevant procedures in clause 42 and shall also apply each of clauses 41.5.7 to 41.5.9.
- 41.5.5.2. If they consider that there has been no offence under clause 42 (Players’ conduct), they shall apply each of clauses 41.5.6 to 41.5.10.
41.5.6. The bowler’s end umpire shall;
award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side.
- inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action and as soon as practicable inform the captain of the batting side.
41.5.7. The ball shall not count as one of the over.
41.5.8. Any runs completed by the batsmen before the offence shall be scored, together with any runs for penalties awarded to either side. Additionally, the run in progress shall be scored whether or not the batsmen had already crossed at the instant of the offence.
41.5.9. The batsmen at the wicket shall decide which of them is to face the next delivery.
41.5.10. The umpires may then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the fielder concerned.

41.6. Bowling of dangerous and unfair short pitched deliveries

41.6.1. Notwithstanding clause 41.6.2, the bowling of short pitched deliveries is dangerous if the bowler’s end umpire considers that, taking into consideration the skill of the striker, by their speed, length, height and direction they are likely to inflict physical injury on him. The fact that the striker is wearing protective equipment shall be disregarded.

In the first instance the umpire decides that the bowling of short pitched deliveries has become dangerous under 41.6.1

- 41.6.1.1. The umpire shall call and signal No ball, and when the ball is dead, caution the bowler and inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsmen of what has occurred. This caution shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.
- 41.6.1.2. If there is a second instance, the umpire shall repeat the above procedure and indicate to the bowler that this is a final warning, which shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.
- 41.6.1.3. Should there be any further instance by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire shall - call and signal No ball

    - when the ball is dead, direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling

inform the other umpire for the reason for this action.

The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over.

The umpire shall report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, to the captain of the batting side.

The umpires may then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned. - 41.6.1.4. A bowler shall be limited to two fast short-pitched deliveries per over. - 41.6.1.5. A fast short-pitched delivery is defined as a ball, which passes or would have passed above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease. - 41.6.1.6. The umpire at the bowler’s end shall advise the bowler and the batsman on strike when each fast short pitched delivery has been bowled. - 41.6.1.7. In addition, a ball that passes above head height of the batsman, standing upright at the popping crease, that prevents him from being able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke shall be called a wide. See also clause 22.1.1.2

    - 41.6.1.7.1. For the avoidance of doubt any fast short pitched delivery that is called a wide under this playing condition shall also count as one of the allowable short pitched deliveries in that over.
    - 41.6.1.8. In the event of a bowler bowling more than two fast short-pitched deliveries in an over as defined in clause 41.6.1.5 above, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall call and signal No ball on each occasion. A differential signal shall be used to signify a fast short pitched delivery. The umpire shall call and signal ‘No ball’ and then tap the head with the other hand.
    - 41.6.1.9. If a bowler delivers a third fast short pitched ball in an over, the umpire, after the call of no ball and when the ball is dead, shall caution the bowler, inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsmen at the wicket of what has occurred. This caution shall apply throughout the innings.
    - 41.6.1.10. If there is a second instance of the bowler being no balled in the innings for bowling more than two fast short pitched deliveries in an over, the umpire shall advise the bowler that this is his final warning for the innings.
    - 41.6.1.11. Should there be any further instance by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire shall   

        - call and signal No ball

when the ball is dead, direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling
inform the other umpire for the reason for this action.

The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over.

The umpire shall report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, to the captain of the batting side.

The umpires may then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned. - 41.6.2. Should the umpires initiate the caution and warning procedures set out in clauses 41.6.1.3 and 41.7 such cautions and warnings are not to be cumulative.

41.7. Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries

41.7.1. Any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is to be deemed to be unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. If the bowler bowls such a delivery the umpire shall immediately call and signal No ball. If, in the opinion of the umpire, such a delivery is considered likely to inflict physical injury on the batsman by its speed and direction, it shall be considered dangerous. When the ball is dead the umpire shall caution the bowler, indicating that this is a first and final warning. The umpire shall also inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsmen of what has occurred. This caution shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.
41.7.2. Should there be any further instance (where a dangerous non-pitching delivery is bowled and is considered likely to inflict physical injury on the batsman) by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire shall
- call and signal No ball
- when the ball is dead, direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling
- inform the other umpire for the reason for this action.
  The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.
If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over.

Additionally the umpire shall
report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, to the captain of the batting side.

The umpires may then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned.

41.7.3. The warning sequence in clauses 41.7.1 and 41.7.2 is independent of the warning and action sequence in clause 41.6.
41.7.4. If the umpire considers that a bowler deliberately bowled a high full-pitched delivery, deemed to be dangerous and unfair as defined in clause 41.7.1, then the caution and warning in clause 41.7.1 shall be dispensed with. The umpire shall
- immediately call and signal No ball.
- when the ball is dead, direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling and inform the other umpire for the reason for this action.
The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over.
- report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, to the captain of the batting side.
The umpires together shall report the occurrence to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned.

41.8. Bowling of deliberate front-foot No ball

If the umpire considers that the bowler has delivered a deliberate front-foot No ball, he shall

immediately call and signal No ball.

when the ball is dead, direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling

inform the other umpire for the reason for this action.

The bowler thus suspended shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over.

report the occurrence to the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, to the captain of the batting side.

The umpires together shall report the occurrence to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned.

41.9. Time wasting by the fielding side

41.9.1. It is unfair for any fielder to waste time.
41.9.2. If either umpire considers that the progress of an over is unnecessarily slow, or time is being wasted in any other way, by the captain of the fielding side or by any other fielder, at the first instance the umpire concerned shall
- if the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball.
inform the other umpire of what has occurred.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then
warn the captain of the fielding side, indicating that this is a first and final warning. - inform the batsmen of what has occurred.
41.9.3. If either umpire considers that there is any further waste of time in that innings by any fielder, the umpire concerned shall
- if the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball. - inform the other umpire of what has occurred.
The bowler’s end umpire shall then award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side and inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action.

Additionally the umpire shall inform the batsmen and, as soon as is practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

If the umpires believe that the act of time wasting was deliberate or repetitive, they may lodge a report under the Code of Conduct. In such circumstances the Captain and/or any individual members of the fielding team responsible for the time wasting will be charged.

41.10. Batsman wasting time

41.10.1. It is unfair for a batsman to waste time. In normal circumstances, the striker should always be ready to take strike when the bowler is ready to start his run-up.
In addition, an incoming batsman should be in position to take guard or his partner ready to receive the next ball within 2 minutes of the fall of the previous wicket.
41.10.2. Should either batsman waste time by failing to meet this requirement, or in any other way, the following procedure shall be adopted. At the first instance, either before the bowler starts his run-up or when the ball becomes dead, as appropriate, the umpire shall
warn both batsmen and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.
inform the other umpire of what has occurred.
inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
41.10.3. If there is any further time wasting by any batsman in that innings, the umpire shall, at the appropriate time while the ball is dead
award 5 Penalty runs to the fielding side.
inform the other umpire of the reason for this action.
inform the other batsman, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

If the umpires believe that the act of time wasting was deemed to be deliberate or repetitive, they may lodge a report under the Code of Conduct. In such circumstances the batsman concerned will be charged.

41.11. The protected area

The protected area is defined as that area of the pitch contained within a rectangle bounded at each end by imaginary lines parallel to the popping creases and 5 ft/1.52 m in front of each, and on the sides by imaginary lines, one each side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps, each parallel to it and 1 ft/30.48 cm from it.

41.12. Fielder damaging the pitch

41.12.1. It is unfair to cause deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch. A fielder will be deemed to be causing avoidable damage if either umpire considers that his presence on the pitch is without reasonable cause.
41.12.2. If a fielder causes avoidable damage to the pitch, other than as in clause 41.13.1, at the first instance the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire. The bowler’s end umpire shall then
caution the captain of the fielding side and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings.
inform the batsmen of what has occurred.
41.12.3. If, in that innings, there is any further instance of avoidable damage to the pitch, by any fielder, the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire. The bowler’s end umpire shall then
award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side.

Additionally the umpire shall

inform the fielding captain of the reason for this action.
inform the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

The umpires together shall report the occurrence to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the fielder concerned.

41.13. Bowler running on protected area

41.13.1. It is unfair for a bowler to enter the protected area in his follow-through without reasonable cause, whether or not the ball is delivered.
41.13.2. If a bowler contravenes this clause, at the first instance and when the ball is dead, the umpire shall
caution the bowler and inform the other umpire of what has occurred. This caution shall apply to that bowler throughout the innings.
inform the captain of the fielding side and the batsmen of what has occurred.
41.13.3. If, in that innings, the same bowler again contravenes this clause, the umpire shall repeat the above procedure indicating that this is a final warning. This warning shall also apply throughout the innings.
41.13.4. If, in that innings, the same bowler contravenes this clause a third time, when the ball is dead, the umpire shall,
direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler immediately from bowling. If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled any part of the previous over, nor be allowed to bowl any part of the next over. The bowler taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.
inform the other umpire of the reason for this action. 55
inform the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

The umpires may then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the bowler concerned.

41.14. Batsman damaging the pitch

41.14.1. It is unfair to cause deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch. If the striker enters the protected area in playing or playing at the ball, he must move from it immediately thereafter. A batsman will be deemed to be causing avoidable damage if either umpire considers that his presence on the pitch is without reasonable cause.
41.14.2. If either batsman causes deliberate or avoidable damage to the pitch, other than as in clause 41.15, at the first instance the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the occurrence. The bowler’s end umpire shall then
warn both batsmen that the practice is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.
inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
41.14.3. If there is any further instance of avoidable damage to the pitch by any batsman in that innings, the umpire seeing the contravention shall, when the ball is dead, inform the other umpire of the occurrence.

The bowler’s end umpire shall

disallow all runs to the batting side
return any not out batsman to his original end
signal No ball or Wide to the scorers if applicable.
award 5 Penalty runs to the fielding side.
award any other 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under clause 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
Inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.

The umpires together shall report the occurrence to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the batsman concerned.

41.15. Striker in protected area

41.15.1. The striker shall not adopt a stance in the protected area or so close to it that frequent encroachment is inevitable.

The striker may mark a guard on the pitch provided that no mark is unreasonably close to the protected area.

41.15.2. If either umpire considers that the striker is in breach of any of the conditions in clause 41.15.1, if the bowler has not entered the delivery stride, he shall immediately call Dead ball, otherwise, wait until the ball is dead; he shall then inform the other umpire of the occurrence.

The bowler’s end umpire shall then

warn the striker that the practice is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform the non-striker and each incoming batsman.
inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
41.15.3. If there is any further breach of any of the conditions in clause 41.15.1 by any batsman in that innings, the umpire seeing the contravention shall, if the bowler has not entered his delivery stride, immediately call and signal Dead ball, otherwise, he shall wait until the ball is dead and then inform the other umpire of the occurrence.

The bowler’s end umpire shall

disallow all runs to the batting side
return any not out batsman to his original end
signal No ball or Wide to the scorers if applicable.
award 5 Penalty runs to the fielding side.
award any other 5-run Penalty that is applicable except for Penalty runs under clause 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
inform the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.

The umpires together shall report the occurrence to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the batsman concerned.

41.16. Non-striker leaving his ground early

If the non-striker is out of his ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him out. Whether the attempt is successful or not, the ball shall not count as one in the over.

If the bowler fails in an attempt to run out the non-striker, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as possible.

41.17. Batsmen stealing a run

41.17.1. It is unfair for the batsmen to attempt to steal a run during the bowler’s run-up.

Unless the bowler attempts to run out either batsman – see clauses 41.16 and 21.4 (Bowler throwing towards striker’s end before delivery) – the umpire shall

call and signal Dead ball as soon as the batsmen cross in such an attempt. - inform the other umpire of the reason for this action.

The bowler’s end umpire shall then

return the batsmen to their original ends.
award 5 Penalty runs to the fielding side.
inform the batsmen, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side, of the reason for this action.

The umpires may then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the batsman concerned.

41.18. Penalty runs

41.18.1. When Penalty runs are awarded to either side, when the ball is dead the umpire shall signal the Penalty runs to the scorers. See clause 2.13 (Signals).
41.18.2. Penalty runs shall be awarded in each case where these Playing Conditions require the award, even if a result has already been achieved. See clause 16.6 (Winning hit or extras).

Note, however, that the restrictions on awarding Penalty runs, in clauses 23.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded), 34.4 (Runs scored from ball lawfully struck more than once) and 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side), will apply.

41.18.3. When 5 Penalty runs are awarded to the batting side under any of clauses 24.4 (Player returning without permission), 28.2 (Fielding the ball), 28.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side) or under 41.3, 41.4, 41.5, 41.9 or 41.12, then
they shall be scored as Penalty extras and shall be in addition to any other penalties.
they are awarded when the ball is dead and shall not be regarded as runs scored from either the immediately preceding delivery or the immediately following delivery, and shall be in addition to any runs from those deliveries.
the batsmen shall not change ends solely by reason of the 5 run penalty.
41.18.4. When 5 Penalty runs are awarded to the fielding side, under clause 18.5.2 (Deliberate short runs), or under 41.10, 41.14, 41.15 or 41.17, they shall be added as Penalty extras to that side’s total of runs in its most recently completed innings. If the fielding side has not completed an innings, the 5 Penalty runs shall be added to the score in its next innings.

41.19. Unfair actions

41.19.1. If an umpire considers that any action by a player, not covered in these Playing Conditions, is unfair, he shall call and signal Dead ball, if appropriate, as soon as it becomes clear that the call will not disadvantage the non-offending side, and report the matter to the other umpire.

The bowler’s end umpire shall

41.19.1.1. If this is a first offence by that side
- summon the offending player’s captain and issue a first and final warning which shall apply to all members of the team for the remainder of the match.
- warn the offending player’s captain that any further such offence by any member of his team shall result in the award of 5 Penalty runs to the opposing team.
41.19.1.2. If this is a second or subsequent offence by that side
award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side
41.19.1.3. The umpires may then report the matter to the ICC Match Referee who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the player concerned.

Men's ODI Match Clause 41: Unfair Play

41.UNFAIR PLAY

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