Men's T20I Match Clause 6: The Pitch

6.1. Area of pitch

The pitch is a rectangular area of the ground 22 yards/20.12 m in length and 10 ft/3.05 m in width. It is bounded at either end by the bowling creases and on either side by imaginary lines, one each side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps, each parallel to it and 5 ft/1.52 m from it. If the pitch is next to an artificial pitch which is closer than 5 ft/1.52 m from the middle stumps, the pitch on that side will extend only to the junction of the two surfaces. See clauses 8.1 (Description, width and pitching) and 7.2 (The bowling crease).

6.2. Fitness of pitch for play

The umpires shall be the sole judges of the fitness of the pitch for play. See clauses 2.7 (Fitness for play) and 2.8 (Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable conditions).

6.3. Selection and preparation

Before the match, the Ground Authority shall be responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch. During the match, the umpires shall control its use and maintenance.

• 6.3.1. The Ground Authority shall ensure that during the period prior to the start of play and during intervals, the pitch area shall be roped off so as to prevent unauthorised access. (The pitch area shall include an area at least 2 metres beyond the rectangle made by the crease markings at both ends of the pitch).
• 6.3.2. The fourth umpire shall ensure that, prior to the start of play and during any intervals, only authorised staff, the ICC match officials, players, team coaches and authorised television personnel shall be allowed access to the pitch area. Such access shall be subject to the following limitations:

6.3.2.1. 6.3.2.2.

6.3.2.3. 6.3.2.4.

Access shall not interfere with pitch preparation.
6.3.3. In the event of any dispute, the ICC Match Referee will rule and his ruling will be final.

6.4. Changing the pitch

• 6.4.1. If the on-field umpires decide that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue on the match pitch, they shall stop play and immediately advise the ICC Match Referee.
• 6.4.2. The on-field umpires and the ICC Match Referee shall then consult with both captains.
• 6.4.3. If the captains agree to continue, play shall resume.
• 6.4.4. If the decision is not to resume play, the on-field umpires together with the ICC Match Referee shall consider whether the existing pitch can be repaired and the match resumed from the point it was stopped. In considering whether to authorise such repairs, the ICC Match Referee must consider whether this would place either side at an unfair advantage, given the play that had already taken place on the dangerous pitch.
• 6.4.5. If the decision is that the existing pitch cannot be repaired, then the match is to be abandoned with the following consequences:

6.3.2.5.

Only captains and team coaches may walk on the actual playing surface of the pitch area (outside of the crease markings).

Access to the pitch area by television personnel shall be restricted to one camera crew (including one or two television commentators) of the official licensed television broadcaster(s) (but not news crews).

No spiked footwear shall be permitted.

No one shall be permitted to bounce a ball on the pitch, strike it with a bat or cause damage to the pitch in any other way.

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6.4.5.1. In the event of the required number of overs to constitute a match having been completed at the time the match is abandoned, the result shall be determined according to the provisions of clause 16.4.2.

6.4.5.2. In the event of the required number of overs to constitute a match not having been completed, the match will be abandoned as a no result.

• 6.4.6. If the abandonment occurs on the day of the match, the ICC Match Referee shall consult with the Home Board with the objective of finding a way for a new match (including a new nomination of teams and toss) to commence on the same date and venue. Such a match may be played either on the repaired pitch or on another pitch, subject to the ICC Match Referee and the relevant Ground Authority both being satisfied that the new pitch will be of the required T20I standard. The playing time lost between the scheduled start time of the original match and the actual start time of the new match will be covered by the provisions of clause 12.
• 6.4.7. If it is not possible to start a new match on the scheduled day of the match, the relevant officials from the participating Boards shall agree on whether the match can be replayed within the existing tour schedule.
• 6.4.8. Throughout the above decision making processes, the ICC Match Referee shall keep informed both captains and the head of the Ground Authority. The head of the Ground Authority shall ensure that suitable and prompt public announcements are made.

6.5. Non-turf pitches

All T20I matches shall be played on natural turf pitches. The use of PVA and other adhesives in the preparation of pitches is not permitted.