The tournament shall be named as "DULEEPTROPHY'

The Tournament shall be open to full members of the Board except the Cricket Club of India, National Cricket Club and Association of Indian Universities.

The matches shall ordinarily be completed by end of January.

The tournament shall be played annually between the five zonal teams representing the five zones on knock-out basis.

No entry fee shall be charged by the Board.

1. All the matches including the final will be of five days duration and will be played on knock-out basis in one zone by rotation. Draws to be taken out by the Tour, Programme and Fixtures Committee. Dates and Venues to be decided by the representatives of the zone conducting the tournament.

2. The match should be played only at the Head Quarters of the Staging Association or at the venues where International matches are played in the zone.

3. On the plea that the players of any member are due to participate in the Inter University tournament or against the touring side the dates of the Duleep Trophy Tournament as already fixed shall not be changed.

4. Postponement of dates could be done only in case of unforseen circumstances such as civil unrest, flooding of the place due to heavy rains where by the opposite side is not able to reach the venue or if later on it is found that the dates clash with important festivals when the Honorary Secretary may permit change of dates and venues.

5. Any centre that would hold Duleep Trophy match must have a proper intrastructural facilities and holding of such matches in these centres must have the prior approval of the Board.

   It is imperative for all Staging Association to ensure that their respective grounds are well maintained. In view of this, the Staging Association must possess the following ground equipments:

   1. a set of hand driven rollers - heavy (1.5 tonnes) and light (1 tonne)

   2. hand driven machines to trim wicket grass

   3. proper pitch covers

   4. proper sight screens

      In case the Referee reports about lack of equipments or proper infrastructural facilities, as per the guidelines forwarded to the Associations for Staging domestic tournaments, at the venue of the match, the Association concerned will be fined upto a maximum of Rs. 25,000- for being responsible and this amount to be adjusted, from and out of the Subsidy Fund or any dues to be paid by the Board to the member. Besides the venue at which the match was played to the member. Besides the venue at which the match was played to be scrapped for a period of four years.

1. Start and Cessation time :

   All the matches will be six hours duration each day.

   Hours of play would normally be as follows:

   9.30	am	to	12.00 noon	First Session
   12.00	noon	to	12.40 pm	Lunch
   12.40	pm	to	2.40 pm	Second Session
   2.40	pm	to	3.00 pm	Tea
   3.00	pm	to	4.30 pm	Last Session

   On the last day of the match, the play shall commence at 9.15 am to complete the mandatory overs.

   If the match commences at 10.00 am as arranged by the member Staging the match then the member will have to inform the Manager and the Captain of the visiting team and the Umpires the time of start of the match no sooner they arrive at the place where the match is being played. On the last day of the match the play shall commence at 9.30 am to complete the mandatory overs.

2. Minimum overs in a day
   1. Play shall continue on each day until the completion of a minimum number of overs or until the scheduled or rescheduled cessation time which ever is the later.

      The minimum number of overs to be completed, unless an innings ends or an interruption occurs, shall be :

      1. on days other than the last day - a minimum of 90 overs.

      2. on the last day - a minimum of 75 overs (or 15 overs per hour) for playing time other than the last hour when Clause (e) below shall apply.
         1. Subject to weather and light, except in the last hour of the match, in the event of play being suspended for any reason other than normal intervals, the playing time on that day shall be extended by the amount of time lost up to a maximum of one hour. In these circumstances, the minimum number of overs to be bowled shall be in accordance with the provisions of this clause and the cessation time shall be re-scheduled accordingly.

            If play has been suspended for 30 minutes or more prior to-the commencement of the scheduled tea interval, the tea interval shall be delayed for half an hour.

         2. When an innings ends a minimum number of overs shall be bowled from the start of the new innings. The number of overs to the bowled shall be calculated at the rate of one over for each full four minutes to enable a minimum of 90 overs to be bowled in a day, and the time of close of play shall be rescheduled accordingly. The last hour of the match shall be excluded from this calculation when Clause (e) shall apply.

            Where a change of innings occurs during a days play, in the event of the team bowling second being unable to complete As overs by the scheduled cessation time, play shall continue until the required number of overs have been completed.

            Where there is a change of innings during a days play (except at lunch or tea), 2 overs will be deducted from the minimum number of overs to be bowled.

         3. Except in the last hour of the match, for which Clause (e) makes provisions if play is suspended due to adverse weather or light for 88 more than one hour in aggreagate on any day, the minimum number of overs shall be reduced by one over for each full 4 minutes of the aggregate playing time lost

         4. On the last day, if any of the minimum of 75 overs, or as recalculated, have not been bowled when one hour of scheduled playing time remains, the last hour of the match for the purpose of Clause (e) shall be the hour immediately following the completion of those overs.

         5. Law 17.6 and 17.7 will apply except that a minimum of 15 (six ball) overs shall be bowled in the last hour and all calculations with regard to suspension of play or the start of a new innings shall be based on one over for each full 4 minutes. If, however, at any time after 30 minutes of the last hour have elapsed both Captains (the batsmen at the wicket may act for their Captain) accept that there is no prospect of a result to the match, they may agree to cease play at that time.

         6. Notwithstanding any other provision, there shall be no further play on any day, other than the last day, if a wicket falls or a batsman retires or if the players have occasion to leave the field during the last minimum over within 2 minutes of the scheduled or rescheduled cessation time or thereafter.

         7. An over completed on resumption of a new day's play shall be disregarded in calculating minimum overs for that day.

         8. Except on the final day, if in the event of ground, weather or light conditions causing a suspension of play and/or if the players are already off the field at the Rescheduled cessation time or any time thereafter, stumps shall be drawn,

         9. Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations regarding the number of overs.

         10. The scoreboard shall show

             - the total number of overs bowled with the ball currently in use and

             - the minimum number of overs remaining to be bowled in aday.

         11. Penalties shall apply for slow over rates (refer under Penalty for slow over rates)

         12. Either Captain may decide to play 30 minutes (a minimum eight overs) extra time at the end of any day other than the last day if, in their opinion, it would bring about a definite result on that day (This is in addition to the maximum one hours extra time).

             If it is decided to play such extra time on one or more of these days, the whole period shall be played out even though the possibility of finishing the match may have disappeared before the full period has expired.

             The time by which play, is extended on any day shall be deducted from the total number of hours of play remaining, and the match shall end earlier on the final day by the amount of time by which play was previously extended.

      3. Lunch Interval :

         Law 16.2 shall be replaced by the following

         Lunch interval will be of 40 minutes duration from 12.00 Noon to 12.40 pm. Where an innings concludes, or there is a break in play, within 10 minutes of the scheduled interval, the interval will commence at that time and be limited to 40 minutes.

      4. Tea Interval :

         Tea interval will be of 20 minutes duration from 2.40 pm to 3.00 pm or at the conclusion of the over in progress at the above time subject to circumstances provided for in Law 16.3, 16.4, and 16 Note (b). Law 16.5 shall not apply.

      5. Intervals for Drinks:

         The provisions of Law 16.6 shall be strictly observed except that under conditions of extreme treat the Umpires may permit extra intervals for drinks.

         An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundry 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. Any player taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire.

         Each day there shall be three drink intervals, one between the- commencement of play and lunch, the second between lunch and tea and the third between tea and close of play. Except on the last day of the match in the last session, the drink interval shall not be taken unless the game has been in progress for 60 minutes since last break /interval nor between 15 minutes before the next interval. However, on the last day of the match in the last session, drinks shall be taken after 75 overs or as calculated, has been bowled to enable the Umpires to commence the mandatory overs.

      6. Time Keeping

         A clock on the ground shall be used to regulate the hours of play and intervals. The Umpires must notify the Ground Authority which clock is to be followed, so that the spectators and representatives of the media may be informed. If the clock on the ground is out of order, the watches of the Umpires shall determine the time.

         The home Association may provide for the ringing of a bell and shall inform the bell shall inform the visiting team at the start of the match. The bell will be rung 5 minutes before the termination of an interval, when the Umpires shall go to the wicket.

The Umpires Committee Of the Board shall appoint Umpires from the Board Panel of Umpires and they shall normally be neutral Umpires.

Neutral Umpires means Umpires from the zone other than the zone of the contesting member.

The Captain of the fielding side shall have the choice of taking a new tall any time after 80 overs have been bowled with the previous ball in calculating the number of overs bowled, an over not completed by one bowler and completed by another bowler shall count as one. The over during which a new ball is taken, irrespective of at what stage of that over. shall be the first over in respect of the calculation for the next new ball.

1. Over rates shall be assessed on 15 avers per hour i.e. a minimum of 90 avers in a six hour day, subject to the following deductions:

   2. minutes	Per wicket taken
   actual time	where treatment by authorised medical personnel is required on the Ground and also for a Player leaving the field due to serious injury.
   4 minutes	for one drinks break per session..

Penalty for the number of overs bowled short shall be as follows:

1. The number of overs bowled short will be calculated at the end of each innings for the purpose of levying penalty.

2. If the number of overs bowled short is upto 5 overs, the penalty to be levied will be 15% of the financial allowance prescribed by the Board for the members of the team for the match.

3. Number of overs bowled short is above 5 overs, the penalty to be levied will be 30% of the financial allowance perscribed by the Board for members of the team for the match.

   Only eleven players participating in the team will be subject to an over-rate fine.

4. Honorary Secretary of the Staging Association will be responsible to see that the amount deducted as penalty is immediately forwarded to the Honorary Treasurer of the Board under advice to the Honorary Secretary and the Executive Secretary of the Board. In case of any default by the concerned Association, the Honorary Treasurer will withhold payment of grants and subsidies to the concerned Association.

5. A penalty may be reviewed by the Referee if, after consultation with the Umpires he is of the opinion that events beyond the control of the fielding side, including time wasting by the batting side, prevented that team from bowling the required number of overs, the batting side may be fined at the same rate as the fielding side if, in the opinion of the Referee, the batting side is guilty of slowing down the over rate.

6. The batsman will not leave their respective creases for consultations with each other during an over in progress. They may proceed for consultations in between the overs provided both the batsmen are back in their respective creases when the bowler is ready to start his bowling run up.

Before the toss of innings, the Captain shall nominate his players who may not thereafter be changed without the consent of the opposing Captain.

1. The quarter final and semi finals shall each be of five days duration of 6 hours of play each day without a rest day in between and shall be decided on the results of two innings. If two innings are not completed, the match shall be decided on the result of the first innings, but if the first innings is riot completed, or if there is a tie on the result of the first innings or both the innings, the result shall be decided as under.

   The total number of runs scored by a team shall be divided by the overs bowled by the opponent and average obtained. Similarly the number of runs scored by the other team shall be divided by and average the number of overs bowled by the opponent obtained. The team obtaining higher average shall be declared as winner. A part of the over bowled shall not be taken into account as a full over. For the purpose of obtaining an average, the side batting second must bat for a minimum of 30 overs. If even these averages are also equal, then the result shall be decided by the spin of coin which shall take place in the presence of the Umpires immediately after the close of play.

   The match which is abandoned without a ball being bowled shall not be replayed. The result shall be decided by the spin of coin which will take place in the presence of the Umpires.

   The match which is abandoned at a stage where average rule cannot be applied shall also be decided by the spin of coin which will take place in the presence of the Umpires.

   The match which is abandoned after the game has been in progress due to the digging/tampering of the pitch on which the match was being played, shall be decided by the spin of coin which shall take place in the presence of the Umpires.

2. The finals shall be of 5 days duration of 6 hours of play each day without a rest day in between, and the match shall be decided on the result of the two innings. If two innings are not completed, the match shall be decided on the result of the first innings, but if the first innings is not completed or if there is a tie on the result of the first innings or both the innings, the result shall be determined as under.

   The total number of runs scored by a team shall be divided by the overs bowled by the opponent and average obtained. Similarly the number of runs scored by the other team shall be divided by the number of overs bowled by the opponent and average obtained. The team obtaining higher average shall be declared as winner. A part of the over bowled shall not be taken into account as a full over. For the purpose of obtaining an average, the side batting second must bat for a minimum of 30 overs. If even these averages are equal, then both the finalists shall be declared as joint winners for that year.

   The match which is abandoned without a ball being bowled shall not be replayed. Both the finalists shall be declared as joint winners for that year.

   The match which is abandoned at a stage where average rule cannot be applied, the finalists shall be declared as joint winners for that year.

   The match which is abandoned after the game has been in progress due to the digging/tampering of the pitch on which the match was being played, the finalists shall be declared as joint winners for that year.

A cricketer shall be eligible to play for a member on the basis of

1. Birth qualification:

   A member within whose jurisdiction he is born.

2. Residential Bonafide Service Qualification

   A member within whose jurisdiction he has been residing or is in service from lst October of the year prior to the year of the match.

3. Bonafide Change of Residence or studies:

   If any cricketer in course of his bonofide change of residence or studies is transferred from limits of one member to the limits of another member on or before 1st October of the year of the match, he shall be permitted to play for the member to whose limit he is transferred on production of proper satisfactory proof. Applications in such cases should be made by the concerned cricketer to the Honorary Secretary of the Board on or before 1st October of the year of the match.

4. Transfer of service :

   If any cricketer changes his residence from the limits of one member to the limits of another member on a bonafide employment or transfer on or before 1st October of the year of the match, he shall be permitted to play for the member within whose limit he is employed or transferred on production of proper satisfactory proof. Applications in such cases should be made by the concerned cricketer to the Honorary Secretary of the Board on or before 1st October of the year of the match.

5. Special Cases

   Special cases of changes of residence, transfers, employment after 1st October of the year of the match, shall be considered on merits of the case by a Special Committee consisting of the President and the Honorary Secretary of the Board. Their decision shall be final and binding.

6. It would be obligatory for all Test Cricketers to play in Duleep Trophy tournament conducted by the Board when they are playing for the country. Non playing of a match in domestic tournaments would have to have valid reasons certified by the concerned Association and only the President. BCCI, have the power of granting exemption it he is satisfied that there is a valid reason for such absence.

1. A cricketer Who is under a ban passed by any me Board shall not be eligible to Play in the tournament.

2. if any player who is not qualified under these rules to play for the Zone, plays for such a Zone. The player shall be disqualified from playing in the rest of the tournament as well as in any other tournament played under the auspices Of the Board for the next two years.

   The Zone shall be disqualified from participating in tournament.

   The member to whom the player belongs shall have to play a penalty of Rs. 5.000/- to the Board.

1. Conceding a match :

   The team conceding a match shall be disqualified and the opponent shall be declared as the winner of the match.

   A Captain responsible for conceding the match shall be debarred for two years from participating in any tournament conducted by the board or by any member of the Board.

2. Walkover in a match :

   The team giving a walkover in a match shall be disqualified and the opponent shall be declared as the winner of the match.

The captain of the batting side may declare innings closed at any time during a match irrespective of the duration.

EXPLANATION:

The above rule provide an option to the Captain of the batting side only and it is not the intention that any declaration should become the subject of an agreement between the Captains. If the Umpires have grounds to believe that any agreement has taken place, they should immediately report to the Referee.

If the Referee is satisfied that the agreement has taken place, then the Captain responsible for having made such agreement shall be debarred for the next two years from participating in any tournament conducted by the Board or by any member of the Board.

The match shall be played on turf pitch.

No match will be played on newly laid turf pitch straightaway unless some local matches are played on this pitch and the same duly certified by the Association concerned.

The Umpires would have to satisfy themselves that best endeavours have been made by the Staging Association for mopping of the outfield grass every day before the start of the match.

Law 2.1 will apply as modified.

In normal circumstances, a substitute shall be allowed to field only for a player who satisfies the Umpires that he has become injured or become ill during the match.

However, in very exceptional circusmtances, the Umpire may use their discretion to allow a substitute for a player who has to leave the field or does not take the field for other wholly acceptable reasons, subject to consent being given by the opposing Captain. If a player wishes to change his shirt, boots, etc., he may leave the field to do so (no changing on the field) but no substitue will be allowed.

Law 2.6 (Runners Equipment) will apply as modified :

The Player acting as runner for an injured batsman shall at all times wear similar external clothing and protective equipment as the injured batsman.

Law 2.8 Fieldsman Leaving the field

In place of Law 2.8 the following will apply,

No fieldsman shall leave the field or return during a session Of Play without the consent of the Umpire at the bowlers end. The Umpires consent is also necessary if a substitute is required for a fieldsman at the start of play or when his side returns to the field after an interval. If a member of the fielding side does not take the field at the start of play, leaves the field or fails to return after an interval and is absent from the field longer than 15 minutes:

1. the player shall not be permitted to bowl in that innings after his return until he has been on the field for at least that length of playing time for which he was absent. In the event of a follow on, this restriction will, if necessary, continue into the second innings.

2. the player shall not be permitted to bat unless or until in the aggregate, he has returned to the field and/or his sides innings has been in progress for at least that length of playing time for which he has been absent or, if earlier, when his side has lost five wickets.

   Note In the event of a fieldsman already being off the field at the commencement of an interruption in play through ground, weather or light conditions, he shall be allowed to count any such stoppage time as playing time, provided that he personally informs the Umpires when he is fit enough to take the field had play been in progress.

1. Add the following to paragraph (a) and delete clause

   The Umpires will suspend, or continue to suspend play for bad light when they consider that there is a risk of serious physical injury to the batsman. Amongst the facts to be considered are background, sight screens and the type of bowling. Before deciding to suspend play, or not to resume play after an interval on account of bad light (but for no other reason), the Umpire shall establish whether the Captain of the batting team (the batsman at the wicket may deputise for their Captain) wishes to continue in unfit conditions, if so, his wishes shall be met.

2. Add the following to the last sentence of 3.8(a) ... or, as a consequence of a change of bowler, if batting conditions have become more dangerous.

3. The Umpires shall disregard any shadow on the pitch from the stadium or from any permanent object on the ground.

Cricket Balls approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India shall be used viz., SG-TEST, SONEX, SPRING BOX, SAMRAT and others as and when approved by the Board.

For all Senior Tournaments and First Class Matches SG Test Cricket Balls and others as and when approved by the Board shall be used.

The fielding captain or his nominee may select the ball with which he wishes to bowl from the supply provided by the home Association. Such selection must take place in the presence of the Umpires.

Members staging the match will have to keep in stock used balls approved by, the Board and the same will have to be shown and approved by the Umpires officiating in the match before the start of the game.

The Umpires shall also mention in their report whether the above instructions, were carried out by the member staging the match.

Umpires shall retain possession of the match ball(s) throughout the duration of the match when play is not actually taking place. During play Umpire shall periodically and irregularly inspect the condition of the ball and shall retain possession of it at the fall of a wicket, a drinks interval, at the end of each over, or any other disruption in play.

In the event of a ball becoming wet and soggy as a result of play continuing in inclement weather or it being affected by dew and in the opinion of the Umpires being unfit for play, the ball may be replaced for a ball that has-had a similar amount of wear, even though has not gone out of shape.

Either bowler or batsman may raise the matter with the Umpires and the Umpires decision as to a replacement or otherwise will be final.

In the event of a ball during play being lost or, in the opinion of the Umpires, being unfit for play through normal use, the Umpire shall allow it to be replaced by one that in their opinion has had a similar amount of wear. If the ball is to be replaced, the Umpires shall inform the Batsmen.

The bat overall shall not be more than 38 inches in the blade of the bat shall be made of wood, shall have a conventional flat face and shall not exceed 4 1/4 inches/0.8 cm at the widest part.

Law 7.2 - Selection and Preparation

In addition to the Law 7.2 the followng will apply.

Captain, Umpires, Referee and Groundsmen should cooperate to ensure that prior to the start of any days play, no one bounces a ball on the pitch or strikes it with a bat to assess its condition or for any other reason, or causes damage to the pitch in any other way.

Prior to the commencement of a days play, one TV commentator and Camera crew of the official licensed TV broad casters (but not news crew) may be permitted to inspect the pitch and surrounds

subject to the following:

a ball must not the bounced on the pitch.

a key or knife may only be inserted in the pitch in the area between the popping and bowling creases. In the event of any dispute, the Referee in consultation with the Home Association will rule and his ruling Will be final.

Prior to the start of play on any day, only the Captain and team Coach may walk on the pitch to assess its condition. Spiked footweare is not permitted.

Law 9.2 - THEPOPPING CREASE

The popping crease, which is the back edge of the crease marking, shall be in front of and parallel with the bowling crease. It shall have the back edge of the crease marking 4 ft/1.22m from the centre of the stumps and shall extend to a minimum of 15 yards on either side of the wicket.

The popping crease shall be considered to be unlimited in length.

1. Rolling of the pitch (10.1)

   Law 10.1 will apply, but add the following sentence to the first paragraph :

   However, if in the opinion of the Umpires, the delay has had no significant effect upon the state of the pitch, they shall refuse any request for the rolling of the pitch.

   In addition the Umpires are empowered to authorise the Groundsman to roll, sweep and otherwise treat the pitch by such manner and means which they, bearing in mind the advice of the Groundsman, consider will return the state of the pitch as near as possible to that pertaining when the choice of the innings was made.

2. Maintenance of Foot Holes : (Law 10.6)

   The Umpires shall see that wherever possible and whenever is considered necessary, action is taken during all intervals in play to do whatever is practicable to improve the bowlers foot holes. As soon as possible after the conclusion of each days play, bowlers footholes will be repaired.

3. Mowing of the Outfield (Law 10) - Notes (b) The above law shall not apply and will be modified to the extent as under:

   There will be no mowing of the outfield during the period of the match.

In place of Law 11.1 and 11.2 the following shall apply :

In all matches, the pitch shall be entirely protected against rain up to the commencement of play and for the duration of the period of the match.

It shall be wholly covered at the termination of each days play or providing the weather is fine, within a period of two hours thereafter.

The covers shall be removed n6 earlier than 5.00 am and no later than 7.00 am an each morning of the match provided ft is not raining at the time, but they will be replaced if rain falls prior to the commencement of play.

Note The covers must totally protect the pitch and also the pitch surroundings, a minimum of 5 metres either side of the pitch and any worn or soft areas in the outfield, as well as the bowlers run ups to a distance of at least 10 x 10 metres.

Attention is drawn to Law 3 Note (c) and Law 11.3.

1. Prior to tossing for choice of innings the artificial drying of the pitch and outfield shall be at the discretion of the Groundsman.

   There after and throught the match the drying of the outfield may be undertaken at any time by the Groundsman, but drying of the affected area of the pitch shall be carded out only on the instructions and under the supervision of the Umpires. The Umpires shall be empowered to have the pitch dried without reference to the Captains at any time they are of the opinion that it is unfit for play.

2. The Umpires may inspect the Groundsman to use any available equipment, including any roller for the purpose of drying the pitch and making it fit for play.

   Note :- An absorbent roller may be used to remove water from the covers incuding the cover an the match pitch.

At no time on any day Of the match shall there be any bowling or batting practice on the pitch Or the square except, in offcial netted practice ting or batting practice on pitch areas. In addition there shall be no bowling or parallel to the match pitch after the commencement of play on any day. Any fieldsman contravening this law may not bowl his next over.

No practice may take place on the field if, in the opinion of the Umpires, it could result in a waste Of VMS.

The boundary shall be the fence or a rope inside the fence. The pitch shall be a minimum shall be a minimum 60 yards from boundary square of the pitch. When this minimum distance is used, the pitch has to be a minimum 80 yards from the opposite square boundary The straight boundary at both ends of the pitch shall be a minimum of 60 yards, Distances shall be measured from the center of the pitch to be used.

If an Uunauthorised person enters the playing arena and handles the ball, the umpire at the bowlers end shall be the sole judge of whether the boundary allowance should be scored or the ball be treated as still in play or called dead ball if a batsman is liable to tbe out as a result of the unauthorised person handing the ball.

With addition as under

Sioght Screens shall be provided at both ends of all grounds. Sight screens provided for hte match should confrim to the following specifications.

Statis (40 x 15) feet minimum

Mobile (20 x 15) feet minimum

If the sight screen have to be shifted then the Staging Association to see that enough men are kept near the screen all the time during the game so that there is no loss of time for shifting the screen.

The Staging Association should also see that the screen canvas/cloth is thick so that the shadow of the people walking behind the screen does not disturb the batsman and also due to the wind does not flicket or sway.

If for any reasons, a bowler is incapacitated while running up to bowling the first ball of an over, or is incapacitated or suspended during an over, the Umpire shall call and signal dead ball and another bowler shall bowl or complete the over from the same end, provided only that he shall not bowl two overs, or part thereof, consecutively in one innings.

Law 24.1 will apply except that the bowler may not deliver the ball under arm. If a bowler bowls a ball underarm the Umpire shall call and signal dead ball.

In addition, the Umpire at the bowlers end shall call and signal no ball if a ball which the Umpire considered to have been delivered:

(i) bounces more than twice or (ii) rolls along the ground or (iii) comes to rest

before it reaches the striker or, if not otherwise played by the striker, before it reaches the popping crease. If the ball comes to rest in such circusmstances, the Umpire will call No Ball and Law 25.3 shall apply.

LAW 24.2 - FAIR DELIVERY - THE ARM

For a delivery to be fair the ball must be bowed not thrown - see Note (a) below. If either Umpire is not entirely satisfied with the absolute fairness of a delivery in this respect he shall call and signal no ball instantly upon delivery.

The Umpire shall also adopt the procedures of caution, final warning, action against the Bowler and reporting as set out in Law 42.8

Except as provided for in Clause 28 (the bowling of fast short pitched balls), Law 24.8 shall apply.

In addition the following shall apply:

No ball and wide balls not scored from shall be included in the bowling analysis of the bowler responsible.

The following shall apply in place of Law 30.l(b)

He plays the ball, of if it touches his person. then hits or kicks into and breaks his wicket and in the Umpires judgement an attempt to protect the wicket has been made the stoker will be given out on appeal-bowled. Completion of the stroke will not be considered if an attempt is made to protect the wicket

See Law 34.1 (out Hitting the Ball Twice).

In addition to Laws 23.1(e), 32.2(e), 38 Note (c) and 41.4 the following shall apply.

The striker is out under this Law if the ball is deflected from his bat onto his own protective helmet and he is subsequently caught. Runs may be scored off deflections from the batsman's or fielders helmet. A batsman may call for a helmet to be brought out to him at any time. He must then wear or carry personally all the time while play is in progress, or can have it taken off the field at the fall of a wicket or at the end of the over, or at any drinks intervals.

In all cases, no actions involving waste playing time. Umpires are not to hold helmets.

The exchange of protective equipment between members of the fielding side the field shall be permitted provided that the Umpires do not consider that it constitutes a waste of playing time. A batsman may only change other items of protective equipment.(e.g batting gloves etc) provided that there is no waste of playing time.

In the event that the ball has been interfered with and requires replacement, the batsman at the wicket shall chose 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 used prior to the contravention.

1. Experimental Conditions (3 years from October 1994)
   1. A bowler shall be limited to two fast short pitched deliveries per over.

   2. A fast short pitched ball is defined as a ball which posses or would have passed above the shoulder night of the batsman standing upright at the crease.

   3. In the event of a bowler bowling more than two fast short pitched deliveries in an over, either Umpire shall call and signal no ball on each occassion.

   4. The penalty for a fast short pitched no ball shall be two runs, plus any runs scored from the delivery.

   5. A differential signal shall be used to signify a fast short pitched delivery. The Umpire shall call and signal no ball and then raise the other arm across the chest.

      Where a bowler delivers a third fast short pitched ball in one over which is also a no ball under Law 24 e.g. a front foot no ball, the penalty will be 2 runs plus any runs scored from that delivery i.e, the greater penalty will apply.

      If a bowler delivers a third fast short pitched ball in an over, not only must the Umpire call no ball, but he must invoke the procedures of law 42.8(a) in regard to cautioning the bowler.

      If a bowler is no balled a second time in the innings for the same offence the Umpire shall advise the bower this is his final warning as provided for in Law 42.8

      A third such offence in the same innings shall cause the Umpire to invoke Law 42.8(d) i.e, the bowler shall be removed forthwith and cannot bowl again in that innings.

      The above is not a substitute for Law 42.8 (as amended below) which Umpires are able to apply at any time.

2. Law 42.8 (as amended experimentally).

   The bowling of fast short pitched balls is unfair if the Umpire at the Bowlers end considers that by their repetition and taking into account their length, height and direction, they are likely to inflict physical injury on the striker, irrespective of the protective clothing and equipment he may be wearing. The relative skill of the striker shall also be taken into consideration.

   In the event of such unfair bowling the Umpire at the bowlers end shall adopt the following procedure:

   1. In the first instance the Umpire shall call and signal no ball, caution the bowler and inform the other Umpire, the Captain of the fielding side and the batsmen of what has occured.

   2. If this caution is ineffective, he shall repeat the above procedure and indicate to the bowler that this is a final warning.

   3. Both the above caution and final warning shall continue to apply even though the bowler may later change ends.

   4. Should the above warnings prove ineffective, the Umpire at the bowlers end shall;
      1. At the first repetition call and signal no ball and when the ball is dead direct the Captain to take the bowler off forthwith and to complete the over with another bowler, provided that the bowler does riot bowl two overs or part thereof consecutively. See Law 22.7 (Bowler Incapacitated or Suspended during an Over).

      2. Not allow the bowler thus taken off, to bowl again in the same innings.

      3. Report the occurance to the Captain of the batting side as soon as the player-leave the field for an interval.

      4. Report the occurance to the Executive of the fielding side and to any governing body responsible for the match who shall take any further action which is considered to be appropriate against the bowler concerned.

Law 42.9 shall be replaced by the following

The bowling of fast high full pitched balls is unfair.

A fast high full pitched ball shall be defined as a ball that passes, or would have passed, on the full above waist height of a batsman standing upright at the crease. Should a bowler bowl a fast high pitched ball, either Umpire shall call and signal no ball.

In the event of such unfair bowling the Umpire at the bowlers end shall adopt the procedures of caution, final warning, action against the bowler and reporting as set out in Law 42.8.

Law 42 - Note (c) - Danger area

The danger area on the pitch which must be projected from damage by a bowler shall be regarded by the Umpires as the area contained by an imaginary line 5 ft from the popping crease, and parallel to ft, and within two imaginary and parallel lines drawn down the pitch from points on that line 1 feet / 30.48 cm on either side of the middle stumps.

Will read as under:

In the event of a batsman damaging the pitch, the Umpire at the bowlers end shall follow the procedure of caution, final warning and reporting as set out in Law 42. 10(c)

In the event of the batsman running on the pitch, the Umpire at the bowlers end shall take the following action :

1. In the first instance be shall caution the batsman and inform the other Umpire at once. Also the Captain of the batting side as soon as the players leave the field for an interval of what has occured.

2. In the second instance the Umpire will ask the batsman to remove the spiked boots and wear rubber soled boots.

3. Time lost in changing the boots will not be taken into account when calculating the number of overs to be bowled by the bowling side.

4. The batting side to be fined at the same rate as the fielding side if the batting side is guilty of slowing down the over rate.

5. The Umpire shall report the occurance to the Executive of the batting side and to any governing body responsible for the match who shall take appropriate action against the player concerned.

Teams are required to observe Ground Authority regulations and to exercise the utmost care and caution when engaging in practice and pre-match warm up and hitting-up activities so as to avoid the risk of injury to members of the public, damage to the centre wicket region and to perimeter fencing.

1. The Captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is. conducted within the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws.

2. Players and Team Officials shall not at any time engage in conduct which could bring them or the game into disrepute.

3. Players and Team Officials shall not in any way be concerned in the use or distribution of illegal drugs.

4. Players and Team Officials shall not disclose or comment upon any alleged breach of the Code or upon any hearings, report or decision arising from such breach.

5. Players and Team Officials shall not make any public pronouncement or media comment which is detrimental to the game which is taking place.

6. In the event of a bowler being found guilty of gross misbehaviour or of using offensive comments on the field such as :
   1. swearing at the Umpires, batsman Of any other player or spectators

   2. showing public dissent at the Umpires decision

   3. manhandling an Umpire, the batsman or the spectator

   4. Kicking the stumps and indulging in any ungentlemanly and unsporting conduct which might bring the game into disrepute

      The Umpire concerned shall announce and call and signal Dead Ball and suspend the bowler from further bowling in that innings, and allow another bowler to complete the over from the same end provided this bowler shall not bowl a two overs or part thereof consecutively in that innings.

7. If a fielder other than the bowler indulges in such acts as stated above, the Umpire shall direct the Captain of the fielding side to send the concerned fielder off the field for that session and no substitute shall be allowed in his absence.

   In addition to taking action as stated in paras (f) and (g) above, the Umpire shall also report the occurance to the Captain of the batting side as soon as the players leave the field for an interval. The Umpires shall also report to the Executive authority of the fielding side and to the governing body responsible for the conduct of the match as well as to the Referee to take any any action against the concerned bowler or player,

8. In the event of the batsman being found guilty of gross misbehaviour or using offensive comments on the field such as

   1. swearing at the Umpires, bowler or any other player spectator.

   2. showing public dissent at the Umpires decision.

   3. manhandling an Umpire. the bowler, the fielder or a spectator

   4. kicking the stumps or hitting the stumps with the bat when given out or indulging in any ungentlemanly and unsparing conduct which might bring the game into disrepute

      the Umpires at the bowlers end shall report the occurrence to the executive of the batting side and to any governing body responsible for that match as well as to the Referee who shall take appropriate action against the player concerned

The two Umpires shall give separate reports regarding

1. Administration and ground arrangements including the condition of the pitch and outfield and also about any untoward incident affecting the match

2. Number of overs required to be bowled by the team and the number of overs bowled short by the team after each davs play along with the reasons for the learn having bowled overs short, on the day.

3. Whether the match was played in fair and competitive spirit? If not, state the reasons and details.

4. Also to give the runs scored in each innings, overs bowled in each, innings and total time taken in minutes, overs bowled short in an innings, total overs bowled short in a match points secured by the team and result of the match.

5. Immediately after the conclusion of the match each Umpire shall prepare the report and despatch them to the Executive Secretary within 15 days from the conclusion of the match, under registered post acknowledgement due. Umpires who do not send completed reports within 15 days of the completion of the match may not be considered for posting for the next season.

6. The Umpires should see before the start of the match that the stock of old balls of different wear are kept ready by the Association staging the match. The Umpires will also add in their report to the Board information regarding the quality of ball availability of old balls, etc.

7. If the two Umpires are of the opinion that the pitch prepared by the member on whose ground the match was played was underprepared, then the Umpires, immediately on conclusion ot the match, shall submit a report to the Referee about the being underprepared, with a copy to the member staging the match. If the Referee is convinced that the pitch was under prepared then the member will be fined Rs. 25,000/- for being responsible for the underprepared pitch and this amount to be adjusted against any dues to be paid by the Board to the Member Besides, the venue at which the match was played to be scrapped for a period of 4 year.

The two Captains shall give separate report, on the Umpires officiating in the match. The responsibility Of getting the Captains Report On Umpires duly filled in and signed by them separately soon after the conclusion of the match ties with the Association to Whom he Captain represents

Immediately after conclusion of the match, the Secretary of the Association to whom the Captain represents, shall see th at he gets the Captains Report duly filled in and signed and the same is forwarded to the Executive Secretary of the Board within 15 days from the conclusion of the match under registered post acknowledgement due.

In case of on compliance of the above requirement the defaulting Asssociation will have to pay a penalty of Rs. 5,000/- to the Board for each such default. This amount will be deducted from and out of teh Subsidy Fund or any other amounts due and payable to such Association by the Board.

The list of defaulting Associations will be furnished by the Honorary Joint Secretary to the Honorary Treasurer of the Board for necessary action.

Referees to be appointed by the Board for matches in domestic tournaments.

To accompany the two Captains to supervise the toss in the absence of Referee, the two Umpires to accompany the two Captains and supervise the toss.

Immediately after the conclusion of the match the Referee shall prepare his report covering all the points as drawn under 'The Duties and Responsibilities of the Referee', together with all the relevant papers connected in the matter and forward the same to the Executive Secretary of the Board within 15 days from the conclusion of the match, under registered post acknowledgment due.

The Referee is responsible for keeping a record of all reports furnished by him.

1. Honorary Secretary of the Staging Association will appoint two local official Scorers.

2. Scorer to be made responsible for making proper entries in the score sheets and the score sheet should be completed in all respect.

3. Score sheets thus prepared by the Scorers, each score sheet to be signed by both of them after tallying all the details entered in the score sheet.

4. Scorers to obtain the signatures of the two Umpires on the score sheets after the match is over and before they leave the place of the match.

5. The two Scorers will then hand over the Score sheet to the Honorary Secretary of the Staging Association.

6. Honorary Secretary of the Staging Association under whose jurisdiction the match was played to see that both the Score sheets are forwarded to the Executive Secretary of the Board within 15 days of the completion of the match by registered post acknowledgement due.

7. Scorers to be paid remuneration as fixed by the Board and the same to be reimbursed by the Board.

The team shall consist of sixteen members including the Manager. The Manager shall be appointed by the convenor.

Selection of Zonal Teams:

1. The zonal Teams shall be selected by the zonal Selection Committee, consisting of a representative of each member in the zone participating in the Ranji Trophy Tournament. Out of these members one shall be the member of the All India Selection Committee from the Zone who shall act as the Chairman of the Committee.

   No person shall be qualified to be appointed on the zonal selection committee unless he has played in first class cricket.

2. The Secretary of the senior test centre from the zone or his nominee shall convene and attend the meeting of the selection committee. He shall not be entitled to take part in the deliberations of the committee nor shall be entitled to vote, except when he attends the meeting as a selector.

   Expenses of Selectors:

   The journey and other expenses including the boarding and lodging charges of the Selection Committee including the Chairman shall be met by the representative member.

The Association conducting the match shall bear the following expsense

1. Conduct of Tournament:
   1. Travelling and journey expenses of the Managers and Players chosen from permanent test centres, non permanent Test centres and non Test centres shall be borne by the Association staging the match and will be paid as under:

      First class/Two Tier A.C./Luxury bus fare from and to their place of residence only, plus Rs. 75/- as journey expenses for every 12 hours or part thereof.

      No player and Manager shall claim the above expenses more than once for the same journey from two different centres.

   2. (a)   Expenses on account o' lodging of the two teams.

      (b)   Expenses towards boarding the two teams as per the following rate.

      At Rs. 100/- per-head per day for the duration of the match plus one day before and one day after. (Rs. 700/- per head per match).

      The Boarding and lodging expenses shall not include expenses on laundry, alcoholic drinks, trunk and STD calls and entertainment of guests incurred by the member of the team including the Manager and will be at their cost.

   3. Allowance to be paid to each of the players by the staging Association at Rs. 4,000/- for the match which is inclusive of transport from residence to station/airport and back.

   4. Expenses on account of transportation and porterage charges to and from the station and from hotel to ground and back to be met by the Staging Association.

   5. Lunch, tea and soft drinks expenses during the match on the ground shall be borne by the Association staging the match.

   6. All the ground expenses will be met by the Staging Association.

   7. Staging Association to meet the medical expenses of both the teams.

   8. Administrative expenses and miscellaneous expenses to be met by the Staging Association.

   9. Staging Association to provide for cricket balls for the match and practice.

      An amount of Rs. 2,40,000/- as subsidy will be paid to the Staging Association by the Board.

2. Travelling expenses and allowance to Umpires:
   1. First Class ftwo Tier A.C./ Luxury Bus return fare from his place of residence.

   2. Rs. 75/- as journey expenses for every 12 hours or part thereof.

   3. Rs. 4,000/-as Umpires allowances for the 5 day match.

   4. Rs. 50/- per day as pocket money including conveyance allowances for the duration of the match plus one day before and one day after.

   5. Towards boarding and lodging, the Association staging the match shall pay at the rate of Rs. 600/- per day per Umpire for the duration of the match and one day before and one day after.

   6. Rs. 50/- per day as pocket money including conveyance allowance for the duration of the match plus one day before and one day after to the local Umpires apart from the Umpires allowance as stated in para (c) above.

   NOTE:
   All expenses of the Umpires under Clause (a) to (f) above shall at first instance be paid by the Staging Association and shall be later reimbursed to the Staging Association by the Board.

The matches may be played under gates.

1. The visiting teams shall be entitled to 75 complimentary passes besides badges to players and Managers-

2. Each Umpire shall be entitled to 75 complimentary passes besides his own badge.

1. All disputes of any nature

   All disputes of any nature shall be referred to the Senior Tournament Committee within 10 days of the completion of the match. The Senior Tournament Committee shall not be bound to give reasons for its decision.

2. All Protests:

   All protests shall be referred to the Honorary Secretary of the Board and shall be accompanied by a protest fee of Rs. 15,000/-. The protest shall be made within 10 days of the completion of the match. Such protest shall be dealt with at the earliest by the Senior Tournament Committee. In case the protest is rejected, the fee of Rs. 15,000/- shall not be refunded. The Committee shall not be bound to give reasons for its decision.

The winner of the match shall be awarded the DULEEP TROPHY and the runner up the V. J. DIVECHA TROPHY.

A certificate to be issued to the winner of the Trophy. The Honorary Secretary of the Staging Member shall see that the Duleep Trophy presented to the winner and V.J. Divecha Trophy to the runner-up are returned to the Board's Office at Bombay within one month of the completion of the tournament.

If the trophies are carried away by the Zones who are the winners and runner-up of the tournament, then the permanent test centre of the zone concerned shall see that the trophy taken by their team is returned to the Board's Office at Bombay within one month of the completion of the Tournament.

NOTE: The Honorary Secretary of the Staging Association within 15 days of the conclusion of the tournament shall inform the Board's office, Bombay, the winnner and runner up of the tournament, name and designation of the person who handed over the trophy and photographs, if any taken of the winning side with the Trophy Also to inform the Board's Office, whether the trophies were carried away by the teams who were the winners and runner-up of the tournament .

Except as here in modified, altered or added to, all the matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws od Cricket framed from time to time by the ICC as modified by the experimental laws approved by the board.