CBA - BAHRAIN CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION

Laws & Local Customs

Captains & Players : We request all of you to support BCL in the best of your
abilities and interest with the continued strength by keeping in mind that
the game is greater and superior than any individual or a team, Please go
through the LAWS upon the acceptance of the preparedness to play within
the spirit of the game.
Introduction:
1. This rule book summarizes all relevant rules and regulations
concerning the cricket matches played under the banner of Bahrain
Cricket League (BCL) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. All persons
connected with the game under the BCL, in one way or the other, are
required to abide by these rules and regulations in all circumstances.
2. This Rulebook, which was issued on 1 September 2011 and is
updated each year. Further amendments and updates to the
Rulebook will be issued as specific extended versions to this
Rulebook as required.
3. As is well known, BCL has been conducting cricket tournaments in
the Kingdom of Bahrain since 1981 for many teams under different
formats. Mainly, the T20 format and the 7-a side format are the most

popular, and are played over Fridays and key national holidays.
During the latest cricket season 2013-14, a record number of 60
teams participated in 7 different tournaments. The matches are
currently played on 9 different grounds on the island.
4. BCL has its Facebook page name https://www.facebook.com/BCL
Official where the tournament and player details are proposed to be
updated.
5. BCL is a voluntary cricket league brought together by each playing
team. Therefore, it is very important for each team, its
manager/captain and each team member to understand that they
have to adhere to the rules and regulations laid down by the BCL for
the conduct of the game in a proper manner and to provide their
support to the BCL organizing committee in various matters. Most
importantly, the captains are responsible to make sure that their
team plays the matches in the best gamesman spirit. Each player has
the responsibility to be a role model on and off the ground, and to be
a good example to young cricketers.
6. It is also made very clear that each player and their teams are
responsible for their safety and good health. BCL or any of its
organizing committee members shall not be responsible for any
injury or death occurring to any player during any game for
whatsoever reason, and whether occurring on or outside the
grounds.
7. This Rulebook lays down various rules, regulations and guidelines to
cover the conduct of the matches and disciplinary action against
teams, captains and players not complying with the same.
8. This Rulebook has been created and drafted by the BCL specifically
for and on behalf of BCL. Except for using it during the BCL
tournaments, no other person shall have any right to edit, copy or
reuse fully or partly, for any other purpose except with the prior
permission from the BCL.

INDEX
SECTION A: Team and Player Registration
SECTION B: Administrative Matters
SECTION C: Match Resources
SECTION D: Match Formats
SECTION E: basic cricket rules (only a summary of the relevant rules that are
applicable most of the times in day to day circumstances are produced here;
for any further details of the rules, refer to the MCC cricket laws, rules,
interpretations, explanations and clarifications; the umpires interpretation of
any law/rule shall be final and binding on the playing teams, even if such
interpretation is erroneous)
SECTION F: Player Discipline, Code of Conduct and Penalties for infringement.
Section A: Team and Player Registration
1. Submission date: Teams must be registered within the time allowed for
registration for each cricketing season as communicated by the BCL
organizing committee. The Team Manager/Captain will be responsible
for filling up the Team Registration cum Entry form, a format of which is
attached as Form 1.
2. Teams once registered for a Bahrain Cricket League season will
generally be given priority at the time of registration of teams for the
next cricket season, subject to fulfilling all terms and conditions,
establishing good disciplinary track record and paying of the fee as is
applicable for such new cricket season.
3. In accordance with (2) above, BCL organizing committee reserves the
full right not to accept the entry of a team which has poor match
attendance record, poor umpiring attendance record and complaints of
consistent misbehavior against it in the previous cricket season(s).

4. Teams shall pay the entry fee as agreed and approved at the beginning
of each cricket season. The entry fees will be advised prior to the start
of each season, late entry fees also shall be applicable to all existing
teams.
5. Separate fee for neutral umpires is payable as agreed by BCL
6. Entry fee is not refundable in any circumstances once the registration is
completed.
7. Change of team name: Change to a team name can be made only
before the First captains meeting held for deciding the draw for the full
season. After this, no team can change its name unless they pay BD 25/to BCL as Team Change Fee.
8. Player registration:
(i)

Each team is permitted to register 16 players for the season

without any additional cost.

(ii)

Up to 2 players who have not played any game after registration

can be replaced by other players free of charge.

(iii)

In addition, once the season starts a team with less than 16

players registered, then the captain can register the remaining
players subsequently, but such registration must be completed
no later than 45 days and after the first match played by the
team during the season. If the team is not completed with 16
players by that time, then fresh players can only be registered as
mew player by paying new player registration fee.

(iv)

For every additional player (referred as the New Players) to be

registered as a team member, a payment of BD 2/- per player is
payable by the team to BCL.

(v)

A New Player must be registered with BCL by 9pm on

Tuesday to be eligible to play in the match on following Friday.
An urgent fee of BD 4/- will be charged for teams who wish to
register their players after the above cut-off, but before Thursday
9pm.The registration of a New Player requires same
documentation as in registration of the original team member (as
per next paragraph).

(vi)

For registration of the original players, team manager or the team

captain must provide full details of the players in the Player
Registration Form, along with a copy of his CPR/ID card and one
latest photograph attached.

(vii)

A form submitted digitally (in soft copy) with clear resolution

pictures will be preferred, to be sent to the email address to be
provided by Sports Secretary. Photographs should be properly
scanned and copy/pasted on the form (in good picture resolution)
and by typing up the player details in the e-form. The format of
the Player Registration Form is attached as Form 2.

(viii) The registration form is important as it will be used for multiple

purposes, including, making player cards, using photographs for
press/media purposes and for maintaining player records on the
website. Therefore, teams are required to pay proper attention
while filling up the registration forms. Incomplete registration
forms will be rejected, which will delay the preparation of
player cards and will affect the teams at the time of their
matches.

(ix)

Serial numbering of players it is proposed to provide an ID

number for each team and each player each season, comprising
of 4 digits, where the first two digits will be the team number and
next 2 digits will be the player number. This is proposed in order
to identify the similarly named players for the purpose of
maintaining their records. The teams should make sure that they
fill up full player number in the scoring sheet for every match.

(x)

Fresh player cards for each season: All the player cards of the
team for the previous cricket season stand withdrawn prior to the
beginning of the current season and teams are required to
provide a fresh list of their players before the specified date for
each season.

(xi)

Registered players playing in other leagues and tournaments:

(a) BCL registered players are required to adhere to the BCLs playing
environment and must continuously represent their team during
the cricket season for which they are registered for. In order to
protect the best interests of the BCL teams and to help them have
their best players playing for them at all times, the following rules
will apply with respect to BCL registered players playing in other
leagues or tournaments.
(b) Occasionally, a registered player may want to leave his team and
play in a different league or tournament. In such cases, the
concerned Team Manager/Captain shall, in writing, inform the
BCL Organizing Committee (to the Secretary or the Sports
Secretary) and get the players name removed from the Team
List. This removal will be done free of cost.
(c) In case any member of a team registered with BCL is found to be
playing in any other tournament/league without prior

information as required under (b) above, and except as provided

in (d) below, he will be considered as a Violating Player and he
will not be allowed to play for the original BCL team again, or for
any other BCL team, in that season. This ruling excludes selections
for international team selection.
(d) If any Violating Player registered for a team under BCL plays in a
tournament/ league organized outside BCL, and later plays for the
original BCL team or another BCL team (the action considered as
Violation by Team), then the BCL committee, on receiving a
complaint from any other team, or on its own accord, will take
appropriate disciplinary actions as decided by a disciplinary
committee. This may include, canceling the victory achieved by
the Violating Team, banning of such Team from further
participation in BCL or financial penalty on the player or the team,
or both.
(e) The above rule does not apply if the player plays a match in any
other league or tournament on the rest day of his BCL team. The
rule also does not apply for any friendly match, or a softball
cricket tournament played on the same day.
(f) It is therefore important that the respective teams should be
aware of their players at all times and the teams should formally
report to BCL whenever any of the players play in other
tournaments or leagues. Captains will be held responsible for
players registered with their team. Violations will result in the
player/s in question being banned for the remaining matches of
the season for all BCL matches. Any team playing ineligible
players will forfeit the match.
(g) All players representing their teams in the knock-out stage of a
league should be amongst the 16 originally registered players, or,

for newly registered player, he must have played with the same
team at least in one match during the league stage.
(h) After the start of the season, if any player wishes to leave his
team and join another team within the BCL, he will be permitted
to do so with a fee of BD 5/- if he produces a release letter from
his previous Team.
(i) A player who wishes to change his team as per point above, can
do so within his first two matches for his team without the charge
of BD 5/- or the release letter. Which will apply after the third
match.
(j) A player can change teams only during the initial two matches of
season (First two played matches only on the beginning of the
season) & not later than two matches.
(k) If the Captain of the previous team is not willing to provide a
release/ transfer letter to his player wanting to leave his team,
then the player has to pay the transfer fee of BD 20/- in order to
complete the transfer to be eligible to play for the new team.
(l) No fee will be charged on a player leaving a team within BCL to a
team outside BCL, if such departure is notified in advance to the
BCL.
(m) When any active BCL team participating in the season
dissolves, due to any reason, the players from the dissolved team
become eligible for selection by the other teams playing the BCL
season. But these players cannot be picked directly for the knockout phase of any tournament. The new players into any team
have to necessarily play 1 match in the league phase before they
can get qualified to play in any quarter final and 2 matches prior

to any semi-final. Player is ineligible for any Knock out cup

matches for a new team.
The maximum number of players from dissolved teams allowed
to join another team is two (ie, the same team)
(n) Transfer player can join the new teams after the completion of
tournament/ leagues (20 over league or 25 overs league) but they
will not be allowed to play Knockout matches.
Section B: Administrative matters
B1. Captains meetings
(i) From time to time, meetings of the captains will be called for by the
BCL organizing committee to discuss any matters of general interest
applicable to the BCL tournaments.
(ii) However, since it is not practicable to call for such meetings regularly,
the BCL organizing committee shall send periodic communications by
way of emails.
(iii) Notwithstanding the above, at least one Captains meeting shall be
called for, after the conclusion of a cricket season and prior to the
commencement of a new cricket season.
(iv) Among other things, the BCL committee may present its accounts,
budget and report on the completed cricket season.
(v) The captains may also propose in such meeting, any changes to the
position of committee members. Until new candidates are proposed
prior to the commencement of the meeting and unless any of the
existing committee member has expressed his unwillingness to
continue in the committee, all the existing committee members shall
continue in the committee.
(vi) Any vacant positions shall be filled by the existing committee
members in due course if the same have not been filled during a
captains meeting. Such changes shall be brought to the notice of the

captains by way of the email communication and where practicable,

by way of press report.
(vii)To constitute a quorum for the captains meeting, there shall be at
least 50% of the captains present at the start of such meeting. The
meeting starting time may be delayed by 30 mins if the required
number is not available at the original start of the meeting.
(viii)
Captains unable to attend the meeting may depute it
manager, vice-captain or a senior team member to attend the same.
B2. Tournament fixtures & schedules
(i)

Tournament fixtures will be drawn at a captains meeting

convened prior to the commencement of a new cricket season.
(ii)
However, scheduling of matches and match umpires will be
done by the organizing committee as coordinated by the Secretary
and Sports Secretary and will be notified by email or phone.
(iii) Scheduled matches cannot be cancelled or postponed under any
circumstances, unless the organizing committee takes a decision
to cancel or postpone any match on its own due to any extremely
emergency circumstances prevailing on the island, including
adverse weather conditions or security reasons.
(iv) In most cases of disturbances by weather or others, the
scheduled matches will be abandoned with equal sharing of points
between the two teams (as is followed in international games, in
order to complete the scheduled matches).
(v)
No mutual understanding between captains to postpone or
rearrange a match will be entertained.
B3. Meetings of the organizing committee and its decisions
(i)

The organizing committee shall meet periodically, at least

once in 3 months, whereas a subcommittee for regular cricketing
related matters may meet more often.

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

For all major decisions taken in the committee meeting, it is

proposed that the attendance of a majority of the following
attending or voting by circulation is sufficient:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Sports Secretary
PR & Technical Director/Consultant
It is agreed that, at least two members of the committee should
attend important meetings with external organizations/bodies
and then send a written report to the entire committee on any
such meetings.
The Sports secretary will be responsible for scheduling the
matches and handling various administrative matters. The sports
secretary will be compensated for his time, efforts and costs
incurred for the purpose of various administrative services as
agreed by the organizing committee.
Roles and responsibilities of each committee member :
a) The President has the leadership role in all matters concerning
BCL and the committee and therefore should lead from the
front taking his team together in all actions for the benefit of
the BCL.
b) The Vice President has the same role as the President,
whenever President is not available. In addition, the Vice
President can take up the roles of other key members of the
committee during their absence as well.
c) The Secretary is responsible for all secretarial and
administrative matters, including arrangement of committee
meetings, drawing up agenda and resolving cricketing matters
in consultation with other key members of the Committee.
d) The Sports Secretary has a large role in the day to day
administration of the game, especially the scheduling of
matches, arrangement of umpires, overlooking the ground

e)

f)

g)

h)

i)

conditions and taking up matters in the best interests of the

game and BCL.
The PR Director is given the task of providing media reports
and communications with the sponsors and third parties. The
Technical Director has the task of improving the quality of the
game through his initiatives on communication to the teams
on matters like umpiring issues, scoring, score sheet updates,
website management, writing and updating the rules etc.
(Currently both these tasks are handled by one person).
The Joint Secretary has all duties and responsibilities of the
Secretary especially during the Secretarys absence and also
for matters such as finding sponsors, providing support in PR
and Technical matters to the Director and also to write up the
minutes of committee meetings and circulate them in
consultation with other key members of the committee.
The Treasurer shall keep the accounts of BCL and is
responsible to prepare budgets for tournaments, in
consultation with other key members of the BCL committee.
Other members like Communications Manager, Grounds
Coordinator, Media Coordinator and Committee member shall
have such duties as may be assigned to them by the key
members of the Committee.
Additional members of the committee may be nominated by
the Committee with appropriate designations in order to
benefit the BCL.

B4. Disputes
(i)

In all circumstances, the decisions of the ground umpires is final

and binding even if they have misinterpreted a cricketing rule or
local custom, or were unaware of a rule or local custom. THERE
SHALL BE NO SCOPE FOR PLAYING THE MATCH UNDER PROTEST
HEREAFTER.

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Captains and players must ensure that they do not protest with
the umpires for wrong decisions given, since the umpires are also
human beings who can make mistakes. Teams should not indulge
in arguing with the umpires or opposite team and wasting time
during the match.
A match started must be completed with a result of a win/loss or
tie, or where external circumstances like weather etc cause match
suspension, then with sharing of points on abandonment of a
match (as per details given elsewhere in the Rulebook). Any team
unwilling to continue the game will stand to lose the match if the
umpires so decide.
All team captains must ensure own discipline and discipline of all
their players, and they should not misbehave with the umpires.
No warning will be given to players and strict action will be taken
against such players, resulting in disciplinary action as per BCL
Code of Conduct.

Section C: Match resources:

C1. Neutral/Voluntary umpires:
(i)

From year 2012-13, BCL proposes to set up an independent/neutral

umpiring panel. So, specific umpiring related rules will be framed in
due course. The following rules which applied to voluntary umpires
in the past years will be withdrawn when the independent/neutral
umpiring panel is set up.

(ii) Each team will nominate 1 or 2 players to do umpiring duties during

the year, which they can replace in prior consultation with the BCL.
The committee will note the respective names and the teams shall
send umpires for the match days from these nominated umpires only.
(iii) Each team shall provide 1 or 2 umpires on their rest day (a day on
which the concerned team has no scheduled matches).

(iv) To uphold the spirit of the game and to make the game entertaining
for the players and the spectators, it is necessary that the umpires are
fair in their decisions and are fully focused on the game without any
distractions (such as receiving/making a phone call etc.). BCL proposes
to hold umpiring refresher courses during the year.
(v) Any team who does not provide the required number of umpires, or
sends inexperienced umpires, will lose 2 points and will be fined BD
10/- for each umpire not sent.
(vi) In the event of umpires reporting after reporting time, each such
umpire reporting late will be fined BD-5/- each, but such umpire must
assume and complete his duties to avoid the larger penalty of BD10 as
per (iv) above.
(vii) The decision of the umpires, during the game is final and binding to
both teams. There shall be no complaints acceptable on any cricketing
related decisions given by the umpires. In order to be correct, and as
followed in international cricket, the umpires are permitted to discuss
between each other for any decision, except for a decision which has
to be given by the specific umpire. For example, a stumping decision
has to be given by the Square Leg umpire (without consulting the main
umpire) whereas an LBW decision must be given by the main umpire
(for which no consultation with the square leg umpire is required
except for asking if the square leg umpire seen the batsman nicking
the ball with his bat before hitting the pad).
(viii) The umpires are strictly ordered not to wear a dress with red color, a
salwar kameez, shorts/Bermuda pants or Arabic dress and any sandals
or ordinary chapals. In order to look appropriately dressed for the
match, the umpires are advised, though not mandatory, to wear black
trouser/pant and a white shirt.
(ix) For inappropriate dress of the umpire during the match, which shall be
proved by complaint by any captain or by a committee member
witnessing the inappropriate dress code of the umpire, a fine of BD 10
will be imposed on the team sending the umpire.

(x) At least one umpire must be present for the toss. Therefore, any rule
regarding the toss time, minimum players required at the toss time,
stumps not placed etc. are applicable at the time the umpire reaches
the ground. So if any team had less players than required at the toss
time, but got the additional players later, but before the umpire
reached the ground and checked the number of players, that will be
found sufficient to meet the rules relating to the Toss.
(xi) To summarize, there will be no losing of toss due to not having enough
players or not having stumps etc., unless at least one of the umpires is
present on the ground. The teams are not permitted to proceed with
the toss, or the match, without the availability of the voluntary
umpires originally scheduled, or substitute umpires provided by the
BCL.
(xii) No team can object on the Umpiring decision taken on the field.
Umpires decision is final.
(xiii) Nomination of Umpires for umpiring duty:
Team captains must make sure that the umpires sent for the
umpiring duty are from the same team; persons who are not
registered as players of the team assigned with umpiring duty
are not permitted to be sent for umpiring duty.
If the teams have a problem in sending one or more umpires as
per the assigned duty, then they should inform the BCL Sports
Secretary at least 24hours before the scheduled match with a
payment of BD 5/- per umpire & BCL will arrange for outside
(paid) umpires regularly doing such duty.
The penalty for not sending an umpire as per the BCL Rulebook
(BD 10/- per umpire plus point deduction penalty) will also apply
for sending an umpire who is not a member of the team
assigned with umpiring duty.

C2. Pitch and ground conditions

(i)

While the committee, through the sports secretary and the ground
coordinator, will make every effort to provide the cricket grounds in
proper condition, it is the responsibility of the respective teams to
clear any undesirable items lying on the ground or on the pitch,
include soil or stones, water bottles, soft drink bottles or cans or other
items, before the commencement of a match.
(ii) Except where the committee on an inspection feels that the ground
conditions are not suitable for play, and unless the umpires for the
match decide for the same reason, a scheduled match cannot
cancelled or suspended.
(iii) The umpires, in immediate consultation with the sports secretary or
the general secretary over phone, shall decide whether to cancel the
match or to hold a truncated match (a match with reduced number of
overs) in accordance with the rules applicable for truncated matches.
(iv) It is not permitted to take any food or drinks to the Awali Cricket
Ground or its pavilion. While free water is made available in the
pavilion, beverages have to be purchased from the pavilion bar. The
committee will consider any complaint received from the Awali Cricket
Club on this matter quite seriously.
C3. Bad or inclement weather and playing conditions:
(i)

The umpires will decide on playing or continuing matches in bad or

inclement weather or ground conditions. If there arises a situation,
due to bad light or weather conditions, during any match, which
requires instant decisions (including the reduction of the number of
overs), the umpires are given the right to decide. They may add up to
60 minutes of extra time for the match without reducing overs if
there is adequate light (especially for the afternoon match), but if it is
not possible to finish the remaining overs even after allowing extra
time, then the umpires shall reduce the number of overs considering

(ii)

the time available. For this purpose, 4 minutes shall be equal to one
over.
Since the complicated run rate computation under the mathematical
formulae applied internationally (the Duckworth-Lewis method) is
not possible in terms of reduced overs for the BCL matches, a simple
average of the team batting first shall be applied to the number of
overs available for team batting second, to decide on a winning
target, irrespective of the fact at which stage the bad weather
intervened or how many wickets were lost before or after.

Explanation: If team batting first scores at a run rate of 8, then the overs
available for the team batting second shall be multiplied by 8 to compute
the par score and the team batting second shall score one run more than
the par score to win the match.
(iii)

(iv)
(v)

(vi)

(vii)

The number of overs limit for power play and for each bowler shall
be proportionately reduced in the proportion of the reduced overs
for the entire innings.
To constitute a match, minimum 5 overs must be available for each
team.
If playing a match with minimum 5 overs per team is not possible,
then the match shall be called off as abandoned, with both teams
sharing one point each. The runs scored in an abandoned match are
not included in the records (individual batting or bowling records and
team net run rate records).
A game once started, must be completed under any circumstances,
unless agreed by the umpires or unless abandoned as discussed
above. Any team walking off the field without the umpires deciding
to cancel the match, will forfeit all the points and the opponents will
be awarded full 2 points.
Matches must be played on scheduled dates and scheduled times
under any circumstances, as per the schedule prepared by the BCL. In
case of an extremely unfortunate and rare situation such as an
untimely death of a player, or any of players nearest family member

in Bahrain, the match may be postponed after due notification to,

and approval from, the committee.
C4. Cricket ball
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

All teams will play / bat with the red cricket ball brought in by them
and which is acceptable to the umpires. The teams are urged to bring
a good quality standard cricket ball giving due consideration to the
matting pitches and rough conditions prevailing on most grounds.
If the batting team does not have a cricket ball, umpires may give a
maximum of 10 minutes time for the team to arrange the same from
any other team or source, subject to the rule relating to reduced
number of overs for delayed start (see rule ).
If a team does not succeed in getting a ball even after 10 minutes, it
shall be considered as a violation and the team shall forfeit the match
to the other team.
If the ball is damaged, or loses its shape, then the umpires shall ask
the batting team captain to provide another ball reasonably similar to
the wear & tear condition of the old ball (except for its damage or
lost shape).
In order to be ready for a contingency of damage to the ball as in (iii)
above, the teams should be in possession of at least 4-5 used cricket
balls in good condition (with reasonable wear & tear, not the ones
that are played for more than 25 overs) to replace the damaged ball.
Not providing a used cricket ball in such contingency shall also be
considered as a violation as stated under (ii) above, as decided by the
umpires.
The use of any two piece ball, or a ball without any manufacturer
logo or stamp on at least one side of it (a plain ball without any name
print on it), is not allowed. (Balls should be of good quality and 4
piece)
The fielding side cannot object to the ball given by the batting side.
But if the condition of the ball is bad or damaged, then the batting or
fielding side can show the ball to the umpires and only the umpires

can take a decision in this regard whether to continue playing with

the ball or replace it.
(viii) The umpires are empowered to check the condition of the ball at the
end of each over for any damage or deliberate tampering with the
ball. If the umpires find anything done to the ball intentionally by the
fielding side (called as doctoring the ball, with an intention to benefit
from a specific movement of the ball to the disadvantage of the
batting team), then the umpires can penalize the team by imposing 5
penalty runs (deducted from the bowling teams total runs when
they bat) and give a warning to the captain of the fielding side.
(ix) A decision taken by the umpire on the ground regarding the
condition of the ball cannot be appealed by the fielding captain to
the BCL.
C5. Stumps & bails:
(i)

For each match, one set of stumps in good condition shall be brought
in by each team. The stumps must be fit for purpose and support
bails if required, if a team cannot provide fit for purpose stumps then
the umpire can award a walk over to the other team.

(ii)

The use of bails for each set of stumps is compulsory in the Premier
League, and all quarter final, semi-final and finals. It is
recommended but not compulsory for teams in the Diamond league
and Golden League to use bails when possible and agreed by both
captains. Teams playing at the Awali Cricket Ground will be required
to use bails for all matches. Bails may be removed and play
continued, with the umpires consent, in strong wind conditions.

(iii)

A team can refuse to play when their opponent team does not
provide the wooden spring stumps and also can claim walkover if fit
for purpose stumps are not placed on the pitch by the walkover time
as given or by the time one of the umpires reach the ground,
whichever is later.

C6. Dress code:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

Each team decides to choose its own kit prior to the commencement
of a tournament, except where a tournament sponsor provides the
kit which must be worn by every player without fail.
Where the team has chosen a dress code, the same must be followed
by every member of the team during all of the matches. Umpires are
instructed to not allow any particular player not meeting the team
dress code.
Teams may choose all-whites, or all-color dress code. Where the
team uses colored and specifically designed clothing, it may be
possible for some players in the team not having the same. In such
circumstances, the rule as above is slightly relaxed and players, who
according to the umpires, are wearing predominantly the same color
closest to the main color of the team dress code, are allowed to wear
the same and participate in the game.
Explanation: For avoidance of doubts, if a team has colored clothing
with Green as its main color but has some specific designs with some
other minor colors, then a player who wears a plain Green color
clothing will be allowed to play.

(iv)

(v)

Red or maroon color shirts & Trousers clothing will be not allowed
considering the fact that the tournaments are played with a red color
cricket balls and the batsmans sighting of the ball may be hampered
due to red color on the bowlers shirt/Trouser, especially on the front
side of the shirt s arms/sleeves, And Teams Playing XI side player
trousers and shirts must be in one color. Either white or team color,
no mix of different shirts or trousers.
Umpires are ordered to adhere to the above rules strictly and they
may not allow a player/team to participate in a game, awarding the
match to the other team.

C7. SCORING:
(i)

Each team must have their own scorer and BCL-Score Sheets should
be filled and completed properly. The umpires must make sure that
both the teams have written FULL NAMES of players in CAPITAL
LETTERS and also their PLAYER NUMBER (as communicated by the
BCL from time to time), prior to the start of the match.
(ii) As BCL is making efforts to post the scores on the website as well as
provide timely report to the news media, any incomplete score sheet
will lead to omission of the results in the press and from the list of
top scores and/or averages posted on the website from time to time.
(iii) Score sheet once submitted cannot be altered under any
circumstances and captains are requested to check the score sheet
thoroughly before submitting them, So that the performance of each
player is properly recorded.
(iv) Each score sheet shall be signed by both captains and at least one
umpire for the match on both sides of the score sheet.
(v) All team captains are responsible to submit the score sheets by
Saturday 9PM to the Sports Secretary, duly signed by both team
captains and at least one the present Umpires. Score sheets may
also be handed over on the grounds itself if the sports secretary is
available. Late submission of score sheets may result in omission of
press coverage of that match and delay the updates on the website.
(vi) No Club/Team should approach the press for publicity of their
results, as these will be directly handled by the PR and Media team
of BCL.
(vii) Photographs provided at the time of registration will be used for
media publicity and therefore, every team must ensure that good
quality photographs are provided in the registration form.
(viii) If the score sheets are incomplete, they will not be considered for
team or player statistics used for determining awards at the end of
the tournament. For example, if the balls faced are not properly
entered (only scoring shots are entered), the strike rate of such

players will not be considered. So, the scorer must make sure that
every dot ball is entered. Players names and card number should
appear on both batting and bowling positions as required.
Explanation: Tips on tallying the scores on the score sheet: Scorers and
team captains should note the following while scoring and completing the
score sheets:
Batsmens total runs + ALL Extras (including Penalties) = Total Team Score
AND Total Runs conceded by bowlers + Byes + Leg Byes + Penalties = Total
Team Score
This is because, no-balls and wide balls, including the runs conceded on
those deliveries are already added to the runs conceded by the bowler,
whereas byes and leg byes are not included.
Each ball faced by a batsman should be recorded by the scorer, whether as
a dot ball, or as a ball scored against, except for a wide ball which is not
counted as a ball faced by the batsman. Even a no ball is considered as a
ball faced by the batsman since the batsman has a chance to score against
a no ball.
C8. Team list for each match:
(i)
(ii)

(iii)

Each team must give the FULL NAME of 12 players entering the same
in the score sheet at the time of the Toss.
Even where the number of players starting the match are only 9
(minimum required to start the match) and if the remaining players
are expected later, then the names of such players should also be
provided at the time of the Toss.
If the player cards were not available with a team at the beginning of
the match due to any emergency, the team may request the umpires
to give it some time and such team shall arrange to get the player
cards before the end of the match. A victory achieved in the match is
subject to be cancelled if the player cards were not shown to the
umpires by such team.

C9. The Toss and the decision:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

At the scheduled time for Toss, one of the appointed umpires shall
allow one team captain to spin the coin and the other team captain
to call one of the two sides of the coin, with whichever name they
are referred to, before spinning the coin. Normally, the sides are
identified as Heads and Tails, but a different name such as flag and
fills may be used with prior understanding of the captains and the
umpire.
The Captain winning the toss for each match shall make his decision
to either bat or field, immediately after winning the toss, in the
presence of the umpire and the other team captain.
A team loses the toss if it does not have a minimum of 9 players at
the time of the toss, or at the time when one of the umpires reaches
the ground, whichever is later.
Match results

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

A match result has to be decided at the end of every match on the

scorecard, with the rival captains and any one of the umpires signing
on the scorecard showing the winner, then such fact should be stated
on the scorecard by the umpires.
Two points are awarded for each win during the league stage and
where a win is not possible for any reason, points will be shared
equally (one point each to each team).
While the BCL Committee wants to make sure that every match is
played, there may be some specific situations when a team is unable
to arrange enough players for the match. In such cases, a team may
consider a walkover in advance.
A walkover decision must be communicated by a team by 9pm on
Thursday (previous day of the match) to either the sports secretary
or the general secretary, so that the committee can take steps to
prevent the other team and umpires from going to the ground. If the
team giving walkover does not inform by the time and day as stated

above, then such team will be fined BD 20, with the possibility of
taking further action such as not enrolling it in the subsequent cricket
season.
(v)
Once a league stage match is scheduled to be held on a specific date,
the match cannot be postponed under any circumstances, including
any disturbances, rain or sandstorm etc. A match to be valid, a
minimum of 5 over game must be possible, with the approval of the
umpires, otherwise the match shall be abandoned.
(vi) Also, the points will be shared equally when both teams dont reach
the ground by the scheduled time or when at least one umpire is
present on the ground, whichever is later.
(vii) A league stage match ending in a tie will not be subject to the super
over tie breaker. Points will be shared equally by the teams (one
point each).
(viii) The above rules will not apply for the knock out tournament, or
during the knock out stages of the league tournaments. In such cases,
if matches are not held on a scheduled date for any reason
acceptable to the BCL (other than a walk over), then a complete
rematch will be held on a subsequent date to be agreed by the BCL
committee.
C11. Points table positions and qualification rules for knock out stage
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

At the end of the league stage of a tournament, the points table

positioning and qualification of teams to the knock out stage will
be decided based on the highest points secured by these teams.
Where the points are same (tied) for two teams for the same
position, then the team winning its respective match with the
other tied team in the league stage will get a higher position.
If the two teams on same points had shared one point each during
the league stage (due to a tied match or abandoned match under
the BCL rules) then the higher position will be awarded to the
team that has the best AGGREGATE NET RUN RATE in the league
stage.

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

Also, where the total points are same for 3 or more teams, then
also the AGGREGATE NET RUN RATE will be used to decide the
higher position.
To clarify this rule, if two teams, A and B, end up on 15 points and
if Team A had beaten Team B in the league stage, then Team A
will be placed higher on the points table. If their league match
ended in no result (and points shared) and if Team B had a higher
Aggregate Net Run Rate, then Team B will be placed higher on the
points table. Same way, if more than 2 teams are tied, then also
the aggregate net run rate will be taken into consideration and
the team with a better AGGREGATE NET RUN RATE will be placed
higher on the points table.
Aggregate Net Run Rate will be equal to:
[Total runs scored by the Team in all matches (divided by) total
overs faced by that Team in all matches]
MINUS
[Total runs conceded by the Team in all matches (divided by)
total overs bowled by that Team in all matches].
For the purposes of considering the overs for the above
computation, a team that is all out (or has no batsman remaining
or available to be all out) without completing the total overs
permitted in the match, the total permitted overs for the innings
will be taken into account. But when a team chases and wins,
then the actual overs faced by it will be considered for the
computation. A fraction of an over will be converted to 10decimal system for example, 1 ball is equal to 0.17, 2 balls are
equal to 0.33, 3 balls (half over) equal to 0.5, 4 balls are equal to
0.67, 5 balls are equal to 0.83 and completed over of 6 balls will
be considered as 1.
Explanation: if a team was all out in 18 overs in a 20-over game,
then 20 overs will be considered in the total overs faced by the
batting team or overs bowled by the bowling team. Similarly, If a
team successfully chased the winning runs in 17 overs and 2 balls,

the applicable figure will be 17.33 overs bowled by the bowling

team and faced by the batting team.
(viii) If a match is abandoned midway through the match and the
points are shared, then none of the scores or wickets in that
match will be considered for the computation of team run rate.
(ix) How Teams will be qualifying in Divisions Race after playing
season first T20 Tournament :
a) Bottom Rank(4) teams of group A & B in Premier total (8), will
be demoted to Diamond League for 25 Overs Tournament.
b) Top Rank(4) teams of group A & B in Diamond total (8), playing
Quarter-Finals will qualify for 25 Overs Tournament.
c) Bottom Rank(4) teams of group A & B in Diamond total (8), will
be demoted to Golden league for 25 Overs Tournament.
d) Top Rank(4) teams of group A & B in Golden total (8), playing
Quarter-Finals will qualify for Diamond 25 Overs Tournament.
Explanation: Indian School (3) Teams playing in Golden, if
qualified for Quarters will play their Q-Final matches BUT
unfortunately will not be permitted to play in Diamond League.
Other teams will replace them as per ranking accordingly thats
only if Indian School teams qualified.
C12. Match timings
(i)

(ii)

All BCL major league tournaments and knock out tournament

matches will be played in two sessions on Fridays, morning and
afternoon. The start time for these matches will be according to
the availability of the proper light conditions, considering the
season of the year. These timings will be announced from time to
time as a separate announcement.
Each innings of 20 overs must be completed within 90 minutes
and each innings of 25 overs must be completed with 105
minutes. Break between the two innings can be maximum of 15
minutes. So the total time allocated for each 20 over match will
be 195 minutes and for 25 over match will be 225 minutes.

(iii)

Separate timing will be applicable for Sixes tournaments which

will also be notified prior to the date of such tournaments.

Section D: Match formats

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

D1

Different formats are used by the BCL for different tournaments and
the details of each format will be communicated prior to staging each
tournament.
Broadly, BCL organizes T-20 tournaments, with 20 overs per side
format, T-25 tournaments with 25 overs per side format and Sixes
tournament (similar to the Hong Kong Sixes) on a 6-over per side
format.
Generally the international cricket rules are followed in verbatim,
however, occasionally and considering that the game is played on a
non-professional basis in Bahrain, some exciting additional features
are added to each tournament from time to time, year on year.
The matches will be played according to the playing conditions for
each match as decided by the BCL from time to time, and for each
specific tournament.
Rules for the Sixes tournament will be provided on the same day of
the tournament and therefore are not included in this Rulebook.
Walkovers and No. of players in a side Minimum and Maximum:

If a team cannot raise a team for any upcoming BCL match the Captain of
that team must inform the Tournament Organizer/Secretary by the
following deadlines. - Morning matches by 8 pm on the day prior to the
match. Afternoon matches by 10am on the day prior to the match. If not
done, penalties and fines will be issued.
(vi)

(vii)

A minimum of 9 players are required to be on the ground prior to

the toss time and to constitute a game, failing which, a walkover will
be considered by the umpires to the other team.
The maximum number of players per team will be 12 (as permitted
by Law 1 of MCC laws of cricket), as was introduced in 2011-12

season which was found to be very useful by most of the teams as it

helped them to give opportunity to 12 players and at the same time
to have a contingency option in case of injury or last minute drop out,
plus for scoring.
(viii) A team can nominate 12 players to be part of the team for a match,
of which, any 11 will be permitted to bat and any 11 can be part of
the fielding eleven.
(ix) This means that one of the 11 batsman will sit out during its
fielding/bowling session (the innings when its opponent bats). The
choice of who will bat and who will bowl will be left to the team
captain who need not have to inform the umpire.
(x) The umpire will consider the first 11 players going to field will be the
official fielding eleven, unless the fielding captain informs the umpire
that one or more of these players are fielding as substitutes and will
be replaced by the regular members of the fielding eleven during the
course of the match.
(xi) Also, the batsman who is not part of the fielding eleven can come in
as a substitute fielder to replace an injured fielder. However, that
batsman who is sitting out and who comes in as a substitute fielder
will not be allowed to bowl nor to act as a wicket keeper as per the
original cricket rules.
(xii) It is expected that the batsman sitting out during his teams fielding
session will be sitting with the scorer from the batting side to make
sure there are no scoring related disputes later.
(xiii) If a team does not have 12 players, then it can play with just 11 (or 10
or 9) without worrying about the above rules. At the same time, its
opponents can play with 12 players if available, according to the
above rules.
(xiv) This is a privilege given to all teams, but teams who do not want to
exercise it are welcome to do so, but cannot prevent their opponents
from using the same.
(xv) If there are extra players beyond the maximum permitted 12, then
such players can be allowed to field only as substitutes in place of

(xvi)

(xvii)

(xviii)
(xix)

(xx)
(xxi)

injured players but cannot keep wickets. Umpires will decide if a

fielder needs to be replaced due to injury. Umpires should ensure
that the teams are not using this option to give rest to some of their
players by bringing in substitute fielders from time to time. If there is
no injury, then the umpires have all the rights to deny permission for
substitution.
If there are minimum 9 players of each team on the ground, the
match can start. The late coming players are permitted to participate
in the game in full capacity, but during the fielding session, a late
coming player cannot bowl until he fields for the same number of
overs that he was absent for.
Example: if a bowling side player comes to join his team on the
ground at the end of 7 overs, then he is allowed to field immediately
(that is, at the end of 7th over), but he cannot bowl for the next 7
overs, which means he can only bowl from the 15th over.
Also, any player of the fielding side arrives after the end of 10 overs
(whether in a 20 over match or a 25 over match), he will not be
allowed to bowl and also will not be allowed to bat in the first 4 overs
(mandatory power play) when its batting turn comes, but can come
to bat at No 6 or later if his side loses 4 or more wickets within those
first 4 mandatory power play overs.
A fielder sitting out during the last 4 overs of the oppositions batting
innings cannot bat in the first four mandatory overs.
Any late arriving player from the carded 12 players cannot bowl
immediately on arrival at the ground. He has to field for the nos. of
overs he was away from the field before he can bowl in the match.
All the BCL Carded players should be having CPR Number. No player
on visiting visa can be allowed to represent any BCL team.
Only Umpires can make the decision to allow the 13th or 14th player
(only to replace visibly injured players) to field for the 12 side team.
(without visible injuries only the nominated 12th man is allowed to
field for playing elevens)

Section E: Rules directly concerning the game:

I

Batsmen, kit, runners and other related rules:

i)

Dress code and kit: Batsman shall wear official team kit at all times
and must always wear protective gear covering, leg pads, gloves and
an abdomen guard. Additionally, they may protect themselves with
arm guard, thigh pad, chest pad and a helmet. Batsman shall
remember that, while the pads, gloves and abdomen guard are
mandatory, other equipments will be in their best interest of
protection.

ii)

However, batsman who is aged less than 18 years, must always wear
a helmet in addition to the compulsory cricket gear referred in (i)
above. If he does not wear one, the umpire has the right to check his
player card to verify his age and if found guilty, ask the batsman to
get a helmet and continue playing. If such player refuses to wear the
helmet, then the umpire shall order the player out. If a player aged
less than 18 years continues to play without the helmet and if he
suffers any injury, his team and its captain will be solely responsible
for the injury. At the Awali Ground Bapco safety rules do not allow
any player under 18 to bat or keep wicket without a helmet.

iii)

A batsman will not be allowed to play the same number of overs at

the beginning of a chase, for which he did not field for at the end of
the fielding session.
Example: If a player goes off the field during the last 4 overs of the
first innings (that is, during its fielding session), then the player
cannot bat for first 4 overs of the second innings (his teams batting
innings) unless he comes into bat after the fall of 4 wickets. This rule
is introduced in order to avoid a situation where a player takes more
rest to preserve his stamina for the initial power-play overs.

II
Runners : Runners are not permitted/allowed in any kind of format in
CBA-BCL division Tournaments.

III

Different ways of batsman getting out

For more detailed cricket laws and rules on Cricket, international cricket
rules shall be referred to. However, for an easy reference, some of the key
rules are stated here. A batsman may be given out in the following 8 ways:
A)

Bowled
a) When a legitimate ball (not being a no ball or a dead ball called by
one of the umpires) delivered by the bowler hits the stumps at the
batsmans end, or when the bails are used, dislodges at least one bail
in the process.

B) Caught
a) By any fielder or by the wicket keeper with the catch being taken
inside the boundary line and before the ball hitting the ground.
b) If a player takes a catch on the boundary line he should try his best to
retain his position (stay in his position), so that the umpire may get a
chance to verify the location before declaring the batsman out. If the
player has moved and the umpire is not able to verify the location,
the benefit of doubt will be given to the batsman and 4 runs will be
awarded to the batsman. But where it is clear to the umpire that the
fielder had overstepped the boundary, whether or not the fielder has
moved from his catching position, then 6 runs shall be awarded to
the batsman and the catch will not be considered valid.
c) Process of completing a catch: Normally, a fielder should be in
control of the possession of the ball during the process of catching
and should not be stepping on to the boundary line or hump while
having the ball in his hand at the same time.
d) While a fielder, who was inside the boundary line or hump before
starting the process of the catch can touch the ball, throw it in air, go
out of the boundary line or hump momentarily, come back inside and
then take the catch, such catch will be a valid catch according to the
interpretations followed in international cricket.

e) However, if the player was outside the ground or was standing on the
boundary hump before catching the ball (and even if he jumps in the
air to touch the ball and simultaneously jumps inside the ground),
such catch will not be considered as valid.
C) Stumped
a)
by the wicket keeper off any legitimate delivery other than a no-ball,
when the batsman playing at the ball delivered by the bowler, misses
or leaves the ball and the wicket keeper hits the stumps with gloves
having the ball in them, or with the ball hitting the stumps after
hitting the wicket keeper on any part of his body, when the batsman
does not have his bat or one of his feet grounded inside the batting
crease.
b)
For avoidance of doubt, even if the bat or feet are on the line, the
batsman is ruled out.
c)
Also, a stumping dismissal is permitted off a wide ball declared by
the umpire.
d)
A batsman who is using a runner will be out stumped if his runner is
not standing behind the line of the batting crease when the wicket
keeper dislodges the stumps/bails.
D) Run out
a)
by any fielder, by the bowler or the wicket keeper who throws down
the stumps when the batsman attempting a run has not reached
inside the crease at his running end, and run out can be effected
even off an invalid delivery such as a no ball or a wide ball
b)
If a batsman dropped his cap or bat or any part of his kit on the pitch
while running between the wickets, he should wait for the ball to be
dead and inform the umpire before leaving the crease to collect his
cap or bat or any of part of his kit. Otherwise, the fielding side may
have a right to run him out for being out of his crease without
informing the umpire (however, the gamesman spirit would
supersede this rule)

c)

d)

e)

Overthrows during failed attempt to run out In the event of an

overthrow, the extra runs taken by the batsmen shall be added to the
runs that were being completed at the time the run out was
attempted by the fielding side.
Running out a non-striker batsman - When a bowler on his run up
sees non striking batsman leaving his crease, he can run out the
batsman by hitting the wicket with the ball before touching the
bowling crease (the crease on the line with the stump). If the
batsman out of the crease he will be declared out and no run will be
awarded to the team. If the non-striker is ruled not out, then the ball
shall be no ball and one run will be awarded to the batting team for
no ball.
A batsman who is injured and using a runner will be out if his runner
is short of the crease as per the run out rules applicable to batsmen.

E)

Leg before the wicket (LBW)

a)

When the main umpire adjudges a batsman out in accordance with

the applicable LBW rules when he believes that the batsmans pad or
part of the body was in line of any of the stumps (off, middle or leg),
when the ball delivered by the bowler hits the pad or the part of the
body before or without hitting the bat.

b)

This is slightly a complex rule under which the umpire takes into
account a number of factors the line where the ball is pitched, the
line where the ball hits the pad(s), whether it hit the bat before
hitting the pad and if the ball was likely to hit the stumps are the
major considerations.

c)

If the ball has hit the bat before hitting the pads, it cannot be given
out LBW;

d)

also, if the ball was pitched outside the leg stump of a batsman, it
cannot be given out LBW.

f)

g)

E)
a)

b)

F)
i)

ii)

G)
i)

If the ball hit the pads outside the line of the stumps, even if the ball
would have gone on to hit the stumps, when the batsman was
attempting to play, it cannot be given out LBW.
In most cases, the benefit of the doubt goes in favor of the batsman
unless the umpire is sure considering all factors governing the LBW
rule.
Handling the ball
When a batsman plays the ball or takes the ball on his body or pad
(without being out LBW) and the ball moves toward the stump, the
batsman can stop the ball with his bat or pads or with the hand
holding the bat. If he stops the ball in any other manner, the fielding
team will appeal and the umpires can give the batsman out handling
the ball.
A batsman who is injured and using a runner can be out under this
rule even when he is not a striker.
Obstructing the field
Batsmen can also be given out for obstructing the field, if he
deliberately comes in the way of the fielder attempting to take a
catch or effect a run out. However, while in the process of running
between the wickets, if the fielders view of the stumps is blocked,
such instance is not considered as obstructing the field;
A batsman who is injured and using a runner can be out under this
rule even when he is not a striker.
Time Out (please read and inform your players ).
when the incoming batsman comes in later than the time allowed to
come in, in accordance with the applicable cricket rules; As per the
current rule for T20 cricket and as used by the BCL, when batsman
gets out and is in process of returning back to the pavilion, the next
incoming batsman must cross the dismissed batsman inside the
boundary line.

ii)

In case of crossing takes place outside the boundary line, the fielders
must first appeal to the umpire and the umpire in return will declare
the incoming batsman OUT. (A guild line limit of 2 minutes will be
allowed by the umpire for a batsman to be at the crease and be
ready to take guard)

iii)

Some batsman deliberately move slowly towards the boundary or

stop inside the ground to help the next batsman to walk in. In such
cases umpires can warn the concerned team captain and penalize the
team with 5 penalty runs. For a repeat offence, the Time Out rule can
be used to declare the next batsman out, even though the dismissed
batsman is still inside the ground when the new batsman crossed
inside. (See 2 minute guild line above).

IV

BOWLING AND FIELDING RULES:

BOWLING RULES:

i)

Over constitutes 6 valid deliveries, which means no-balls and wide

balls are excluded. Free hit delivery is included/counted as part of the
over if the same is also not a no ball or wide ball.
ii)
In case of injury or illness to a regular bowler (while bowling during a
match) the over may be completed by any other bowler.
iii)
No-balls: There are many ways in which a no ball can be called by the
umpires, as below:
a) Bowler overstepping the popping crease (the front crease) without
having any part of his boot behind the line (which will result in a free
hit).
b) Bowlers any one leg touching the return crease (the crease which is
perpendicular to the bowling crease)
c) By bowling a fast paced full toss above waist height in which case the
umpire shall call it a no ball and also issue warning to the bowler if it
is considered to be dangerous to the batsman (please note a slow
paced full toss above waist height is not a no ball the umpire shall

d)

e)

f)
g)

h)

i)

j)
k)
l)

decide if the ball is bowled with fast or slow pace and for this
purpose, whether the bowler usually bowls fast or spin is irrelevant);
if the bowler bowls another fast paced full toss in that innings, the
umpire shall ask the captain of the fielding side to take such bowler
off bowling attack immediately and will not be allowed to bowl for
the rest of the innings and the over shall be completed by another
bowler,
By bowling more than one short pitched delivery above shoulder
height (after the umpire has earlier issued a warning for the one such
delivery allowed per over) in one over,
By bowling without adhering to the field restrictions, including the
power play field restrictions.
When a new bowler bowls his first delivery without informing the
umpires on which side of the wicket (over or around) and in which
hand (left or right) he will bowl. It is also required for the bowler to
inform the umpire if he changes the type of delivery (over or around,
left hand or right hand) also, failing which it will be called a no ball,
When the bowling action is suspicious, or the bowler is throwing the
ball according to the umpire, that delivery shall be called a no ball
(and if this is repeated 3 times in an innings after 2 warnings for the
first two such deliveries, the bowler should be stopped from
continuing to bowl and should be replaced by another bowler; the
one who is replaced cannot bowl for the remaining part of the
innings),
If a fielder is outside the ground or if a substitute fielder is on the
ground without informing the umpire, or if more than 11 fielders
from the same team are on the ground when the ball was delivered
by the bowler.
When the ball pitches more than twice, or rolls along the ground,
before reaching the batsmans batting crease,
A ball delivered by the bowler under arm or below the level of his
bowling shoulder

iv)

v)

vi)

vii)

viii)

ix)

x)

However, when the wicket keeper makes a significant movement

from his original position but does not cross the line of the stumps
after the ball coming into play (that is, after the bowler starts his run
up) but before the ball touches the bat or person of the batsman or
passes the stumps, the ball shall be declared a Dead Ball by any of
the umpires, who shall also warn the wicket keeper to avoid the
same. No penalty runs are awarded.
In the case above, if the wicket keeper crosses, and comes in front of
the line of the stumps before the ball is touched by the batsman or
the ball passes the line of the stumps, then such delivery shall be
called a no ball.
Also, when a fielder makes significant movement sideways or
backwards, the ball shall be called a Dead Ball (and not a no ball) and
umpires may issue a warning to the fielder.
If a substitute fielder fields the ball without informing the umpire, the
ball will be declared as a dead ball and 5 runs will be awarded as
penalty to the opposite team.
Also a ball fielded by any player other than with his hands (i.e. a cap,
or gloves for a non-wicket keeper or a hand towel etc) will be
declared as a dead ball +5 runs will be awarded as penalty to the
opposite team.
No-balls and free hits: A no ball for overstepping the bowling crease
shall result in a free hit which is, the next legitimate delivery to be
bowled by the bowler, in which, only a run out and a illegally
executed double strike can be given out and all other forms of
dismissal are not permitted, whereas actual runs scored in that free
hit will be added to the team score and the ball shall be counted in
the over.
Dismissals from a no ball: Except for a Run Out, Handled the Ball,
Obstructing the Field and Illegitimately Hit the Ball Twice, no other
dismissals of a batsman are permitted.

xi)

xii)

A no ball bowled by the bowler, if it hits the stumps, the ball will
still be in play (not dead) and the stumps shall be considered as
disturbed or broken. In such a case, a batsman can attempt to
take a run as the ball is in play. To effect a run out, a fielder or the
wicket keeper will have to hold the ball and at least one stump in his
hand since the stumps are considered as disturbed or broken. If a
fielder, attempting to run out a batsman taking a run in this situation,
throws the ball to the stumps, then it shall not be considered as a
valid dismissal.
Different Dismissals off a No-Ball: When a batsmen is clean bowled
off a no-ball, the batsmen is not dismissed ,but the ball remains in
play ( not dead) till it finally becomes dead under other rules.
Accordingly, further runs can be scored as Byes , a run-out cane be
affected or certain other permitted dismissals off a no-ball can be
made. However, to effect a run out at the strikers end or non-strikers
end, attention needs to be given to the fact that the stumps, whether
played with bails or not, are already dislocated (on being clean
bowled) & the wicket-keeper or a fielder needs to hold the ball & the
stumps in the hand at the same time to run out the batsman. Merely
throwing the ball at the dislocated stumps is not sufficient to claim a
run out even if the batsman is out of his crease. Also, a batsman can
be run-out even if is not attempting a run, under the run out rules.

Wide ball:
i)

ii)
iii)

iv)

A ball delivered by the bowler is outside the reach of the batsman on

the off side or on the leg side or above the head of the batsman shall
be declared a wide ball.
Only stumping and run outs are permitted off a wide ball.
A wide ball, like in the case of a no ball, is not counted for the 6 valid
deliveries in an over and therefore has to be re-bowled until the
bowler completes 6 valid deliveries.
One run granted off a wide ball and any additional runs taken (when
the wicket keeper fails to collect the ball) shall all be counted part of

v)
vi)

vii)

viii)

ix)

x)

xi)
xii)
xiii)

the bowlers analysis as wides. (please note that there are no byes
off a wide ball, everything is considered as wide ball runs)
If a ball that was called no ball is also a wide, then no ball shall take
precedence (and wide ball ignored).
Dismissals from a wide ball: Except for Run Out, Stumped, Handled
the Ball, Hit Wicket and Obstructing the Field, all other dismissals are
not permitted off a wide ball.
In the event of a ball pitching outside the concrete area of the wicket
and then deflecting back into play, a wide ball will be called.
FIELDING RULES:
Power-play overs: The specific rules on power-play overs as
applicable from time to time will be communicated at the beginning
of the tournaments. However, as a matter of general rule, a 20 over
format shall have 6 power-play overs, of which first set of 4 overs are
mandatory at the beginning of the innings and second set of 2 overs
are flexible that can be taken by the batting side anytime during over
no. 5 to 18. If not taken by the batting side by that time, over
numbers 19 and 20 shall be the second power-play overs.
For a 25 over game, 8 power-play overs are applicable, first set of 4
overs being mandatory at the beginning of an innings and thereafter
two sets of 2 power-play overs each shall be taken by the fielding
side and batting side, in any order, and such option shall run from the
5th over to the end of 21st over. If not exercised till then, over
numbers 22 to 25 shall be the power-play overs.
Field setting rules: During the first set of power-play overs (4),
minimum 7 fielders should be inside the inner ring (approximately 30
yards). During the second (and third, where applicable) power play
overs, minimum 6 fielders should be inside the inner ring.
During the period of other than power play overs, there should be at
least 4 fielders inside the inner ring.
No. of fielders required inside the ring are exclusive of the wicket
keeper and the bowler.
While there is no rule of minimum number of fielders on the leg side
(onside), a maximum of 5 fielders are allowed to field on the leg side
(or onside) of the batsman.

xiv)

When the minimum fielder rules are not followed by the fielding side
when the bowler delivers the ball, the main umpire or the square leg
umpires shall call a no ball.

Playing friendly matches on BCL grounds on off days:

No one is permitted to play on BCL grounds without prior specific approval
from the BCL Sports Secretary. If any BCL team found violating this
requirements will be fined BD 50/- & will also be docked 2 points from their
Points table.
Match Venue:
Every team playing in the BCL is bound by the committee decision on the
venue, date & time for their respective matches. All the matches will be fair
& neutrally managed. There is nothing called home ground for any team.
Clarifications / changes to the BCL Rulebook effective for matches to be
played on and after 13 April 2012: 'Playing under Protest' rule abolished:
The rule B4 (i) has been abolished from the rulebook with immediate effect
(as per decision taken by BCL committee on 2 April 2012). Therefore, from
immediate effect (for matches starting 13 April 2012), all umpiring
decisions, whether correct or not, whether technically wrong or otherwise,
will be FINAL & BINDING on both teams. Any players or teams found
arguing with, abusing or accusing the umpire, or wasting time in this
process, will be punished stringently in accordance with the Penalty Rules
(see point no. 6 below).
Towards this end, every team captain must sign a Declaration to be
submitted to the BCL Committee (a format is attached to this document,
and is also sent to the teams by email) that they will abide by ALL the
decisions of the umpire (even those that are wrong) and that the captain
and/or the manager will take personal responsibility to educate his team in
this regard. Umpires will not be required to call the sports secretary or any
committee member for clarification of a rule relating to the game (batting,
bowling, fielding, scoring, methods of dismissals etc.), but can reconfirm on
any technical matters like playing conditions, team kits, quality of the
cricket equipment, missing player cards etc.

Power play overs: A batting team has to choose its 2 overs power play
overs during 25 overs game, before the Start of an Over. After being
notified, the bowling team will have the benefit to decide who will bowl
during that power play over, and even to change a bowler for this purpose.
It is clarified that, both these acts must be done before a bowler Starts the
Over.
For this purpose, Start of an Over means a bowler starting his run up to
start his over, or when a bowler has no run up, then his first move to bowl.
An Umpire will decide if the bowler has started his run up or not, for the
application of this rule.
Once a power play is opted for by the batsman, by communicating to the
umpire, a batting team cannot reverse its decision.
Super Over: If the match result is a tie at the end of the completed set of
overs ,then the Super Over is used to determine the winner. (Not applicable
to league matches)
At the time of the toss for the Super Over ,each team will nominate 4
players each.(Typically 3 batsmen & a bowler).The batsmen nominated
during the toss cannot bowl the Super Over.
If it is a tie at the end of the Super Over, then the teams will be compared
for the nos of sixes hit in the Super Over .The team having scored more
sixes in the match are the winners.
If the nos. of sixes scored by both the teams are the same at the end of the
Super Over, then the nos. of fours hit by the two teams will be compared
.The team having hit more nos of fours in the match will be declared the
winner.
However, if the nos. of fours & sixes scored by both the teams are equal at
the end of the match, then the winner if decided by the TOSS.
Boundary line fielding and catching rule: This matter is catching
everyone's attention internationally - especially when a fielder makes
efforts to save runs near the boundary (in the process touching or crossing

the boundary) or when he catches, or makes an effort to catch the ball hit
by a batsman.
Due to the difficulties existing in the local cricket matches (especially lack of
camera replays and the disappearance of the boundary line/hump), the
decision to call a boundary or not, when a fielder attempts a boundary line
save, is entirely that of the on field umpire and no team, from inside or
outside the ground, can make any argument with the umpire in this regard.
Also, due to the various technicalities involved in the rules relating to
making a fair catch of a ball hit in the air by the batsman, it is made very
clear that, a fielder must be inside the boundary (and not touch the
boundary line/hump, or cross it) before touching/catching the ball or
before jumping in air to touch/catch the ball. Having touched the ball
inside the boundary line/hump or by jumping from inside the boundary
line, a fielder may go temporarily outside the boundary, and then come
inside to regain his position inside the boundary to once again get
possession of the ball. This process is deemed as being 'a fielder in full
control of the ball inside the boundary line while making a save or taking
a catch'.
To clarify, a fielder cannot touch the boundary, or stand outside the
boundary before touching/catching or jumping in air to touch/catch the
ball.
A four/six will be awarded, as the case may be (fielding the ball or catching
the ball), if the above rule is not followed, as decided by the on-field
umpire. (This rule shall apply in BCL even if international cricket
interpretations are contrary to this rule).
The 12 per side rule: As the BCL teams know, this rule was introduced due
to various factors as discussed in the Rulebook and many teams have
benefited from this rule at various times, including availability of an extra
player as a scorer or as a substitute fielder during injury.
To make the best use of this rule, it is clarified once again that, this is NOT
the same as a Super-Sub rule. Super-sub rule requires prior intimation on
the umpire on the 11 players batting and the 11 players fielding/bowling.
But in the BCL 12 per side rule, this is not required, as explained below

(please ignore any other Rulebook notes if it is contrary to the following

clarification)
Under this rule, a team can nominate 12 players for a match. From this
Twelve, ANY 11 players can bat. While their fielding turn comes ANY 11
players can go to the field at the start of the innings who form the fielding
Eleven (with right to bowl if and when required).
Umpires are not required to be informed if a player who has batted does
not come to the field. However, an intimation to the umpire is necessary,
when the first 11 fielders going to field does not include a player who, as
per the captain, is part of the official fielding side of 11 players, but is sitting
out for one or more overs due to an injury or other valid reasons.
If and when the umpire is not informed, then the first 11 players going to
the field shall be considered as the fielding eleven.
Change of batting stance (Switch Hit): A batsman sometimes attempts
what is now known as a switch hit. This normally happens when a batsman,
who is right handed (with left leg front and right leg closer to his stumps),
reverses his feet position like a left hander batsman (putting his right leg
front and left leg closer to his stumps), or vice versa, to attempt a shot,
maybe to take advantage of the field placements or to manage the
spin/swing generated by the bowler.
This matter has been discussed on the international arena, and the MCC
has not made this shot unlawful, since it is agreed that a considerable
amount of skill is required to execute this shot, with a high amount of risk
for the batsman.
However, sometimes, a batsman, attempting a switch hit, tries to change
his stance before a bowler delivers the ball, which may result in a bowler
not delivering the ball and returning to his bowling mark to bowl that ball
again. This process may result in time-wasting. If the umpire is convinced
that the batsmans actions are resulting in a time waste, then the umpire
can issue a warning to the batsman, and can re-issue the warning a second
time for the same reason. If a third instance arises with the batsman
attempting the same action, which results in time-waste, then the umpire
shall declare a penalty of 5 runs against the batting team.

(A similar situation arose recently when Kevin Petersen attempted change

of stance in T.Dilshan's bowling in England vs. Sri Lanka test match on 5
April 2012, and the on field umpires issued 2 warnings but no penalty was
declared as it was not repeated again).
Decisions on Wide Ball and LBW rules during a switch-hit: Even though the
decisions of the MCC are inconclusive/unclear to us, BCL is forced to issue
the following rules to make this matter clear to our umpires, from the point
of view of Wide Balls and LBW dismissals.
As is known, the current rules suggest that the margin for a Wide Ball on
the leg side of the batsman is very less compared to the off side margin.
Also, a ball pitching outside the leg stump of a batsman is termed NOT OUT
for LBW as per rules, even if the ball was going to hit the stumps.
In both the cases (wide ball and LBW), the umpires shall decide in favor of
the bowler than the batsman when he is trying a switch hit.
For LBW, the umpires will not consider the rule on ball pitching outside the
leg stump, since the bowler who genuinely bowled outside the off stump
has now become outside the batsmans leg stump when he changed his
stance, at no fault of the bowler! And the ball bowled outside the original
leg stump by the bowler has now become the batsmans new off stump for
which the off stump rule must apply. So, in either case, the batsman will be
given OUT if these 3 conditions are satisfied: 1) the ball hit the batsman in
the line of the stumps while attempting a shot (or a ball hitting in or outside
the line of the stumps when the batsman was not attempting a shot), 2) the
ball was going on to hit the stumps and 3) the ball did not hit the batsmans
bat or gloves before hitting his pads or person; So, the rule of ball pitching
outside the leg stump will not be applicable in a switch hit.
For a wide ball rule in a switch hit, a ball will be considered to be wide
based on the margin of width applicable for an outside the off stump
delivery for a ball going past the off stump or leg stump. So, the narrow
margin of outside the leg stump rule for wide will not be applied when the
batsman has changed his stance (from right hand to left hand and vice
versa).

This rule does not apply to a reverse sweep or a scoop shot executed by the
batsman without reversing his original feet position.

Section F:
Code of Conduct for Players and Officials: Based on a reports submitted
by the umpire and or Team Captain on any misconduct by a player or a
team, during or after the match, the approved BCL Code of Conduct will
apply: (see separate Code of Conduct document)
BCL Cricketers, kindly play your game fair and in the spirit of the game.
Respect the umpire and the umpires decisions. Respect your team, your
opponents and the environment.

Good luck everyone, enjoy the season

SYED REHAN AHMED

Vice Chairman

MUJTABA NAZIR AHMED

General Secretary

GENERAL:- BCL retains the right to amend the BCL

Rulebook/Laws and DOT from time to time, or issue additional
guidelines, circulars, notices or clarifications, which will be done
after discussions by the BCL organizing committee and will be
informed to all team captains ahead of their revised
implementation. This BCL Rulebook has been issued to all the
BCL registered teams from the cricket season 2010-11 as
amended subsequently from time to time, and all teams are
required to comply with the same.

If any team finds any inconsistency in the rules and regulations

from generally acceptable playing conditions, you are requested
to inform the BCL committee accordingly.

NOTE :- BCL organizing committee does not guarantee that all

laws followed internationally are covered in this Rulebook, since
the playing conditions applicable under the BCL formats are
different from the international matches. BCL organizing
committee does not entertain any disputes from any person or
entity due to any inconsistent cricket rule included in this
Rulebook.