Cricket (ICC) Rules Explained

Section 1: Introduction

Governing Authority

Cricket is governed internationally by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Laws of Cricket are maintained by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which holds the copyright and acts as the global custodian of the Laws on behalf of the worldwide cricket community. The current governing document is the MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition, which came into effect on 1 October 2022. ICC adopts these Laws and supplements them with format-specific ICC Playing Conditions for all international matches (Test, One Day International, and Twenty20 International).

History and Scope

The Laws of Cricket have existed in codified form since 1744, making them among the oldest written sporting rules in the world. The MCC has periodically revised the Laws; major overhauls occurred in 1980, 2000, and 2017. The 2022 6th Edition introduced significant updates including changes to the use of saliva on the ball, new protocols for Concussion Substitutes and COVID-19 Substitutes, and clarified language on bat dimensions and penalty runs.

Formats of the Game

At the elite level, cricket is played in three main formats, each governed by the same Laws of Cricket but with distinct ICC Playing Conditions:

Test Cricket: The longest form, played over up to 5 days with each team batting twice. No limit on overs. Governed by the ICC Test Match Playing Conditions.
One Day International (ODI): Each team bats for one innings of maximum 50 overs. Governed by the ICC Men's/Women's ODI Playing Conditions.
Twenty20 International (T20I): Each team bats for one innings of maximum 20 overs. Governed by the ICC Men's/Women's T20I Playing Conditions.

Spirit of Cricket

The Preamble to the Laws of Cricket (2017 Code) establishes the Spirit of Cricket as a foundational principle. It states that cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action that is considered to be against the Spirit of Cricket is called Unfair Play and may result in sanctions under Law 41 (Unfair play).

Section 2: Equipment

The Ball — Law 4 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

The cricket ball must be made of leather and have a prominent seam. Its specifications are strictly defined:

Weight: Not less than 155.9 g (5½ oz) and not more than 163 g (5¾ oz).
Circumference: Not less than 22.4 cm (8 13/16 in) and not more than 22.9 cm (9 in).
Colour: Red for Test matches and first-class cricket; white is used in limited-overs cricket. A pink ball is used for day-night Test matches.
Condition: Under Law 4.3, the fielding side may polish the ball using only the accumulated sweat and saliva on the ball. As of the 2022 6th Edition, the use of artificial substances (including saliva) on the ball is explicitly prohibited; only natural sweat from the body may be used (updated in response to COVID-19 protocols formalised in this edition).
Ball change: Under Law 4.4, a new ball must be used at the start of each innings. In Tests, the fielding side may request a new ball after 80 overs have been bowled with the current ball (ICC Test Playing Conditions, Clause 4).
Lost or damaged ball: Under Law 4.5, if a ball in play is lost or becomes unfit, the umpires may replace it with one of similar condition to that of the original ball at the time of replacement.

The Bat — Law 5 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

The bat consists of a blade made of wood (traditionally willow) and a cane handle. The 2017 Code formalised dimensional limits that had existed informally for many years:

Overall length: Must not exceed 96.5 cm (38 in).
Blade width: Must not exceed 10.8 cm (4.25 in) at its widest point.
Blade edge: Must not exceed 4 cm (1.57 in).
Blade depth: Must not exceed 6.7 cm (2.64 in).
Handle length: Must not exceed 52% of the overall length of the bat.
Protective covering: Under Law 5.3, a non-solid protective covering (e.g., a facing or binding) may be applied to the blade, provided it does not exceed 0.04 cm (1/64 in) in thickness.
Bat gauge: Umpires may use a bat gauge to check compliance; this practice is formalised in ICC Playing Conditions.

Stumps and Bails — Law 8 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

Three stumps are pitched at each end of the pitch, with two bails resting on top in grooves:

Stump height: 71.1 cm (28 in) above the playing surface.
Total stump width: The three stumps combined must present a total width of 22.86 cm (9 in).
Individual stump diameter: Each stump is nominally 3.49 cm (1 3/8 in) in diameter at the top.
Bail length (standard): Each bail has an overall length of 10.95 cm (4 5/16 in), with the barrel (the section resting in the groove) being 5.40 cm (2 1/8 in) long.
Bail length (junior/youth): Each bail has an overall length of 10.01 cm (3 15/16 in), with a barrel of 4.60 cm (1 13/16 in).
Dispensing with bails: Under Law 8.5, if the umpires decide that the use of bails is impractical (e.g., due to high wind), they may dispense with them. A stump will then be held to have been put down only if a stump is struck out of the ground by the ball.

Protective Equipment

While the Laws specify equipment for play, standard protective gear includes batting pads, batting gloves, a helmet with a faceguard, a box (abdominal guard), thigh pad, arm guard, and chest guard. Under Law 27.2, wicket-keepers are the only fielders permitted to wear gloves; under Law 27.3, a fielder may field the ball with a hat only if it has been removed from the fielder's head before the ball is delivered.

Section 3: Playing Area

The Ground

Cricket is played on a large, roughly oval-shaped grass field. The Laws of Cricket do not specify an exact outer boundary dimension, but ICC Playing Conditions impose minimum and maximum boundary distances for international matches. Under ICC Test and ODI Playing Conditions, the straight boundary must be a minimum of 59.43 m (65 yards) from the centre of the pitch, and no boundary may be shorter than 64.00 m (70 yards) from the centre of the pitch without the prior approval of the referee. The maximum boundary is 82.29 m (90 yards) from the centre of the pitch.

The Pitch — Law 7 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

The pitch is a rectangular strip in the centre of the ground on which the main action takes place:

Length: The pitch is 20.12 m (22 yards) measured between the centres of the two sets of stumps (bowling creases).
Width: The pitch is 3.05 m (10 ft) wide.
Surface: The pitch is prepared by the ground authority and must be of natural turf. Under Law 7.4, during an match, the pitch shall not be watered, rolled (except by agreement at specified intervals), or otherwise treated without the approval of the umpires.

The Creases — Law 9 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

Four creases are marked on the pitch, two at each end:

Bowling crease: A line 2.64 m (8 ft 8 in) in length, marked level with the stumps at each end, centred on the middle stump.
Popping crease (batting crease): A line drawn 1.22 m (4 ft) in front of the bowling crease (i.e., in front of the stumps), parallel to the bowling crease. It is at least 3.66 m (12 ft) long. This crease determines whether a batsman is in their ground and whether a bowler has overstepped for a no-ball.
Return creases: Two lines drawn at right angles to the bowling crease and popping crease, passing through the outer edge of the stumps. They extend from the popping crease to a minimum of 8 ft (2.44 m) behind the popping crease. Return creases are used to determine whether a fielder's foot is grounded in a legitimate fielding position and to judge whether a bowler has bowled from a legal position (Law 21.2).

The Boundary — Law 19 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

Before the toss, the umpires and team captains agree upon and demarcate a boundary. The boundary is the edge of the playing surface as defined by a physical marker (rope, painted line, advertising boards, or a fence). Under Law 19.1, if a boundary is inadvertently not defined in any particular part of the field, the umpires shall determine a suitable boundary. Under Law 19.5, if a fielder grounds any part of their person on or beyond the boundary while attempting to catch or field the ball, the umpire shall signal a boundary.

The Wicket Keeper's and Bowler's Footmarks Area

Under Law 9.2, the area of the pitch most vulnerable to wear is the area around the popping crease. Under Law 7.3, fielders other than the wicket-keeper are not permitted to stand on the pitch during a match. Under ICC Playing Conditions, a designated "danger area" — a rectangle 5 ft (1.52 m) in length by 1 ft (0.30 m) on either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the stumps — must not be used as a running track by fielders or the non-striking batsman.

Section 4: Players & Officials

Players — Law 1 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

A cricket match is played between two sides, each of eleven players. One player in each side is designated the captain. Under Law 1.3, in the event of a player being injured or becoming ill during the match, a substitute fielder may take the field, but the absent player may not bat, bowl, or act as captain or wicket-keeper while absent unless they have been designated as a Concussion Substitute under ICC Playing Conditions.

Concussion Substitute (ICC Playing Conditions, effective 2019): If a player is diagnosed with a concussion or shows concussion symptoms during a match, a like-for-like replacement (a Concussion Substitute) may be approved by the on-field umpires and the team's medical officer. The Concussion Substitute may bat, bowl, or keep wicket. A Concussion Substitute cannot be reversed once approved.
Super Sub (discontinued): The ICC trialled a Super Substitute rule in 2005 but abolished it after one season.

The Captain — Law 1.2

Before the toss, each side shall nominate a captain. The captain is responsible for ensuring their team's play is within the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket. The captain is the sole authority for declarations and forfeitures of innings. If the designated captain is absent, a deputy must be nominated before play begins.

Umpires — Law 2 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

Two umpires are appointed to officiate in every match. They are the sole judges of fair and unfair play, and their decisions are final:

On-field umpires: One umpire stands at the bowler's end; the other stands at square leg (or a position to observe the batting end). Their positions may change after each over.
Signals: Umpires use a standardised set of signals defined in Law 2.12, including: Out (raised index finger); No ball (extending one arm horizontally); Wide (both arms extended horizontally); Boundary 4 (waving hand from side to side); Boundary 6 (both hands raised above the head); Dead ball (crossing and re-crossing wrists below the waist); Leg bye (raising one knee and touching it with one hand); Bye (raising one open hand above the head); Short run (bending one arm upward and touching the near shoulder with the tips of the fingers); Penalty runs — 5 penalty runs to batting side (touching near shoulder with tips of fingers of one hand); Penalty runs — 5 penalty runs to fielding side (touching near shoulder with tips of the fingers of both hands).
DRS (Decision Review System): For ICC international matches, the Decision Review System is in operation. Each team has a limited number of reviews per innings (2 unsuccessful reviews per innings in Tests; 1 unsuccessful review per innings in ODIs and T20Is, per ICC Playing Conditions). Reviews may call upon ball-tracking (Hawk-Eye), Ultra-Edge (Snickometer), Hot Spot, and the on-field umpire's original decision. The third umpire adjudicates DRS referrals.

Third Umpire (TV Umpire)

For all ICC international matches, a third umpire (also called TV umpire) sits off the field with access to multiple television camera angles and replays. The third umpire is responsible for DRS referrals, soft signal reviews, run-out adjudications referred by on-field umpires, and other specified decisions.

Match Referee — ICC Playing Conditions

All ICC international matches are presided over by a Match Referee appointed by the ICC. The Match Referee does not participate in decisions about play but has jurisdiction over player conduct, imposing fines and/or suspensions for breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct. Offences are categorised from Level 1 (minor, e.g., excessive appealing) to Level 4 (major, e.g., assault of another player).

Scorers — Law 4

Two scorers are appointed to record all runs scored, wickets taken, and overs bowled. Scorers must acknowledge all umpire signals. In the event of a discrepancy between scorecards, the umpires adjudicate the correct score.

Section 5: Rules of Play

The Toss — Law 12 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

Before the match, the captains toss a coin. The captain who wins the toss decides whether to bat or field first. The toss must take place at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play (ICC Playing Conditions). After the toss, no alteration may be made to the nominated playing XI unless a player becomes unfit after the toss, subject to the opposing captain's consent or the match referee's approval.

Innings — Law 13

A match consists of one or two innings per side, depending on the format. In Tests, each side has two innings. In ODIs and T20Is, each side has one innings. An innings is complete when ten wickets have fallen (all eleven batsmen have been dismissed) or the allotted overs have been bowled (in limited-overs cricket), or when the batting captain declares or forfeits the innings.

The Over — Law 22 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

An over consists of 6 balls bowled from one end of the pitch by the same bowler. No-balls and wides do not count toward the 6 legitimate deliveries of an over and must be re-bowled. A bowler may not bowl two consecutive overs (Law 22.8). At the end of each over, the umpires change ends and a different bowler delivers from the opposite end. In limited-overs formats, each bowler is limited to a maximum number of overs per innings (ODI: 10 overs; T20I: 4 overs; ICC Playing Conditions).

Dead Ball — Law 20

The ball becomes dead when it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or bowler; when a boundary is scored; when a batsman is out; when the ball lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or umpire; or when a penalty is awarded. While the ball is dead, no runs may be scored and no wicket may fall except as a result of a previously completed action.

No Ball — Law 21 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

A no-ball is called by the umpire and results in one penalty run to the batting side plus the delivery must be re-bowled. A no-ball is called when:

Front foot no-ball (Law 21.4): Any part of the bowler's front foot lands on or in front of the popping crease at the point of delivery (the foot need not be grounded).
Back foot no-ball (Law 21.5): No part of the back foot lands within and not touching the return crease.
Dangerous or unfair bowling (Law 41.6): Short-pitched deliveries that pass or would pass above shoulder height of the batsman standing upright at the crease. In ODIs and T20Is, a maximum of one short-pitched delivery above waist height per over is permitted per batsman (ICC Playing Conditions); the second such delivery in an over is a no-ball.
Throwing (Law 21.3): If the bowler throws the ball (i.e., if the elbow is straightened by more than 15 degrees during the delivery action, as defined in the ICC illegal bowling regulations).
Fielding restrictions (Law 28.5 / ICC Playing Conditions): If the fielding side has more players than permitted in restricted fielding zones during a Powerplay in limited-overs cricket, the umpire shall call and signal no-ball.

Under ICC Playing Conditions for ODIs and T20Is, a free hit is awarded to the batting side on the delivery immediately following a front-foot or back-foot no-ball. On a free hit delivery, the batsman cannot be dismissed except by run-out, handling the ball, hitting the ball twice, or obstructing the field.

Wide — Law 22

A wide is called when the ball passes so wide of the wicket or so high over the batsman's head that in the umpire's opinion the batsman is not able to play it with a normal cricket stroke. A wide results in one penalty run to the batting side, and the delivery must be re-bowled. In T20I cricket, ICC Playing Conditions specify stricter wide lines: any delivery passing outside the off-stump or leg-stump lines (marked on the pitch) is called wide.

Dismissals — Laws 30–39

There are ten ways a batsman can be dismissed (out):

Bowled (Law 30): The ball, delivered by the bowler, breaks the wicket (dislodges a bail or knocks a stump out of the ground).
Timed Out (Law 31): A new incoming batsman must be ready to face the next ball within 3 minutes of the previous wicket falling; otherwise they are timed out.
Caught (Law 33): The ball, after touching the bat or glove (while the glove is in contact with the bat handle), is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground.
Handled the Ball (incorporated into Obstructing the Field, Law 37, in 2017 Code): A batsman who intentionally uses a hand not in contact with the bat handle to field the ball may be out obstructing the field.
Hit the Ball Twice (Law 34): After playing a stroke, a batsman deliberately strikes the ball a second time for any purpose other than guarding their wicket.
Hit Wicket (Law 35): After the bowler has entered the delivery stride, a batsman breaks their own wicket with their bat, body, or clothing in the act of making a stroke or in setting off for a run.
Leg Before Wicket (LBW — Law 36): The ball strikes part of the batsman's body (other than the hand holding the bat) that is in line with the stumps (or would have been) and would have hit the wicket, subject to a series of detailed conditions including where the ball pitched, where it struck the batsman, and whether the batsman attempted to play the ball. If the impact is outside the off stump, the batsman can still be dismissed if they did not attempt a genuine shot. If the ball pitches outside the leg stump, the batsman cannot be given out LBW.
Obstructing the Field (Law 37): A batsman wilfully obstructs or distracts the fielding side by word or action.
Run Out (Law 38): While the ball is in play, a batsman is out of their ground, and the fielding side puts down the wicket at the batsman's end before the batsman (or their bat grounded behind the popping crease) has made their ground.
Stumped (Law 39): The wicket-keeper, with the ball in hand, breaks the wicket while the batsman is out of their ground, not attempting a run, and the ball was not a no-ball.

Powerplays — ICC Limited-Overs Playing Conditions

In ODIs, fielding restrictions (Powerplays) are in force for the first 10 overs (Mandatory Powerplay), during which only 2 fielders may be placed outside the 30-yard fielding circle. In the remaining 40 overs, a maximum of 5 fielders may be placed outside the circle. In T20Is, only 2 fielders may be outside the 30-yard circle during the mandatory first 6 overs; in the remaining overs, up to 5 fielders may field outside the circle.

Section 6: Scoring

Runs — Law 18 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

The batting side accumulates runs by batsmen crossing the pitch between the wickets. After a stroke, both batsmen run toward the opposite end of the pitch, grounding their bats (or persons) behind the popping crease to complete a run. Multiple runs may be scored off a single delivery. A run is complete when both batsmen have crossed and grounded their bats at the opposite end simultaneously.

Boundaries — Law 19

4 runs: If the ball reaches or crosses the boundary after touching the ground, or after touching a fielder who is grounded inside the boundary, 4 runs are scored automatically and the batsmen do not need to run.
6 runs: If the ball crosses the boundary without touching the ground (a full hit to or over the boundary), 6 runs are scored automatically.
Batsmen's runs and boundaries: If the batsmen have already completed one or more runs before the ball reaches the boundary, the boundary value (4 or 6) replaces the completed run(s) — the larger of the two values applies. Under Law 19.8, if the ball is hit and the ball and a fielder simultaneously ground on or beyond the boundary, the appropriate boundary is scored.

Extras — Law 24 (Byes), Law 23 (Leg Byes), Law 22 (No Ball), Law 22 (Wide)

Extras are runs added to the batting side's total that are not credited to any individual batsman's personal score:

Byes (Law 24): If the ball passes the striker without touching the bat or the batsman's body, and the batsmen complete run(s) or the ball reaches the boundary, the resulting runs are scored as byes. Byes are charged to the fielding side's extras.
Leg Byes (Law 23): If the ball strikes any part of the batsman's body (except the hand holding the bat) and the batsmen run or the ball reaches the boundary, runs are scored as leg byes, provided the batsman was either (a) attempting to play a stroke or (b) attempting to avoid being hit. Leg byes are not permitted if the batsman makes no genuine attempt at either.
No Ball (Law 21): One run is added as a penalty, irrespective of whether the batsmen run. Any additional runs off a no-ball are scored as no-ball extras (not credited to the batsman's personal score unless the ball is hit and runs completed; the runs off the bat are then credited to the batsman with the no-ball penalty run remaining as extra).
Wide (Law 22): One run is added as a penalty. Any additional runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary off a wide are also scored as extras. A wide delivery reaching the boundary scores 5 runs (1 wide penalty + 4 boundary) as extras.
Penalty Runs (Law 42): Five-run penalties may be awarded to either side for various infractions (see Section 7). Penalty runs are not credited to any batsman's personal score; they are added directly to the relevant team's innings total.

Result — Law 16

In a two-innings match (Test), the side scoring more runs across both innings wins. If scores are equal, the match is a Tie. If the match is not completed within the allotted time or overs, it is a Draw (in Tests) or a No Result (in limited-overs). In one-innings formats (ODI, T20I), the side with the higher runs after their innings wins. If scores are tied at the end of normal play:

ODI: A Super Over (1 over per side, 2 wickets, ICC ODI Playing Conditions, effective 2020) is played to determine the winner. If the Super Over is also tied, a further Super Over is played; this process continues until a result is achieved.
T20I: A Super Over is also used, with the same progressive tie-breaker rule. Prior to October 2019, boundary countback was used to break tied Super Overs in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup; this was replaced by progressive Super Overs after the 2019 Men's Cricket World Cup Final controversy.

Follow-On — Law 14

In a two-innings match, if the side batting first leads by a specified margin at the conclusion of the opposing team's first innings, the leading side may enforce the follow-on and require the trailing side to bat again immediately. The follow-on margin is:

5-day match: 200 runs or more.
3 or 4-day match: 150 runs or more.
2-day match: 100 runs or more.
1-day match: 75 runs or more.

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Unfair Play — Law 41 (MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 Code, 6th Edition)

Law 41 governs all forms of unfair play. Actions deemed unfair attract specific penalties as described below.

Ball Tampering — Law 41.3

It is illegal to alter the condition of the ball by any method other than the natural polishing using accumulated sweat. Under Law 41.3.2, it is illegal to rub the ball on the ground; to pick or lift the seam; to use artificial substances; to change the shape of the ball; to apply moisture (other than natural sweat from the body) to the ball; or to damage the ball in any way. As of the 2022 6th Edition, applying saliva to the ball is explicitly prohibited (previously permitted; prohibition introduced due to COVID-19 and formalised in 2022).

Penalty (Law 41.3.3): If the umpires are satisfied that the ball has been unfairly changed, they shall change the ball for one of similar condition except for the change that has been made to it, award 5 penalty runs to the batting side, and inform the fielding captain, batting captain, and Match Referee. The match referee may take further action under the ICC Code of Conduct.

Deliberate Distraction or Obstruction of Batsman — Law 41.4 and 41.5

Fielders must not, by word or action, distract or obstruct a batsman after the ball comes into play. This includes deliberate movement, shouting, or any attempt to distract the batsman just before or during the playing of a stroke.

Penalty: 5 penalty runs awarded to the batting side. The delivery is called dead ball and re-bowled.

Dangerous and Unfair Bowling — Law 41.6 and 41.7

Short-pitched bowling (Law 41.6): Deliveries that pass or would pass the batsman above shoulder height when standing upright at the crease are deemed dangerous. The umpire shall first warn the bowler; a second offence in the same innings results in the bowler being prohibited from bowling for the remainder of the innings. In ODIs and T20Is (ICC Playing Conditions), more than one bouncer per over that reaches above waist height to the batsman is immediately called a no-ball.

Bowling at a non-striker (Mankad — Law 41.16, renumbered from Law 42 in 2017 Code): Prior to the 2022 6th Edition, running out the non-striking batsman before delivering the ball (colloquially known as "Mankading") was classified under Law 41 (Unfair Play). Effective 1 October 2022, this action was reclassified as a standard run-out under Law 38 (Run Out), removing any stigma of unfairness. The non-striker is out if they leave their crease before the bowler enters their delivery stride.

Time Wasting — Law 41.9 and 41.10

Deliberate time wasting by the fielding side (e.g., slow over rates, excessive field changes, deliberate delays in play) and by the batting side (e.g., failing to be ready to receive the next ball, excessive time between wickets) are prohibited. The umpire shall first warn the captain of the offending side; further time wasting by the same side results in 5 penalty runs being awarded to the opposing side. Persistent slow over-rate also leads to Match Referee sanctions under the ICC Code of Conduct.

Running on the Pitch — Law 41.12 and 41.13

Batsmen must avoid running on the danger area of the pitch (defined under ICC Playing Conditions as 5 ft × 2 ft centred on the bowling crease). Fielders must not traverse the pitch when it is avoidable. For a first offence, the umpire warns the relevant player; a second offence by the same batsman or by a fielder results in 5 penalty runs to the opposing side.

Obstructing the Field — Law 37

A batsman is out if they wilfully obstruct or distract a fielder trying to field or catch the ball, or attempt to play the ball a second time (other than to guard the wicket). A fielder may also be penalised under Law 41.4 for deliberate obstruction of the batsman.

Penalty: If a batsman is out obstructing the field, the innings has ended for that batsman. If a fielder deliberately obstructs the batsman running, 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side and the ball is dead.

Illegal Fielding — Law 28.3

No fielder, other than the wicket-keeper, may field with a helmet placed on the ground by the fielding side. If the ball strikes a helmet placed on the field by the fielding side, 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side (Law 28.3.1).

Player Conduct — ICC Code of Conduct

The ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel (updated November 2023) classifies breaches into four levels:

Level 1: Minor misconduct (e.g., excessive appealing, showing dissent, inappropriate language). Penalty: Official reprimand or 25–100% of match fee fine.
Level 2: Serious misconduct (e.g., serious dissent, intentional physical contact, throwing the ball at a player). Penalty: 3–6 suspension points or 50–100% of match fee fine.
Level 3: Intimidation, verbal abuse with serious racist, sexist, or threatening language. Penalty: 8 suspension points (minimum 2-match suspension).
Level 4: Physical assault of a player, match official, or any other person; bringing the game into serious disrepute. Penalty: Minimum 10-match suspension up to permanent ban.

Illegal Bowling Action — ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations (2014, as amended)

The ICC defines an illegal delivery as one in which the elbow joint is straightened (extended) by more than 15 degrees from the point at which the arm reaches horizontal to the point at which the ball is released. If the umpire suspects an illegal action, the bowler is reported to the Match Referee. A bowler with a reported action must undergo a formal biomechanical assessment at an ICC-accredited testing centre. If confirmed illegal, the bowler is suspended from bowling in international cricket until remedial work is completed and the action is re-assessed and approved.

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Protective Equipment — Best Practice and Mandatory Requirements

The Laws of Cricket do not mandate individual protective equipment for batsmen and fielders (the Laws are a legal framework for play, not a safety code), but the ICC Playing Conditions and national boards impose specific requirements. The following equipment is mandatory for all batsmen and wicket-keepers at the international level (ICC Medical Guidelines, updated 2023):

Batting helmet with face guard: All batsmen facing pace bowling must wear a helmet with a fixed faceguard at all levels of the game. An open-faced helmet without a faceguard is only permitted against spin bowling at the discretion of the batsman in senior adult cricket.
Wicket-keeper helmet: Wicket-keepers must wear a helmet when standing up to the stumps against pace bowling.
Abdominal guard (box): Mandatory for all male batsmen and wicket-keepers.
Batting pads: Required for all batsmen.
Batting gloves: Required for all batsmen.
Wicket-keeper gloves and pads: Required for the wicket-keeper (Law 27.2).

Helmets and the Law — Law 28.4 and Law 37.4 (2017 Code, 6th Edition)

Under Law 28.4, a batsman's helmet may be placed behind the wicket-keeper while batting, provided it is not actively in the field of play. Under Law 37.4, if the ball strikes a batsman's helmet while it is being worn, it is not out caught. Under Law 28.3, if the ball strikes a fielding team's helmet placed on the ground by the fielding team, 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side — this is a significant safety and fairness rule intended to prevent teams from deliberately placing equipment to intercept the ball.

Concussion Protocols — ICC Concussion Substitute Rules (effective August 2019)

The ICC introduced formal Concussion Substitute regulations effective 1 August 2019. Key provisions include:

A player suspected of sustaining a concussion must be assessed by the team's designated medical officer using an approved assessment protocol.
If the medical officer confirms a concussion or concussion symptoms, the player must be replaced by a Concussion Substitute, who must be a like-for-like replacement (a bowler replaced by a bowler, a batsman by a batsman, as assessed by the match referee).
The match referee has final authority over approval of any Concussion Substitute.
A Concussion Substitute may bat, bowl, and keep wicket in the same match.
Once a Concussion Substitute is named, the decision is irreversible for that match.

Play and Weather — Law 3.8 and ICC Playing Conditions

The umpires are the sole judges of whether conditions are safe to play. Under Law 3.8, the umpires shall immediately suspend play if they consider that the conditions are dangerous or unreasonable (e.g., poor light, a wet and dangerous outfield, a pitch in an unsuitable condition). The batsmen and fielding captain may raise concerns, but the decision rests solely with the umpires.

Bad light: If the available light is below the safe minimum, umpires may offer the batting side the option to suspend play. Batsmen may decline the offer. If conditions deteriorate further, umpires may suspend play without giving a choice.
Lightning policy: ICC Playing Conditions require that if lightning is observed, play must be suspended immediately and players must leave the field. Play may not resume until at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike.
Wet outfield and wet pitch: The umpires shall not allow play if the ground is waterlogged or if the pitch or outfield poses a risk of player injury. Super-soppers (motorised water absorption machines) and manual mopping are permitted.

Physical Contact and Player Welfare

Under Law 41.14, a fielder must not touch, move, or wilfully disturb the wicket or the bat or person of a batsman while the ball is in play except as permitted by the Laws. Deliberate physical contact, charging, or intimidation of batsmen or fielders is a Level 2 or higher offence under the ICC Code of Conduct. The ICC has a Player Wellbeing Policy (updated 2022) covering mental health support, workload management, and safeguarding protocols for all players under ICC jurisdiction.

Playing in Extreme Conditions

ICC Playing Conditions include provisions for extreme heat and air quality. In the event of extreme heat (typically above 38°C / 100°F), teams may apply for an additional drinks break per session at the discretion of the match referee. In regions with significant air quality concerns (measured by Air Quality Index, AQI), play may be suspended if the AQI exceeds safe thresholds as determined by the host board's medical officer in consultation with the match referee. There is no fixed AQI threshold in the Laws; it is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Ground Safety and Spectator Boundaries

Host boards are responsible for ensuring spectator barriers are in place at a safe distance from the boundary rope. ICC stadium accreditation requirements (ICC Minimum Standard for International Cricket Venues) mandate that spectator areas be separated from the playing field and that adequate emergency egress and first-aid facilities be available at all ICC-sanctioned venues.