West of England Premier League
2022 – MAIN Playing Conditions (Regulations)
3.0 Hours of Play and Intervals
3.1 Normal hours of play will be 12.30 pm – 7.30 pm (playing time can be rescheduled up to 8.00pm – except for the last 4 games).
3.2 In uninterrupted matches, an interval of 30 minutes will be taken at the conclusion of the
innings of the team batting first, normally at 3.35pm. The duration and time of the interval can only be varied by the umpires as defined below. Playing time lost (after any adjustment due to 30 mins allowance as in 3.1 above) Up to (and including) 60 mins Tea Interval remains at 30 minutes Between 61 mins and 150 mins Tea Interval to be 20 minutes More than 150 mins Tea interval to be 10 minutes
3.3 A scheduled cessation time for each innings shall be fixed prior to its commencement by applying the provisions of Playing Conditions 8.0 and 9.0
3.4 Close of play shall normally be at 7.30 pm (or if rescheduled up to 8.00pm (except for the last 4 games) due to interruptions), but play may continue after that time, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result achieved
4.0 Tea Interval
4.1 In all games, the interval will be taken between innings.
4.2 In an uninterrupted game if Tea is not ready at the completion of the first innings, then following a 10 minute innings changeover, the second innings will commence for a minimum of 15 overs or until the originally scheduled Tea break, whichever is the latter.
5.0 Drinks Interval
5.1 Drinks intervals shall be agreed at the Toss. Such breaks will be of short duration.
5.2 In an interrupted game, the drinks intervals will only be permitted at the discretion of the umpires.
5.3 In all cases the time taken for drinks is included in the allotted time for the innings.
8.0 Interrupted Matches:
8.2.1 When playing time has been lost (see above) the revised number of overs to be bowled in the match shall be based on a rate of 3.75 mins per over in the total time available for play (that is time already played added to time remaining though not including the time allocated to the Tea interval).
8.2.2 Should calculations regarding numbers of overs result in a fraction of an over, the fraction shall be ignored. In the event of a suspension occurring in the middle of an over, the number of total overs to be bowled in the match will be calculated as if the over in progress at the time of the interruption had been completed. The innings of the team batting first will continue from the point of the interruption. The revision of the number of overs should ensure, whenever possible, that both teams have the opportunity to bat for the same number of overs. (Where this is possible, if the total number of overs in the match thereby calculated results in an odd number of total overs in the match, then one over shall be added and the new total divided inhalf).
8.3 In the event of a suspension occurring in the middle of an over, the number of full overs to be bowled will be calculated, and any balls remaining in the uncompleted over will be added.
8.4 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 until the required number of overs has been bowled, and Playing Condition 9.0 will apply.
8.5 If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the second innings, the hours of play shall, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result has been achieved and Playing Condition 9.0 shall apply.
8.6 To constitute a match, a minimum of 20 overs has to be bowled to the side batting second, unless a result has been achieved earlier. The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the first team unless the latter completed its innings in less than its allocated overs.
8.7 Where no play has been possible from the start of the match (12.30) the latest possible start time to enable a minimum game of 20 overs per side plus 10 minute Interval between innings is:-
17.20 for 20.00 finish
16.50 for 19.30 finish
If, due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs in the innings of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than that originally allotted (minimum 20 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 target will be calculated on the Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) system (Play-Cricket Scorer/PCS Pro should be used). An integral target will be set for the team batting second with 1 run less resulting in a Tie. If after the restart of play it is discovered that the wrong DLS target has been set, the faulty target shall stand.
Note: whenever possible the home side should appoint a Duckworth Lewis Stern Match Manager (DLSMM). Where this is not possible the home scorer will take this role.
9.0 Over Rate Penalties
9.1 Uninterrupted matches, Sides are expected to be in a position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 50 overs within the
allotted time of 3 hours and 5 minutes from the call of play. If either side fails to do so then play will continue, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, until the required number of overs has been bowled, or a result has been achieved.
9.2 Umpires and Scorers shall record and agree the elapsed time from Call of Play until the commencement of the last over . If there is any doubt relating to the elapsed time then the opinion of the Umpire at the strikers end for the commencement of this last over shall be deemed correct.
9.3 In the event
- a) the fielding side has not commenced the last over within 3 hours 5minutes.
- b) a side is dismissed before the start of the last over) and the time at the point of the innings completion has exceeded 3 hours 5 minutes.
- c) a side bowling second loses before the start of the last over and the time at the point of loss has exceeded 3 hours 5 minutes.
In all above cases a) – c) the fielding side will incur a penalty of 1 point. This is applicable only if the fielding side has scored at least 1 point as minus points are not applicable. Note timings may change in interrupted games – see 9.6 below and examples in Appendix.
Note: Umpires will have no discretion to allow ANY additional time irrespective of the circumstances that may have caused teams to exceed their allotted time. Teams may, if they consider there to have been exceptional events that caused them to exceed their allotted time, appeal to WEPL for this penalty to be reviewed.
9.4 The Umpires shall inform the fielding team Captain when taking the field for the first time and on every subsequent occasion if play is interrupted, the scheduled cessation time for that innings.
9.5 In delayed start/interrupted games the umpires shall calculate the revised allotted time as follows:-
Allotted time = No of Overs x 3.75 mins.
Odd half minutes will be rounded up eg 33 overs = 33 x 3.75 = 123.75 minutes. Therefore the allotted time is 124 minutes.
9.6 In addition, in all reduced overs matches, the fielding side will be given one overs leeway. For the avoidance of doubt, one overs leeway means that the fielding side must be in position to bowl the first ball of the penultimate over by the scheduled or rescheduled time for the end of the innings.
i.e. For 33 overs – fielding side must be in position to bowl the first ball of the 32nd over by the
scheduled or rescheduled time for the end of the innings.
10.0 Bowling Restrictions
10.1 No bowler shall bowl more than 10 overs in an innings. In a delayed or interrupted match, where the overs are reduced, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allotted (unless this has already been exceeded before the interruption). Where the total number of
overs is not divisible by 5, one additional over shall be allowed to the maximum number per bowler necessary to make up the balance. 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 overwill count as a full over only in so far as each bowler’s limit is concerned.
e.g after 16 overs, interruption reduces the innings to 32 overs. The 2 opening bowlers have already bowled 8 overs each (max 7 allowed in reduced match), therefore other bowlers may not now exceed 6 overs each.
11.0 Fielding Restrictions/Powerplays
11.1 At the instant of delivery, there may not be more than 5 fieldsmen on the leg side.
11.2 In addition the following fielding restrictions shall apply:
Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The semi-circles shall have astheir centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi-circles shall be 30 yards (27.43 metres). The semi-circles shall be linked by two parallel straight lines drawn on the field. The fielding restriction areas should be marked by continuous painted white lines or ‘dots’ at 5 yard (4.57 metres) intervals, each ‘dot’ to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter.
At the instant of delivery:
- a) Powerplay 1 – no more than two (2) fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs, these are overs 1 to 10 inclusive.
- b) Powerplay 2 – no more than four (4) fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs, these are overs 11 to 40 inclusive.
- c) Powerplay 3 – no more than five (5) fielders shall be permitted outside this fielding restriction area. In an innings of 50 overs, these are overs 41 to 50 inclusive.
11.4 In circumstances when the number of overs of the batting team is reduced, the number of overs within each phase of the innings shall be reduced in accordance with the table below. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the table shall apply to both the 1st and 2nd innings of the match.
| Innings Duration | Powerplay 1 | Powerplay 2 | Powerplay 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 4 | 12 | 4 |
| 21 | 4 | 13 | 4 |
| 22 | 5 | 13 | 4 |
| 23 | 5 | 14 | 4 |
| 24 | 5 | 14 | 5 |
| 25 | 5 | 15 | 5 |
| 26 | 5 | 16 | 5 |
| 27 | 6 | 16 | 5 |
| 28 | 6 | 17 | 5 |
| 29 | 6 | 17 | 6 |
| 30 | 6 | 18 | 6 |
| 31 | 6 | 19 | 6 |
| 32 | 7 | 19 | 6 |
| 33 | 7 | 20 | 6 |
| 34 | 7 | 20 | 7 |
| 35 | 7 | 21 | 7 |
| 36 | 7 | 22 | 7 |
| 37 | 8 | 22 | 7 |
| 38 | 8 | 23 | 7 |
| 39 | 8 | 23 | 8 |
| 40 | 8 | 24 | 8 |
| 41 | 8 | 25 | 8 |
| 42 | 9 | 25 | 8 |
| 43 | 9 | 26 | 8 |
| 44 | 9 | 26 | 9 |
| 45 | 9 | 27 | 9 |
| 46 | 9 | 28 | 9 |
| 47 | 10 | 28 | 9 |
| 48 | 10 | 29 | 9 |
| 49 | 10 | 29 | 10 |
11.5 If play is interrupted during an innings and the table in 11.4 applies, the appropriate
Powerplay takes immediate effect. For the avoidance of doubt this applies even if the interruption
has occurred midover.
12.0 Wide Ball
Law 22 shall apply with the following addition;
12.1 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. Any delivery which, in the opinion of the umpire, does not give the striker a reasonable opportunity to hit the ball by means of a normal cricket shot shall be adjudged a wide. A penalty of one run for a wide shall be scored. This penalty shall stand in addition to any other runs which are scored or awarded.
12.2 A legside wide shall be called if, irrespective of where the ball pitches, it passes outside the line of the batsman and the leg stump, despite his movement.
12.3 For additional clarity, a ball that passes between the batsman and the leg stump shall not be considered a wide.
12.4 An offside wide shall be called if, irrespective of where the ball pitches, it passes outside the crease as defined in Clause 22.1 at the point the ball passes the Popping crease, irrespective of the batsman’s position, movement or any attempt to strike the ball.
( Note: In the event of batsman moving so far towards the off side that the ball passes between himself and the wicket (on the off side) then the ball shall not be deemed a wide irrespective of its width.)
12.5 For clarity if a ball is hit by the batsman or if the ball hits any part of his equipment, it shall not be called a wide irrespective of where it pitched or where it would have passed.
13.0 No Ball
Law 21 shall apply subject to the following:
The bowler may not deliver the ball underarm. If a bowler bowls a ball underarm the umpire shall call and signal no ball.
13.1 In addition, the delivery following any No Ball shall be a free hit for whichever batsman is facing It. This applies for all modes of No Ball with the exception of the first short-pitched delivery in any over that passes or would have passed clearly over head-height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease. For the avoidance of doubt, a free hit shall be applied for a No Ball that is called in respect of a breach of playing condition 14. 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.
13.2 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.
13.3 Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless either
- a) there is a change of striker or
- b) the No Ball was the result of a field restriction breach in which case the field may be changed to the extent of correcting the breach, save that in all circumstances, any fielder within 15 yards of the striker may retreat to a position on the same line no more than 15 yards from the striker. For clarity, the wicket keeper shall remain in the same position for the free hit as he was for the no ball if there is no change of striker. However, and only if necessary, the wicket keeper is permitted to take up a position to avoid injury from the actions of the striker without materially altering his position – ie if he was standing up, he can stand a metre further back from the stumps if he wishes to, but not to a position where he would be considered to be standing back.
13.4 The umpire at the bowler’s end will signal a free hit (after the normal No Ball signal)by extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion.
14.0 Dangerous and Unfair Bowling
In addition to Law 41.6 the following regulations shall apply:-
14.1 A bowler shall be limited to 1 fast short pitched ball per over. (The Umpire atthe bowler’s end shall make it clear to both the bowler and the batsman when such a delivery has been bowled).
14.2 A fast short pitched is defined as a ball which passes or would have passed above the shoulder of the batsman standing upright in his crease.
14.3 If this limit is exceeded the Umpire at the bowler’s end shall call and signal “No Ball” on each occasion.
14.4 A different signal shall be used to signify a fast short pitched “No Ball”. The Umpire shall call and signal “No Ball” then raise the other arm across the chest. If the bowler exceeds the limit of short pitched deliveries in an over the umpire shall invoke the procedures of Law 41.6 .3 in regard to cautioning the bowler. If a bowler is “No Balled” a second time in the innings for the same offence the Umpire is to invoke Law 41.6.4 and the bowler shall not be allowed to bowl again in thatinnings.
Note: For the avoidance of doubt the warnings detailed in Laws 41.6.1, 41.6.2 and those above in Clause 14 are cumulative.
Examples of interrupted matches
(items underlined in red are those Umpires should convey to Captains and
Scorers)
23.1 Scheduled start time 1230 Latest finish time 2000
23.1.1 Start of play is delayed until 1250
Lost time = 20 minutes. Match remains as 50 overs per side – No Change
23.1.2 Start of play is delayed until 1600
Time lost = 210 mins less 30 = 180 mins. Tea Interval reduced to 10 mins
Playing Time remaining = 4 hours = 240 minutes
Less 10 minutes for tea means playing time = 230 minutes
230/3.75 = 61.33 overs. Ignore Fraction then round up as odd number therefore 62 over game
Game played as 31 overs per side
31 x 3.75 = 116.25 rounded up to 117 mins
Innings finish 16.00 + 117 mins = 17.57 to be in place to bowl 30th over
4 bowlers can deliver a maximum of 6 overs plus 1 bowler max 7
Powerplays 6 / 19 / 6
| Tea Duration | 10 minutes |
| Total Overs in Innings | 31 |
| Overs remaining in innings | 31 |
| Restart Time | 16.00 |
| Innings Cessation time | 17.57 |
| Bowlers overs | 4 x 6 & 1 x 7 |
| Powerplays | 6 / 19 / 6 |
23.1 Scheduled start time 1230 Latest finish time 1930 (no 30 min free time)
23.2.1 Play starts on time but is interrupted at 1415 with 25.3 overs bowled. Play can recommence
at 1530.
Time lost = 75 mins. Tea Interval reduced to 20 mins
Time already played = 105 mins
Playing Time remaining = 4 hours = 240 minutes
Less 20 minutes for tea plus time played = 240 – 20 + 105 = 325 minutes
325/3.75 = 86.67 overs. Ignore Fraction therefore 86 over game
Game played as 43 overs per side
43 x 3.75 = 161.25 rounded up to 162 mins
162 – 105 = 57 mins remaining in innings (17.3 overs remain to be bowled)
Innings finish now 15.30 + 57 mins = 16.27 to be in place to bowl 42nd over
3 bowlers can deliver a maximum of 9 overs plus 2 bowler max 8
Powerplays 9 / 26 / 8
| Tea Duration | 20 minutes |
| Total Overs in Innings | 43 |
| Overs remaining in innings | 17.3 |
| Restart Time | 15.30 |
| Innings Cessation time | 16.27 |
| Bowlers overs | 3 x 9 & 2 x 8 |
| Powerplays | 9 / 26 / 8 |
23.2.2 Play starts on time but is interrupted at 1415 with 25.3 overs bowled. Play can recommence at 1730
Time lost 195 mins. Tea Interval reduced to 10 mins
Time already played = 105 mins
Playing Time remaining = 2 hours = 120 minutes
Less 10 minutes for tea plus time played = 120 – 10 + 105 = 215 minutes
215/3.75 = 57.33 overs. Ignore Fraction then round up as odd number therefore 58 over game
Game played as 29 overs per side
29 x 3.75 = 108.75 rounded up to 109 mins
109 – 105 = 4 mins remaining in innings (3.3 overs remain to be bowled)
Innings finish now 17.30 + 4 mins = 17.34 to be in place to bowl 28th over
4 bowlers can deliver a maximum of 6 overs plus 1 bowler max 5
Powerplays 6 / 17 / 6
| Tea Duration | 10 minutes |
| Total Overs in Innings | 29 |
| Overs remaining in innings | 3.3 |
| Restart Time | 17.30 |
| Innings Cessation time | 17.34 |
| Bowlers overs | 4 x 6 & 1 x 5 |
| Powerplays | 6 / 17 / 6 |
Note :- reason only 4 mins remain is that only 25.3 overs were bowled in initial 105 mins played before stoppage. It is therefore unlikely the fielding side will complete their overs in the allotted time and will incur a run rate penalty.
23.2.3 Play starts on time but is interrupted at 1415 with 22.3 overs bowled. Play can recommence at 1800.
Time lost 225 mins. Tea Interval reduced to 10 mins
Time already played = 105 mins
Playing Time remaining = 1 hour 30 mins = 90 minutes
Less 10 minutes for tea plus time played = 90 – 10 + 105 = 185 minutes
185/3.75 = 49.33 overs. Ignore Fraction then round up as odd number therefore 50 over game
Game played as 25 overs per side
25 x 3.75 = 93.75 rounded up to 94 mins
Already played 105 minutes therefore fielding side are already over time and over rate penalty will be applied.
5 bowlers can deliver a maximum of 5 overs
Powerplays 5 / 15 / 5
| Tea Duration | 10 minutes |
| Total Overs in Innings | 25 |
| Overs remaining in innings | 2.3 |
| Restart Time | 18.00 |
| Innings Cessation time | 17.51 |
| Bowlers overs | 5 x 5 |
| Powerplays | 5 / 15 / 5 |
23.2.4 Play starts on time. First innings ends at 15.30 and second innings begins at 16.00 (after Tea).
Play is interrupted at 17.00 after 12.2 overs and starts at 18.00.
Innings time already played = 60 mins
Playing Time remaining = 1 hour 30 mins = 90 minutes
Total Playing Time is 60 + 90 = 150 mins.
150/3.75 = 40 overs innings total
Innings finish now 18.00 +90 = 19.30 to be in place to bowl 39th over
5 bowlers can deliver a maximum of 8 overs.
Powerplays 8 / 24 / 8
| Total Overs in Innings | 40 |
| Overs remaining in innings | 27.4 |
| Restart Time | 18.00 |
| Innings Cessation time | 19.30 |
| Bowlers overs | 8 x 8 |
| Powerplays | 8 / 24 / 8 |
23.2.4 Play starts on time. First innings ends at 15.30 and second innings begins at 16.00 (after Tea).
Play is interrupted at 17.15 after 20.3 overs and starts at 18.30.
Innings time already played = 75 mins
Playing Time remaining = 1 hour = 60 minutes
Total Playing Time is 75 + 60 = 135 mins.
135/3.75 = 36 overs innings total
Innings finish now 18.30 + 60 = 19.30 to be in place to bowl 35th over
4 bowlers can deliver a maximum of 7 overs plus 1 bowlers max 8
Powerplays 7 / 22 / 7
| Total Overs in Innings | 36 |
| Overs remaining in innings | 15.3 |
| Restart Time | 18.30 |
| Innings Cessation time | 19.30 |
| Bowlers overs | 4 x 7 & 1 x 8 |
| Powerplays | 7 / 22 / 7 |
23.2.5 Play starts on time but is interrupted at 1415 with 27 overs bowled. Play can recommence at 1750
Time lost 215 mins. Tea Interval reduced to 10 mins
Time already played = 105 mins
Playing Time remaining = 1 hour 40 minutes = 100 minutes
Less 10 minutes for tea plus time played = 105 – 10 + 100 = 195 minutes
195/3.75 = 52 overs.
Game played as 26 overs per side . Side A have already batted more than this therefore their innings is complete.
10 minutes Tea can now be ignored and all 100 minutes playing time is available for 2nd innings
100/3.75 = 26.6 overs rounded down to 26 overs
26 x 3.75 = 97.5 rounded up to 98 minutes innings time
Innings finish now 17.50 + 98 mins = 19.28 to be in place to bowl 25th over
4 bowlers can deliver a maximum of 5 overs plus 1 bowler max 6
Powerplays 5 / 16 / 5
| Tea Duration | Not Tea allowance required |
| Total Overs in Innings | 26 |
| Overs remaining in innings | 26 |
| Restart Time | 17.50 |
| Innings Cessation time | 19.28 |
| Bowlers overs | 4 x 5 & 1 x 6 |
| Powerplays | 5 / 16 / 5 |