Cricket Rules: Concussion and Pitch Fitness

Concussion Replacement

• A wicket-keeper from outside the nominated substitutes can replace a concussed wicket-keeper.
• The BCCI Match Referee must approve the request.
• The referee should approve the request if the replacement is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively advantage their team.
• The referee will consider the role the concussed player would have played and the normal role of the nominated replacement.
• The referee can impose conditions on the replacement if their inclusion would excessively advantage their team.
• The referee's decision on a Concussion Replacement Request is final.
• The replaced player can no longer participate in the match.

Pitch Fitness and Preparation

• The umpires are the sole judges of the pitch’s fitness for play.
• The Ground Authority is responsible for pitch selection and preparation before the game, while the umpires control its use and maintenance during the game.
• The pitch area is to be roped off during intervals to prevent unauthorized access.
• Only authorized staff, officials, players, team coaches, and licensed television personnel have access to the pitch area.
• Only the captain and team head coach can walk on the actual playing surface.
• TV personnel access is restricted to one camera crew and one or two commentators from the official licensed broadcaster(s).
• No spiked footwear is permitted.
• No one is allowed to bounce a ball or strike it with a bat on the pitch.
• Access to the pitch area cannot interfere with pitch preparation.

Changing the Pitch

• If the umpires consider the pitch dangerous or unreasonable for play, they stop the match.
• The umpires and the BCCI Match Referee consult with both captains.
• Play resumes if the captains agree to continue.

Delayed or Interrupted Matches - Team Batting First

• Overs bowled in the match are revised based on a rate of 15.79 overs per hour, which includes drinks intervals, in the remaining playing time.
• Both teams should have the opportunity to bat for the same number of overs.
• The team batting second will not bat for more overs than the first team unless the first team completed its innings in less than its allocated overs.
• A minimum of 20 overs must be bowled to the side batting second for the match to continue.
• The first innings is terminated when the total minutes of remaining playing time is less than the completed overs faced by Team 1 multiplied by 3.8.
• A fixed time is specified for the interval and the close of play, using a rate of 15.79 overs per hour.
• The length of playing time for the match or innings considers all delays, extensions, interruptions, and intervals (excluding drinks).
• The original time for cessation of play can be extended to allow for one extra over for each team if needed.
• If the team fielding first fails to bowl the revised number of overs by the specified time, play continues until the required number of overs are bowled or the innings is completed.
• The net run rate is calculated based on the full quota of overs, even if a team is all out before reaching their full allocation.

Over Rules

• Overs consist of 6 balls, bowled alternately from each end.
• An over begins when the bowler starts their run-up or action for the first delivery.
• A ball doesn't count as part of the over unless it is delivered, even if a batter is dismissed before delivery.
• A ball doesn't count as part of the over if it is called dead before the striker has a chance to play it, or if it is a no ball, wide, penalty run, or a violation related to returning without permission, fielding the ball, or deliberate attempts to distract or obstruct the batter.

Boundary Runs

• A boundary 4 is scored when a ball is grounded beyond the boundary, whether struck by the bat or not, and was first grounded within the boundary, or hasn't been struck by the bat.
• The batting side is awarded whichever is greater: the boundary allowance or the runs completed by the batters plus the run in progress at the time the boundary is scored.
• Penalty runs scored by either side are not affected by the scoring of a boundary.

Overthrow or Wilful Act of Fielder

• If a boundary results from an overthrow or a fielder's wilful act, the runs scored include any penalty runs awarded to either side, the boundary allowance, and the runs completed by the batters plus the run in progress at the time of the throw or act.

Dead Ball

• The ball becomes dead when:
  • It settles in the wicket-keeper's or bowler's hands.
  • A boundary is scored.
  • A batter is dismissed, from the moment the dismissal occurs.
  • The ball is trapped between the bat and a batter's person or equipment, or lodges in their clothing or equipment.
  • The ball lodges in an umpire's clothing.
  • Penalty runs are awarded for returning without permission or fielding the ball.
  • There is a contravention of the rule about protective helmets belonging to the fielding side.
  • The match concludes in any of the ways stated in the rules.

Test your knowledge on cricket rules regarding concussion replacements and pitch fitness. Understand the responsibilities of referees and umpires in ensuring fair play and safety. This quiz will help you grasp the key regulations governing these aspects of the game.