1. Playing Conditions

The Playing Conditions for First Class Cricket as they relate to matches in Premier Championship will apply, with the following exceptions:

2. Duration

The matches will consist of one innings per side, each innings being limited to a maximum of 20 overs.

There will be no reserve day for loss of play due to inclement weather.

3. Hours of Play and Intervals

3.1 (Group League matches)
Standard Schedule Start and Cessation Time are as follows:

Preliminary round

Match 1

Match 2

1st Semi -Final

2nd Semi -Final

Final

(Note: SLC reserves the right to alter Play times)

3.1.1 Interval Between Innings

If the innings of the team batting first is completed prior to the scheduled time for the Interval, the Interval shall take place immediately and the Innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier. In circumstances where the side bowling first has not completed the allotted number of overs by the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the first innings, the umpires shall reduce the length of the interval by the amount of that the first innings overran. The minimum time for the interval will be 10 minutes.

3.1.2 On all occasions where play is delayed or interrupted the Umpires will reduce the length of the Interval to 10 minutes.

3.1.3 Intervals for Drinks

No drinks intervals are permitted.

3.2 Final Day - Please refer to Hours of Play & Intervals

3.2.2 The Umpires and Match Manager will determine the re-arrangement of overs and timings of matches in the case of any match being delayed or interrupted. At all times, the Tournament will be prioritized as follows:

-To ensure that both Semi-Finals and the Final are completed on the scheduled day of the matches (minimum overs to constitute a match is 5 overs per team).
-To ensure that wherever possible, both semi-finals are of the same duration.
-To ensure that wherever possible, within each match, teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs.
-To Balance the desire to achieve commercial objectives with the need to ensure matches of as long a duration as possible.

In making its judgments, the Umpires and Match Manager will need to take into account the amount of play time may already have taken place, the amount of play remaining, and the most accurate weather forecast.

If there is a delayed start or one or more interruption in play, the Umpires may order up to 30 minutes of extra time either at the break between matches and or at the end of the day (latest re-scheduled finish should be 10.30 pm).

3.2.3 There will normally be two sessions of play of 1 hour 15 minutes each, separated by an interval of 15 minutes. If the innings of the team batting first is completed prior to the scheduled time of the interval, the interval shall take place immediately and innings of the team batting second will commence Correspondingly earlier.

3.2.4 On any occasion where the innings of the side batting first is delayed or interrupted, the Umpires will reduce the length of the interval to 10 minutes. In circumstances where the side bowling first has not completed the allotted number of overs by the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time of the first innings, the umpires shall reduce the length of the interval by the amount of time that the first innings over-ran. The minimum time for the interval will be 10 minutes.

3.2.5 No drinks intervals are permitted.

4. Lengths of Innings

4.1 In uninterrupted matches (ie. Matches, which are nether delayed nor interrupted):

4.1.1 Each team shall bat for 20 overs unless all out earlier.

4.1.2 If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings, play shall continue unit the required number of overs has been bowled and Playing Condition 15 shall apply.

4.1.3 If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 20 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 20 overs.

4.1.4 If the team fielding second fails to bowl 20 overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the second innings, the hours of play for the match shall, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a results has been achieved and Playing Condition 15 shall apply.

4.2 In Delayed or Interrupted matches - Day 1

4.2.1 General

(a) The timing and duration of all suspensions of play (including all intervals) or delays on any day will be taken into account when calculating the length of time available for either innings.
(b) The object shall always be to rearrange the number of overs so that, if possible, both teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs.
(c) Except as provided for in 4.2.3 below, the calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on a rate of one over for every full 3.75 minutes in the total time available for play up to the scheduled close of play for the match. A re-scheduled cessation time should be re-scheduled for both innings; A minimum of 5 overs must be bowled to the team batting second (subject to it not being all out earlier) in order to constitute a match.

The recalculated number of overs will be the minimum number that ensures that the re-scheduled cessation time is no earlier than the original cessation time.

(d) If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required number of overs by the Scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, be extended until the overs have been bowled or a results has been achieved and Playing Condition 15 shall apply.
(e) The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of over than the team batting first, unless the latter has been all out in less than the agreed number of overs.

4.2.2 Delay or Interruption to the innings of the Team Batting First

(a) If the number of overs of the team batting first is reduced, a fixed time will be specified for the completion of its innings, as calculated by applying the provisions of 4.2.1 (a), 4.2.1 (b), and 4.2.1 (c) above. In the event of its innings being completed prior to the schedule time, the interval shall take place immediately and innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier.
(b) If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the re-scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled and Playing Condition 15 will apply. In all reduces over matches the fielding team will be given one overs leeway in addition to any time that the Umpires might allow for stoppages.

4.2.3 Delay or Interruption to the innings of the Team Batting Second

If there is a delay or interruption to the innings of the team batting second, the overs shall be reduced at a rate of one over for every full 3.75 minutes lost, except that when the innings of the team batting first has been completed prior to the scheduled or re-scheduled time for the interval between innings, the reduction of overs will not commence until, in the case of a delay, an amount of time equivalent to that which the first innings finished early has elapsed, or in the case of an interruption, an amount of time equivalent to that by which the second inning started earlier has elapsed. A re-scheduled cessation time should be re-calculated for the second innings. The recalculated number of overs will be the minimum of overs will be the minimum number that ensures that the re-scheduled cessation time is no earlier than the original cessation time.

Note: SLC will provide a Match Manager each match. After any hold up in play, the umpires will notify the Scorers of the number of overs lost and the Match Manager will perform the Duckworth/Lewis calculations required. The Match Manager will notify the Captains, Scorers and all others concerned of such decision. The match Manager must understand the Duckworth/Lewis method and must check the scorers' calculations.

4.3 In Delayed or Interrupted matches - Final Day

4.3.1 General

(a) Any rearrangement of the number of overs that may be necessary due to a delayed start or one or more interruptions in play as a result of adverse ground, weather or light condition or any other reason, shall be made made by the Umpires Committee in accordance with 3.2.2 above.

The timing and duration of all suspensions of play (including all intervals) or delay on any day will be taken into account when calculating the length of time available for either innings.
(b) Except as provided for in 4.3.3 below, the calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on a rate of one over for every full 3.75 minutes in the total time available for play up to the close of play taking into account extra time that has been allocated by the Umpires. A re-scheduled cessation time should be re-calculated for both innings. A minimum of 5 overs must be bowled to the team batting second (subject to it not being all out earlier) in order to constitute a match.
(c) If the team batting fielding second fails to bowl the required numbers of overs by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, be extended until the overs have been bowled or a result has been achieved and Playing Condition 15 shall apply.
(d) The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the team batting first, unless the latter has been all out in less than the agreed number of overs.

4.3.2 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team batting first

(a) If the number of overs of the team batting first is reduced, the Umpires shall specify a fixed time for the completion of its innings, as calculated by applying the provisions of 3.2.2, 4.3.1 (a) and 4.3.1 (b) above. In the event of its innings being completed prior to the scheduled time, the interval shall take place immediately and the innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier.
(b) If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the rescheduled time for the cessation of the first innings, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled and Playing Condition 15 will apply. In all reduced overs matches the fielding team will be given one overs leeway in addition to any time that the Umpires might allow for stoppages.

4.3.3 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team batting Second

If there is a delay or interruption to the innings of the innings of the team batting second, the overs shall be reduced at a ran rate of one over for every full 3.75 minutes lost, except that when the innings of the team batting first has been completed prior to the scheduled or re-scheduled time for the interval between innings, the reduction of overs will not commence until, in the case of a delay, an amount of time equivalent to that which the first innings finished early has elapsed, or in the case of an interruption, an amount of the equivalent to that by which the second innings started early has elapsed. A re-scheduled cessation time should be re-calculated for the second innings. The recalculated numbers of overs will be the minimum number that ensures that the re-scheduled cessation time is no earlier than the original cessation time.

Note to 4.3

After any hold up in play, the match manager will perform the Duckworth/Lewis calculations required. The umpires will both satisfy themselves as to the correctness of all such calculation before allowing play to take place. The umpires shall notify the captains, scores and all others concerned of such decisions.

5 The Result

White kookaburra cricket balls will be used. One new ball shall be used for each innings.

6 The Result

6.1 When there is no interruption after play has commenced and when both sides have had the opportunity of batting for the same agreed number of overs, the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. In the event of a tie, the following shall apply:

6.1.1 The team losing the lesser number of wickets shall be the winner (only for Semi and Finals).

6.1.2 if 6.1 or 6.1.1, the winner cannot decide the result shall be the team with the higher score after 10 overs, or if still equal after 9 overs, or if still equal after 8 overs etc.

6.2 if, due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs in the inning of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than that originally allotted (minimum 5 overs), then a revised target score should be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing, this revised target being calculated by the Duckworth/Lewis method. An integral target will be set for the team batting second with one run less than this target resulting in a Tie (see 6.4 below). If after the restart of play it is discovered that the wrong Duckworth/Lewis target has been set the faulty target shall stand.

6.3 if, a match is abandoned before it has been played to a conclusion and before the team batting second has received its allotted number of overs (providing that it has received not less than 5 overs), the result shall be decided by the Duckworth/Lewis method.

6.4 in the event of a Tie when the Duckworth/Lewis method has been used, the match will be decided as outlined in 6.5.

6.5 in the event of a tie or no result being obtained in a match within this rule, if circumstances (outdoors or indoors) permit, the umpires shall decide to the following from of 'bowl-out' contest to achieve a result:
Five players from each side will bowl over-arm two deliveries each at a wicket (conforming to Law 8) from a wicket (conforming to Law 8) pitched at a distance of 22 yards with, if practicable, bowling, popping and return creases (conforming to Law 9). The first bowler from team A will bowl two deliveries, then the first bowler from team B will bowl two deliveries, then the second bowler from team A will bowl two deliveries, and so on. The side which bowls down the wickets (as defined in Law 28.1) most times shall be the winner. If the scores are equal, the same players will bowl one ball each alternately to achieve a result on a 'sudden death' basis. If circumstances make the contest impossible, the match shall be decided by the toss of a coin.

The following shall also apply in respect of 'bowl-outs':

6.5.1 The same suitably acceptable ball (not a new one) will be used by both teams. If this ball becomes wet, it may be changed subject to the Umpires approval.

6.5.2 If a bowler bowls a 'no ball' it will count as one of his two deliveries but will not count towards the score of the team.

6.5.3 If the original match has started, the five crickets to take part in the 'bowl-out' must be selected from the original 11 crickets and the 12th man. If there has been no play in the original match (the toss has not taken place), the five crickets may be selected from any of a Team's registered crickets.

6.5.4 Each side will appoint a wicket-keeper to stand behind the wicket but out of reach of the stumps.

6.5.5 At the Group stage, two teams will receive a bye to the semi-finals. The other two semi-finals will progress to finals.

7. Restrictions on the placement of Fieldsmen

7.1 At the instant of delivery there shall not be more than five fieldsmen on the leg side.

7.2 For the first 6 overs only each innings, only two fieldsmen are permitted to be outside an area bounded by two semi-circles centered on each middle stump (each with a radius of 30 yards) and joined by a parallel line on each side of the pitch (the fielding circle). The fielding circle should be marked by painted white 'dots' at five-yard intervals.

7.3 For the remaining overs of each inning only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the fielding circle at the instant of delivery.

7.4 Two inner circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The circle shall have as their centers the center point of the popping crease at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the circles is 15 yards (13.72 meters). The field restriction area should be marked by colored 'dots'. The segment of the circle reserved for the slip positions shall not be demarcated. For the first 6 overs only of each innings there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen (excluding the wicket keeper) within 15 yards of the striker at the instant of delivery. When a fast bowler is bowling the two stationary fieldsmen may be permitted to stand deeper then 15 yards (in the un-demarcated area) provided only that they are standing in slip leg slip and gully positions.

7.5 In circumstances where the number of overs for the team batting first is reduced, the number of overs in regard to the restrictions in 7.2 and 7.4 above shall be reduced proportionately in a ratio of 6:20 (30%) in accordance with the table below. Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations re the number of overs. (If on resumption the number of overs for fielding restrictions has already been exceeded this should take effect immediately).

Where the number of overs for the team batting second is reduced the aim will be to maintain the restrictions in 7.2 and 7.4 for the same proportion of the second inning that they were maintained for the first innings (fractions to be ignored).

7.6 In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the striker's end Umpire shall call and signal 'No Ball'.

8 Number of Over Pet Bowler

No bowler may bowl more than four overs, however in a delayed start or interrupted match, where the overs are reduced for both sides or for the side bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth total overs allowed (unless such a number has been exceeded before the interruption). Except that where the total overs are not divisible by five, an additional over shall be allowed to the minimum number of bowlers necessary to make up the overs. Both opening bowlers have bowled 4 overs. Two bowlers can bowl 3 limit. They count as the two bowlers who were allowed the extra over (3 as opposed to 2) and so any other bowlers are limited to 2 overs.

When an interruption occurs mid-over and on resumption the bowler has exceeded the new maximum allocation, he will be allowed to finish the in completed over.

In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls will be bowled by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler's limit is concerned.

The number of overs bowled by each individual bowler shall be indicated on the scoreboard from the commencement of an innings.

9 Declarations

Law 14 will not apply in this competition. The Captain of the batting side may not declare his innings closed at may any time during the course of a match.

10 Laws 24.12 - No Ball - Penalty

Law 24.12 will apply except that the penalty for a No
ball will be 2 runs.

11 Free Hit after a Foot Fault No Ball

In addition to 10 above, the delivery following a no ball called for a foot (Law 24.5) shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it. If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or a wide ball), then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it. For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball.

Field changes are permitted for free hit deliveries.

12 Law 25 - Wide Ball

In addition to Law 25 and in place of Championship Playing Condition 26 the following will apply.

Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket.

A penalty of one run shall be scored. This penalty shall stand in addition to any other runs, which are scored or awarded.

13 Law 31 - Timed Out

Law 31 will apply except that the incoming batsman must be in position to take guard or for his partner to be ready to receive the next ball within 1 minute 30 be ready to make his way to the wicket immediately a wicket falls, and is expected to jog to the wicket.

14 Short Pitch Bowling

Championship Playing Condition 31.1.1 applies except that 31.1.1 (d), a bowler shall be limited to only one delivery as defined in paragraphs 31.1.1 (a), (b) and (c).

15 Over-Rate Penalties

All sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 20 overs within 1 hr 15 minutes playing time. In the event of them failing to do so, the full quota of overs will be completed, and the batting side will be credited with 6 runs for every whole over that has not been bowled. This will apply to both inning of the match. If the side batting second is credited with runs in this way and this consequently takes their score past that of the side batting first then the match shall be deemed to be won by the side batting second. All penalties in this regard will be imposed immediately the ball first become dead after the scheduled or re-scheduled cessation time for the innings.

If the inning is terminated before the scheduled or re-scheduled cut off-time, no over -rate penalty shall apply. If the inning is interrupted, the over-rate penalty will apply based on the re-scheduled cessation time for that innings.

The Umpire shall inform the fielding team Captain when taking the field for the first time and on every subsequent occasion if play is interrupted by the weather, the scheduled cessation time for that innings. The Umpire at the bowler's end will inform the fielding Captain, the batsman and his fellow Umpire of any time allowances as and when they arise. (This matter will not be subject to retrospective negotiation). In addition, in all reduced overs matches, the fielding team will be given one overs leeway.

Over-rate penalties apply only to innings of 10 overs or more duration. In inning of less than 10 overs duration, Umpires shall apply the penalty run Law for time wasting especially strictly.

This is the only penalty for a slow over-rate.

16 Floodlit Matches

The floodlights will be turned on for the whole of the match. In the event of power failure or lights malfunction or if the floodlights cannot be used for bad weather or light shall apply.

18 Clothing, equipment and sightscreens

in all matches, players shall wear white clothing and equipment approved by SLC Sight Screens shall be white.