Preface Kanhiya Gurjar was born in a farmers family in Mathura on Janmashtami in the birth place of Lord Krishna. He had lost his father in childhood and was brought up by his mother. His mother herself encouraged him to excel in sports when she saw his interest in it. He made sports his aim in life. Later he got a service in SSB through sports quota. The spirit for service to the nation and passion of sports was in his obsession. Thorough encouragement of mother and his hardworking kept glowing up his personality. He earned a fame tremendously in sports without any re- sources and worked as a caption also of the Indian team. He accomplished many tasks in 2002 to increase sports and in 2012 gave origin to tennis . Presently he is working in SGFI.

The game of Tennis Cricket was being played across the world with virtually no set of rules and regulations or by bending and adapting those that are set in ICC Code of Laws for Cricket. Although most of the laws in the Code are directly and practically applicable to Tennis Cricket, not all withstand the test of time. We are happy to present this book to all those who wish to know about Tennis Cricket. Kanhiya Gurjar Founder Secretary, ITCF

I T C F 2 3 INDEX S. No. Content Page

1 Introduction 6 2 What is Tennis Cricket? 6 3 Teams 7 4 Player‟s Uniform 8 5 Tennis cricket ground 8 6 Tennis cricket pitch 8 7 Score Board 11 8 Playing Equipments 12 8.1 Tennis cricket Ball 12 8.2 Tennis cricket Bat 12 8.3 12 8.4 Necessary safety guard 13 9 Umpires 13 9.1 ‟s Duties 13 10 The Scorer 18 11 Captain‟s Responsibilities 19 12 General Playing Rules 20 12.1 The 20 12.2 Power-Play and Field Restrictions 21 12.3 The 22 12.3.1 No ball 23 12.3.2 Free-Hit 24 12.3.3 Out on Free-Hit 24

I T C F 3 4 S. No. Content Page 12.3.4 Runs on Free Hit 24 12.3.5 ball 25 12.3.6 Dead Ball 25 12.4 Runs 26 12.4.1 One 26 12.4.2 (Four Runs) 26 12.4.3 Boundary (Six Runs) 27 12.4.4 runs 27 a No Ball 27 b Wide Ball 27 c 27 d 28 12.5 of batsman 28 12.5.1 28 12.5.2 28 a Catches on Boundary Lines 29 b Caught Behind Decision 29 12.5.3 29 12.5.4 Hit 30 12.5.5 30 12.5.6 31 12.5.7 32 12.5.8 Batsman Retiring 33 12.5.9 Retired Hurt 33 12.5.10 Mankading 34

I T C F 4 5 S.No. Content Page 12.5.11 Time out 34 12.5.12 (LBW) 34 12.6 Substitutes 34 12.7 Umpires Reversing their Decision 35 12.8 Innings Closed 36 12.9 Match 36 12.10 Tie Games 36 12.10.1 Super Over Format 37 12.11 Results 38 12.12 Points System for Playoff 39 12.12.1 NNR Formula 40 13 Non Playing rules 40 13.1 Player registration 40 13.2 Team Formation 41 13.3 Team Declarations 41 13.4 Match Timings and Punctuality 42 a. Players 42 b. Umpires 44 13.5. Match Forfeiture Policy 45 13.6 Rain/Washouts/Bad Weather/ Bad Light/ Unavailability of Ground 46 13.7 Conduct and Penalties 47 a. Match Penalties 47 b. Player / Team Conduct 47 14 Signals 49 15 Tennis Cricket Score Sheet 52

I T C F 5 6 1. Introduction Tennis Cricket is a variant of Cricket being played by using a Heavy Tennis Cricket Ball. It is also known as an injury free game as compared to leather Cricket. Its existence is widespread because of its low cost and is played by majority of people in the world. However, there is no definite record of its origin as to when Tennis Cricket was first started. Tennis Cricket is very popular in South-Asian cricket playing coun- tries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri- Lanka. It is also played by South-Asian expatriates living in Middle-Eastern countries such as the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and by emi- grants in the United States, Australia and Canada. The first International Tennis Cricket body formed world- wide is the International Tennis Cricket Federation (ITCF). 2. What is Tennis Cricket? Tennis Cricket is a team game being Played be- tween Two teams of 11 players each in field in a rounded rectangular ground of 40 meters (Boundary) and 20 meters (inner-circle) radius from the middle stumps and a pitch measuring 18 meters in length and 3 meters in width. The game is played with a heavy Tennis Cricket Ball weighing 125 grams and a light Tennis Cricket Bat of length not more than 38 inches and width not more than 4 1/4 inch- es using safety guards such as helmet, and wicket keeping gloves, thigh pads and abdomin-

I T C F 6 7 -al and groin guards. The matches are played in a sin- gle inning for each team. 3. Teams: The Tennis Cricket team consists of 16 players (11 in field and 5 as substitutes). The match is played be- tween two teams of 11 players each, unless otherwise agreed. Each side shall play under a captain who be- fore the toss shall nominate his team of 11 players who may not therefore be changed without the con- sent of opposing captain. Note: i. If a captain is not available at any time, a deputy must act for him among the already nominated players. ii. No match in which more than 11 players a side take part can be regarded as an official match and no side field with more than 11 players in any case. iii. Minimum Players Required in a team should not be less than 8. MPR allowed for a team should be 2 players less than the opponent team. i. e. if a team is playing with full 11 players in field, the opponent should have at least 9 players to play an official match. If a team is playing with 10 players in field the opponent team must field minimum of 8 players.

I T C F 7 8 4. Player‟s Uniform: In Tennis Cricket a player should be in Jersey an low- er. Jersey should have a particular identification number in chest as well as in back side compulsorily identifi- cation number should be in two digit. Colour of the Jersey should be in accordance with the colour allotted to the district/ state/country. Comfortable sports shoes should be used while play- ing without spikes. Note: No player or umpire should be wearing slippers, sandals, or open footwear. 5. Tennis cricket ground:

Tennis Cricket is played in rounded rectangular ground of 35-40 meters (Boundary) and 18-20 me- ters (inner-circle) radius from the middle stumps on each sides of the pitch for all age groups. Outer boundary should be marked in such a way with white colour or rope so that it should be clearly visible from distance. Inner circle should be marked with white colour dotted line.

6. Tennis cricket pitch:

The Tennis cricket pitch is that area of the field where the batsman bats (plays) and the bowler bowls. The pitch is a rectangular area in the middle

I T C F 8 9

Tennis cricket ground

I T C F 9 10

Tennis cricket Pitch

I T C F 10 11 of the ground, 18 meters in the length 3 meters in width. The pitch is deemed to be the area of ground between the Crease 1 meter in width on ei- ther side of the line joining the centre of the wickets. Before the toss, the executive of the ground shall be responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch: there after the umpires shall control its use and maintenance. The pitch shall not be changed during the match unless it becomes unfit for play, and then only with the consent of both captain. We can play the tennis cricket match on hard pitch, green grass pitch or mat. The over will be thrown alternatively from both ends of the pitch. Pitch Curator is responsible for making the pitch according to the standards laid by ITCF and keeping it ready and maintaining it before and during the championship. Grounds men are responsible for maintaining the ground during the championship. 7. Score board:

A score board is a display board in the ground, which shows the live status of the match being played. It should be placed in the ground in such a way that it should be visible to all. It should contain the names of playing team, names of bowlers, runs scored by the individual players, wicket taken by bowlers, Total score as well as wickets fallen. Electronic/ Manual score boards should be used during the matches.

I T C F 11 12 8. Playing Equipments: 8.1 Tennis cricket Ball: The ball used in Tennis cricket is just like lawn Tennis Ball. The tennis cricket ball is a made of hard rubber and circumference of 8 inches and weight of 125gm. Hardness of the ball is such that it can be delivered at speed of more than 70 km/hr. The colour of the ball should be Orange in day time & Lime in the night. The ball can only be changed until the permission of the umpire in the following conditions: i. If the ball is loose or cracked or lost. ii. If the ball is out of shape. (If the ball is replaced due to loose shape or lost, the so replaced ball must be identical to that of lost ball.) The umpire must inform the batsman whenever a ball is to be changed. 8.2 Tennis cricket Bat: The Tennis cricket bat is made of wood and has the shape of a blade topped by a cylindrical handle. The blade must not be more than 4 ½ inches wide and the total length of the bat not more then 38 inches. NOTE: Flat bat from both side are not permissible. 8.3 Wickets: Each wicket consists of three wooden stumps placed in a straight line and surmounted by two wooden

I T C F 12 13 cross-pieces called Bails; the total height of the wicket including bails is 28.5 inches and the combined width of the three stumps is 9 inches. Bowling will be done from both sides of the wickets alternatively. 8.4 Necessary safety guard: i. Batting gloves ii. Helmet iii. Wicket keeping gloves iv. Upper body guard v. Abdominal guard vi. Groin guard vii. Safety Pads (Batsman & Wicket Keeper)

9. Umpires: Before the match two umpires shall be appointed, one for each end to control the game as required by the Rules with absolute impartiality. They are the final au- thority during the game and their decisions will be con- sidered final. Neutral umpires should be assigned to adjudicate each game. No umpire shall be changed during the match, other than in exceptional circum- stances, unless he is injured or ill. If there has to be change of umpire the replacement shall act only at the striker‟s end. If in worst situation the umpires do not show up at all the teams will continue with the using the players from their playing 11 as umpires unless

I T C F 13 14 the captains agree that they should take full respon- sibility as an umpire. In the event that umpires are unable to get to the field on time, they should pro- actively call ahead to the playing Captains to inform them of their delay and estimated time of arrival.

9.1 Umpire‟s Duties: a. Both umpires need to be at the ground at least 10 minutes before the stipulated start time to ensure that the coin toss and boundary setup is performed before the match start time. In case of umpires not arriving on time, both the captains will do the toss and get on with the game using the batting team players from the playing 11 as the umpires until official umpires arrive. Umpires can change as need- ed in this special condition. Also, sometimes the um- pires from earlier game are on field and can be re- quested to officiate until the next game umpires ar- rive. b. Umpires will keep time of all breaks, and notify the captains as to when to resume. c. Before the toss, the umpire shall ascertain the hours of play and agree with the captain, the ball to be used during the match, time and duration of inter- vals for next inning, the boundary of the field of play and special conditions of play affecting the conduct of the match.

I T C F 14 15

d. Before the toss and during the match, the umpire shall satisfy themselves that the wickets are properly itched, the creases are correctly marked and the boundary of the field is correctly marked. e. Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy with all equipments and shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play. f. All balls to be used in the match, having been ap- proved by the umpires and captains, shall be in the possession of the umpires before the toss and shall remain under their control throughout the match. g. The umpire shall take possession of the ball in use at the fall of each wicket, at the start of any interval and at any interruption of play. h. If during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or the umpires agree that it has become unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall replace it with a brand new ball immediately (only if lost) or at the end of the over or fall of wicket whichever is ear- lier. When the ball is replaced the umpires shall in- form the batsmen and the captain. i. i. The coin-toss will be conducted in the presence of the umpires before the stipulated match start time. The team winning the toss will declare its decision immediately. Captains or their representatives for the toss should be ready for this ahead of the match start time.

I T C F 15 16 j. The umpire shall have the discretion to implement the procedures of the above for reasons other than the ground, weather or light, if they consider that exceptional circumstances warrant it. k. The umpire shall change ends after a side has completed the innings. l. An umpire should stand where he can best see any act up on which his decision may be required, Sub- ject to his over-riding the umpire at the bowler‟s end should stand where he does not interfere with either the on the off instead of the leg side of the pitch, he should obtain the permission of the captain of the fielding side and inform the batsman. m. The umpire must not allow the attitude of players or spectators to influence their decisions under the Rules. n. In the event of the player failing to comply with the instructions an umpire or criticizing his decisions, the umpire should in the first place request the captains to take action and if this proves ineffective, report the incident forthwith to the executives of the teams taking part in the match. o. An umpire is justified in intervening under this Rules should any player of the fielding side incommode the striker by any noise or motion while he is receiving a ball. p. It is the duty of the umpires to intervene and prevent players from causing damage to the pitch which may

I T C F 16 17 assist the bowlers. q. No player shall leave the field for the purpose having a rub down or shower while play is actually in pro- gress. r. Umpires will be the authority to grant a fielding sub- stitute to the fielding side if the situation merits it. They will keep track of the number of overs during which a fielder has left the field. s. Umpires are urged to take their time when making a decision, and if there are any doubts then the um- pire with the primary jurisdiction should consult the other umpire. Caught-behind decisions (and run-outs at the bowlers end) are the primary jurisdiction of the main umpire. When in doubt, he should consult the leg umpire FIRST and PRIOR to giving out hastily. He can take into consideration any evidence from the leg umpire (e.g. sounds) but the final decision needs to be made by the main umpire to ensure a fair deci- sion. Caught-behind decisions CANNOT be solely made on sounds heard by the leg umpire but rather need to be based on other factors not visible to the leg-umpire (e.g. deflection, deviation, angle, etc of the ball). t. The leg umpire will have primary jurisdiction over decisions on run-out/stumping/ hit wicket/ no-balls due to height decisions at the strikers end. Addition- ally from his advantage point, a leg umpire can opine on whether a wicket-keeper/fielder has cleanly

I T C F 17 18 collected a catch, ball crossed the boundary, fielder placements inside/outside the circle, and on leg/off side fielder counts. u. The leg umpire should never initiate a discussion with the main umpire or approach him on items out of his jurisdiction. The main umpire needs to INITI- ATE a consult if he is in doubt about a verdict or needs clarification on a rule. v. The umpire should give the benefit of doubt to the batsman if they are intentionally prevented by the bowler or any other fielder to safely make their ground while running between the wickets. The umpire(s) will make the final determination for such „in-game‟ incidents. w. Both umpires should have light meters. 10. The Scorer: All runs scored shall be recorded by scorers appoint- ed for the purpose. The scorers shall accept and acknowledge all instruction and signals given to them by the umpires. Note: The umpires should wait until a signal has been an- swered by a scorer before allowing the game to pro- ceed. Mutual consultation between the scorers and the umpires to clear up doubtful points is at all times permissible. During the progress of the game, the scorers appointed should frequently check the total to ensure that the score sheets are correct.

I T C F 18 19 Once the umpires have agreed with the scorers the correctness of the scores at the conclusion of the match the result cannot thereafter be changed. 11. Captain‟s Responsibilities:

i. One player from each team will act as team Captain for the duration of the match. ii. Only the captain or player appointed by captain should be coming forward for the coin toss unless he is either not playing or has not arrived on to the ground. Under these circumstances, another player can fill in for the toss duties and will act as the captain until the captain shows up. iii. They should control the behavior of all his team players. (Conduct of his team). iv. Ensure the team players respect the umpire's opinions and decisions. v. Captains are responsible for ensuring that the boundary cones/flags are setup before the match start time. vi. The umpire should not be pressurized in any circum- stances. It will be captain‟s responsibility to make sure sure nobody crowds or threatens the umpire. vii. Captains need to ensure that they have at least the minimum 8 players available at the coin toss in or- der to toss and start the match. Failure to meet the MPR rules will result in the match being declared as a forfeit.

I T C F 19 20

12. General Playing Rules: 12.1 The innings: Age of the players is considered while deciding the number of overs in an inning in Tennis Cricket. Deci- sion of number of overs should not hamper the excite- ment of the game. Number of overs in an inning is as follows: Age Group Overs Time Sub-junior 10 30 -5- 30 Minutes Junior 12 36 -8- 36 Minutes Senior 15 45-10-45 Minutes Each team has to use minimum five bowlers in an inning. One bowler can deliver maximum two overs in sub-junior, three overs in junior and senior level matches. The umpires and fielding team captions should ensure to finish their quota of overs in stipulat- ed time. There shall be no intervals during the match except of innings break in a match. If fielding side fails to complete their inning in time, they will be awarded penalty of 5 runs for every 5 minutes delay after the stipulated time for slow . The main aim of the bowler, supported by his fielder is to dismiss the batsman. A batsman when dismissed is said to be “out” and that mean he must leave the field of play and be replaced by the next batsman on his team. When ten batsmen have been dismissed (all out), then the whole team is dismissed

I T C F 20 21 (All OUT) and the innings is over. The captains shall toss for the choice of inning on the field of play not earlier than 10 minutes, not later than 5 minutes before the scheduled or any re-scheduled time for the match to start. The captain of the side win- ning the toss will notify the opposite captain of his deci- sion to bat or to field. Once notified the decision may not be altered. At the start of each inning the umpire at the Bowler‟s end shall call „play when the side refusing to play shall lose the match. After „play‟ has been called no trial ball shall be allowed to any player. The Wicket-Keeper is allowed to bowl in the innings if desired. 12.2 Power-Play and Field Restrictions: The first three overs of each inning in senior and first two overs in junior and Sub-junior group will be the “Fielding Power Play” and two overs in Junior and Sen- ior and one over in Sub-Junior will be “Batting power play”. Two overs of “Batting power play” should be taken be- fore 12th over or otherwise 12th and 13th over will be “Batting power play” senior group. Similarly Two overs should be taken before 9th over and one over should be taken before 8th over in sub-junior group otherwise 9th and 10th over in junior and 8th over in sub-junior group will be “Batting power play”. A maximum of four fielders, two on each side can be outside the 20 meters circle during the fielding and

I T C F 21 22 batting power play. For the remaining overs a mini- mum of 4 players need to be inside the 20 meters cir- cle (not including the bowler and wicket-keeper). If a team is playing with less than 11 players, then they need to ensure that 7 players are within the 20 meters circle during the Power Play period. E.g. If a team starts the match with 8 players, then 7 players need to be inside the circle, and only 1 player will be allowed out- side 20 meters. Once the Power Play is over and the fielding team is still playing short, then they need to ensure that the inner circle is first and foremost protected i.e. at least 4 fielders will still need to be inside. 12.3 The over: A Bowler may require the Batsman at the wicket from which his bowling to stand on whichever side of it he may dir- The ball shall be bowled from each wicket al- ternately in over‟s of 6 balls without „No Ball‟ and „Wide Ball‟. An over shall start when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his action for the first delivery of that over, When 6 balls have been bowled other than those which are not to count in the over and as the ball becomes dead, the umpire shall call „Over‟ in a distinct manner before leaving the wick- et. A Bowler shall finish an Over in progress unless he be incapacitated or be suspended for unfair play. He shall be allowed to change ends as often as desired. Pro-

I T C F 22 23 -vided only that they should not bowl Tow, Over‟s con- secutively. 12.3.1 No Ball: A ball is considered No Ball if bowler breaks the rules of bowling either by: a. using an inappropriate arm ac- tion. b. Overstepping the popping crease. c. Having a foot outside the return crease. d. After the bowler starts his run up fielders are not allowed to talk or move side-ways. e. If there are more fielders in outside 20 mtrs than permitted f. Any over the head or full toss above waist will be called a No-ball. One bouncer above shoul- der and below head level is allowed per over. For bouncers and full toss, the batsman's movement in the crease right before the delivery is bowled will be taken into consideration. The leg umpire will be the primary authority for signaling a No-ball due to height. The main umpire should consult with the leg umpire before declaring a No-ball due to height. The umpire signals „No ball‟ by extending one arm horizontally.

I T C F 23 24 12.3.2 Free-Hit: The delivery following a “No ball” called for a foot fault shall be a “Free Hit” for whichever batsman is facing it. If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any kind of no ball or a wide ball) then the next deliv- ery will become a free hit for whichever batsman is facing it. For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball. Field changes are not permitted for free hit deliveries unless there is a change of striker or No Ball is given due to wrong field placement. The umpires will signal a free hit by (after the normal No Ball signal) extending one arm straight upwards and moving it in a circular motion and verbally com- municating it to the batsman /bowler. 12.3.3 Out on Free-Hit: Batsman can be out as follows only on a free hit: a. Out via run out b. Out via obstructing the fielder while running 12.3.4 Runs on Free Hit: Runs taken while out on a Free hit: a If the batsman is bowled on free hit. The bats- man can take a run if possible and the run will be counted as a bye.

I T C F 24 25 In all other circumstances the batsman can take a run, even if he was out caught on free hit and the runs will be awarded to batsman. 12.3.5 Wide ball: If the Bowler bowls the ball so high over or so wide of the wicket that in the opin- ion of the Umpire it passes out of reach of the Striker, and would not have been within the reach of the batsman taking guard in the normal position, The umpire shall call and signal Wide Ball as soon as it shall have passed the striker. As with a no ball, a wide must be re-bowled.

The umpire signal „Wide‟ by extending both arms horizontally. 12.3.6 Dead Ball: The umpire shall regard the deliberated defection of the ball by any part of the striker‟s person, except the hand holding the bat as Unfair, and as soon as he sat- isfied that the fielding side have no chance of dismissing either batsman as an immediate result of such action, he shall without delay, call „dead ball‟. In deciding whether such deflection is delib- erate, the criterion shall be whether or not the batsman has attempted to play with his bat.

I T C F 25 26 Any abnormal bounce or lack of it due to the condition of the pitch and if the ball is cracked or become out of shape during the play, it will be signaled a “Dead ball” by the umpire and the delivery will need to be re- played. Any scoring or wickets due to such an instance will not be considered. The umpire will have the final au- thority to decide what constitutes as a „Dead ball‟ in such instances. 12.4 Runs: Run is a term used in cricket for the basic means of scoring. The primary concern of the batsman on strike is to prevent the ball hitting the wicket and secondari- ly to score runs by hitting the ball with his bat so that he and his partner have time to run from one end of the pitch to the other before the fielding side can re- turn the ball. 12.4.1 One Run: A batsman score a run by hitting the ball with his bat so that he and his partner have time to run from one end of the pitch to the other before the fielding side can return the ball. The batsman will be awarded „One Run‟. If he run back from the other end to their own end, he will be awarded „Two runs‟. A maximum of „Four Runs‟ can be taken on one delivery by this manner. 12.4.2 Boundary (Four runs): A boundary is the scoring of four runs

I T C F 26 27 runs from a single delivery with the ball reaching the boundary line by touching the field. 12.4.3 Boundary (Six runs): A boundary is the scoring of six runs from a single delivery with the ball reaching the boundary line without touching the field. 12.4.4 Extra runs: Additional runs gained by the bat- ting team due to errors made by the fielding side are called Extra runs. These runs are included in the scores of a team but not credited to the bats- man. These are achieved in four ways: a. No Ball: One extra run and a „Free Hit‟ will be awarded to batting side for each No Ball. a. Wide Ball: One extra run and a ball will be awarded to batting side for each wide Ball. b. Bye: If the ball, not being a No ball or a Wide, passes the striker without touching his bat or person, any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited as Byes to the batting side.

I T C F 27 28 d. Leg Bye: If the ball touches any part of the striker‟s dress or person except shall call or signal „Leg Bye „such runs to be scored Leg Byes.

NOTES: The Umpire signals „Bye‟ by raising an open hand above the head and „leg Bye‟ by touching a raised knee with the hand.

12.5 Dismissal of batsman: In tennis cricket to maintain the interest and to carry on the game without disputes there are following rules to declare a player out:

12.5.1 Bowled: The bowler has hit the wicket with the ball and the wicket has “broken” with at least one being dis- lodged. If the ball hits the wicket without dislodging a bail is .

12.5.2 Caught: The batsman has hit the ball with his bat or of the hand and the ball has been caught before it has touched the ground by a member of the field- ing side.

I T C F 28 29 a. Catches on Boundary Lines: Umpires will make the decision on this subject based on his/their best judgment. Umpires can take the catcher or the next close in fielder input if they need to but it is not mandatory. Batting team / Fielding team players should not interfere in this situation nor should they charge towards the boundary line or into the field. Captains should instruct their players to hold their position for any controversial catches/fielding attempts near the boundary prior to the match. If a player move from their position after the play, and the umpire is una- ble to pinpoint the exact spot, then the benefit of doubt should be given to the batsman. b. Caught Behind Decisions: Caught-behind decisions need to be made by the main umpire. He can take into consideration any evidence from the leg umpire (e.g. sounds) but the final decision needs to be made by the main um- pire to ensure a fair decision.

12.5.3 Handled the ball: Either Batsman is out “Handled the Ball” if the batsman touches the ball while in play with his hands, unless it has been done at the request of the opposite side

I T C F 29 30 Note: When a batsman is given out under this is „Handled the Ball‟ and the bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

12.5.4 Hit wicket: A batsman is out hit wicket, if he dislodges one or both bails with his bat, person, clothing or equipment in the act of hitting the ball, or when setting off for a run. Note: The Striker is „Out‟ under these conditions: In making a second stroke to keep the ball out of his wicket he hits it down. While Playing at the ball, but not otherwise, his wick- et is broken by his cap or hat falling, or by part of his bat. A batsman is not out for breaking the wickets with his bat or per son while in the act of running.

12.5.5 Hit the ball twice: The Striker is out „Hit the ball Twice‟ if the ball be Struck or be stopped by any part of his person, and he will fully strike it again, except for the sole pur- pose of guarding his wicket, which he may do with his bat or any part of his person, other than his hands No runs except those which result from an over throw shall be scored from a ball lawfully struck twice.

I T C F 30 31 Note: a. It is for the umpire to decide whether the ball has been so struck a second time legitimately or not. The umpire may regard the face that a run is attempted as evidence of the batsman‟s intension to take advantage of the second stroke, but it is not conclu- sive. b. A batsman may not attempt to hit the ball twice, if in so doing he baulks the wicket keeper or any fields- man attempting to make a catch. c. This Law infringed if the striker, after playing the ball and without any request from the opposite side, us- es his bat to return the ball to a fieldsman. d. The Correct entry in the score book when the striker is given out under this Law is Hit the ball twice, and the bowler does not get credit for the wicket. 12.5.6 Run Out: A member of the fielding side has broken or “put down” the wicket with the ball while a batsman was out of his Crease. This usually occurs by means of an accurate throw on the wicket while the batsman is trying to make a run. In the case of run-out appeals, a batsman is considered to be out of his ground un- less a part of his bat or body is grounded on or inside the crease. Thus, if the body or the bat is not ground- ed on or inside the crease line, the batsman is “OUT”.

I T C F 31 32 either batsman can be adjudged “RUNOUT” if they are out of their crease even if the ball only made contact with the body/clothes. Even though leg-bye‟s don‟t count towards a score, both the batsmen need to ensure that they are in their respective creases to avoid being run out. The only exception is if the um- pire calls it a “Dead-play” while the batsman is still running/ walking between the wickets. 12.5.7 Stumped: A batsman is out Stumped if in receiving a ball, not being a N0 Ball delivered by the Bowler, he be out of his Crease otherwise than in attempting a run, and the wicket be put down by the wicket- keeper without the intervention of another fieldsman. Only when the ball has touched the bat or person of the Striker may the wicket keeper take it in front of wicket for this purpose. In the case of stumping appeals, a batsman is con- sidered to be out of his ground unless a part of his bat or body is grounded inside the crease. Thus, if the body or the bat is grounded on the crease line, but not inside, the batsman is “OUT”. Note: a. The striker may be stumped if the wicket is bro- ken by a ball rebounding from the wicket Keep- er‟s person. b. If the stumps have been broken once i.e. bail(s) have been dislodged, or stumps been hit during

I T C F 32 33 the course of an on-going play, then to successfully appeal for an ensuing run-out / stumping, the fielding side will have to manually uproot at least one of the standing stump(s) with the ball in possession. If none of the stumps are standing up due to an earlier dis- placement, then the fielding side needs to re-insert one stump and then uproot it again with the ball in possession in order to successfully appeal for a dismissal. If bails are not being used in the event of high winds, then the fielding side will not be required to uproot the stumps for a run-out/stumping appeal. 12.5.8 Batsman Retiring: A Batsman may retire at any time, but may not resume his innings without the consent of the Oppos- ing Captain, and then only on the fall of a wicket. 12.5.9 Retired Hurt: A batsman will only be allowed to retire due to a phys- ical condition. A batsman cannot be retired by teams based on their batting performance. A batsman can only be retired if they have sustained an injury that prevents them from continuing. The umpires will make the judgment to assess on whether a batsman's request for retirement should be granted based on their own observations. However, they are not permit- ted to return to batting in the inning again. Note: When a Batsman has retired owing to illness, injury or

I T C F 33 34 some other unavoidable cause, his innings is regard- ed as Retired as Not out but otherwise as a complet- ed innings to be regarded as Retired Out. 12.5.10 “Mankading” (Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery): The bowler is permitted, before entering his delivery stride, to attempt to run out the non-striker. The ball shall not count in the over. The umpire shall call and signal “Dead ball” as soon as possible if the bowler fails in the attempt to run out the non-striker. 12.5.11 Time out: The incoming batsman must be in position to take guard or for his partner to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the fall of the previous wicket. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batsman will be out. Timed-out. The striker is out in such cases. 12.5.12 Leg Before Wicket (LBW): First and foremost, the ball must, in the opinion of the on-field umpire ,be going onto hit the stumps if the ball had not hit the pad of the batsman first. If the batsman plays an attempted shot to the delivery, then the ball must hit the batsman pad in line with the stumps for the batsman. 12.6 Substitutes: Substitute fielder can only be used for injuries sus- tained during the game. Players cannot be provided substitutes for getting tired on the field.

I T C F 34 35 Teams may only use players from their 16 players team as substitutes. However, prior to doing so they need to get the approval of the umpire. If a player has been off the field for a certain number of overs, they will not be allowed to bowl for the num- ber of overs spent off the field. (e.g. if a player is off the field for 3 overs, then upon their return they can- not bowl for the next 3 overs). A player will not be allowed to open the innings for his team if he has spent time off the field. He can bat at any other position. By-runners for a batsman are not allowed under any circumstances including injuries, cramps, fatigue, etc. during a match. Umpires need to be approached for all fielding sub- stitute requests. Umpire's get to make the decisions on all the above scenarios based on their best judg- ment of the on-field circumstances. 12.7 Umpires Reversing their Decision: All umpires need to be thorough with the ITCF rules. To avoid controversies, umpires are advised to take well thought decisions; once the decisions are made they should not be over turned. Main umpires should initiate discussion with leg um- pire (and vice-versa) based on which umpire has the primary jurisdiction prior to making the decision and NOT after making the decision. Leg umpires should not at any time advice, suggest,

I T C F 35 36 or give decisions related to main umpires jurisdiction (and vice-versa) unless the main umpire reaches out to leg umpire himself. 12.8 Innings Closed: An innings closed when: i. Ten of the eleven batsmen are out. In this case, the team is said to be “ALL OUT”. ii. The team has only one batsmen left who can bat, one or more of the remaining players being unavailable owing to injury, illness or absence again the team is said to be “ALL OUT”. iii. The team batting last reaches the score required to win the match. iv. A captain declared his teams closed while at least two of his batsmen are not out. 12.9 Match Scoring: The scorers should announce the score at the end of every over to avoid any discrepancies with the field- ing team. Umpires have to sign off on the final score sheet after the match. Umpires should ensure that scorecards are complete, legible, and tally prior to signing them. Scorers should be asked to complete all these details if there is missing data. 12.10 Tie Games: In the event that both teams have the same score at the end of their stipulated over‟s, the match will be

I T C F 36 37 declared as “Tie”. In league stages both the teams will be awarded „One point‟ each for a Tie Match. In play off matches, the tie-breaking decision will be resolved by a “Super-Over”. 12.10.1 Super Over Format: a. Team batting second in the regular match will bat first in the Super Over. b. Each team will select 3 batsmen and 1 bowler to play the Super-Over. c. The team scoring most runs at the end of the Super-Over will be deemed winners of the match. d. If the batting team loses 2 wickets in the Super- Over they will be considered „all-out‟. e. If scores are still tied after the Super-Over over- all tally of boundaries (Six) from the regular game and the super over will be considered and the team with the higher number of bound- aries (Six) will be declared the winner. f. If the number of boundaries (Six) hit by both teams is equal, overall tally of combined bound- aries (Six and four) from the regular game and the super over will be considered and the team with the higher number of combined bounda- ries will be declared. the winner the team.

I T C F 37 38 g. If the number of combined boundaries hit by both teams is equal, whose batsmen scored more boundaries (Six) during its innings in the main match (ignoring the Super Over) shall be the winner. h. If still equal, whose batsmen scored more com- bined boundaries during its innings in the main match (ignoring the Super Over) shall be the winner. i. A count-back from the final ball of the Super Over shall be conducted. The team with the higher scoring delivery shall be the winner. If a team loses two wickets during its over, then any un-bowled deliveries will be counted as dot balls. Note that for this purpose, the runs scored from a delivery is defined as the total team runs scored since the completion of the previous legitimate ball, i.e. including any runs resulting from wide, no ball or penalty runs.

12.11 Results: A match is won by the side which shall have scored a total number of runs in excess of that scored by the opposing side in its complete innings. A match shall be lost by a side which either concedes defeat or in the opinion of the umpire refuses to play and the umpires shall award the match to the other side.

I T C F 38 39 Note: i. It is responsibility of the captains to satisfy them selves on the correctness of the scores on the con- clusion of their innings. ii. The result of the finished matches is stated as a win by runs, except in the case of a win by the side batting lost, when it is by the number of wickets still to fall. iii. A „Draw‟ is regarded as a „Tie‟ when the scores are equal at the conclusion of play but only if the match has been played out. If the scores of the completed innings of both the sides are equal, it is a „Tie‟ but only if the match has not been played out the further conclusion.

12.12 Points System for Playoff Considerations and League Standings: Two points are awarded to the winning team in a league match. If a match ended in a draw during the league stage, both the teams will share one point each. The team having the highest points after the comple- tion of the league matches will qualify for Playoff stage. In case two teams have equal points after league matches, NRR will be considered to find league stand- ings. In the rare event that competing teams have the same NRR at the end of the league phase (to the 4th decimal space), then the team that won the head-to- head matchup between the teams during the group/

I T C F 39 40 pool phase will be considered as the higher ranking team. 12.12.1 NNR formula: NNR formula for playoff matches will be as follows:

NNR = (Total runs scored by a team/ Total overs played by a team) -- (Total runs scored against the team/ Total overs played against the team)

13.Non Playing rules: 13.1 Player registration: In order to participate in ITCF‟s official matches, all teams need to register their team players to the ITCF‟s official website (www.internationaltenniscricket.com) prior to the provided deadline. However, online regis- tration can be done anytime throughout the year by the player on website. The player will get ITCF Registration number and an identity card. This „Player Registration Number‟ is mandatory to mention along with his photo on every championship he participate. Any player that does not have an online registration will not be eligible to participate in official matches. All players should have their ID cards available in the event that the umpire or opposing team captain needs to verify a player before the match. This is to ensure that no ineligible player is participating in the tournament. If a player fails to provide adequate

I T C F 40 41 identification, to the umpire‟s satisfaction, then they may be asked to sit-out the game unless the oppos- ing team is satisfied with their identity.

13.2 Team Formation: Each team will be allowed to constitute a team of 16 players for a tournament on official website. Players can be added /dropped before tournament deadlines set by the Organizers. After constituting the team on website, they need to take a print out of Team report and submit it duly stamped and signed at the time of team reporting at the champi- onship venue. 13.3 Team Declarations: All Teams should declare their Playing 11 at the toss and exchange it with opposite captains and identify if any of the players are coming late. The names can be written down on either the score- cards or a separate sheet. This will ensure that all identification related issues are dealt with prior to the start of the match. Captains are responsible for ensuring that the prop- er names are entered on the scorecards and there is no discrepancy. Opposite captains should verify the submitted scorecard to confirm it‟s accuracy. A player identified as part of the declared Playing XI before the match is considered as having played a

I T C F 41 42 match under the following conditions: a. If his team is bowling first, then a player needs field for at least 5 overs in order to qualify. b. If his team is batting first, then the player needs to have either batted in the innings, OR fielded at least 5 overs in the second innings if he never got an opportunity to bat in order to qualify. If a player meets either of the above conditions and was part of the declared Playing XI (i.e. not a substitute field- er) then captains can enter them on the scorecard as a qualified player. 13.4 Match Timings and Punctuality: a. Players: 1. At least 8 players of a team have to be present 10 minutes before the start of their scheduled match time. Failing to do so will result in the automatic loss of toss for the team in question. It is strongly suggested that: a. Captains should pro-actively identify the present players to the umpires. b. Umpires should pro-actively ask each Cap- tain to indicate if their players are visibly insight. 2. In case both teams are missing players then the one with more players present on the ground at the start of the game are declared as toss win- ners (as long as one team has 8 or more players

I T C F 42 43 3. If neither team has at least 8 players available to start the match on time, then both teams will be asked to play a reduced overs match based on the time lost. To calculate the revised num- ber of overs, umpires should reduce 1 over for every 3 minutes lost across both innings. e.g. If a match starts 12 minutes late, then the match needs to be reduced by 4 overs i.e. from a total of 30 overs to 26 overs. Each innings will be reduced by 2 overs to accommodate for the late start. Similarly power play overs will be reduced in a reduced over match. 4. If one of the teams does not have 8 players by the match start time then the match will not be started until the 8th player shows up. The of- fending team will be penalized 1 over for every 3 minutes lost as a result of the 8th players not being present by the scheduled match start time. e.g. If the 8th players arrives 15 minutes after the scheduled match start time, then the team will be penalized 5 overs from their in- nings. This means that the offending team will bat for 10 overs and their opposition will bat for the full 15 overs. 5. For games that start late, both umpires and cap- tains need to ensure that the match ends by the stipulated end time by minimizing/cancelling drink breaks and or innings breaks to make up for any lost time.

I T C F 43 44 6. Umpires will ensure that teams do not waste time by frequent huddling/discussing strategies especially during tight games. 7. The first ball needs to be bowled by the desig- nated start time of the match to ensure that no matches get interrupted due to late starts. 8. Umpires and Captains need to ensure that any pre-match warm-ups on/off the pitch do not re- sult in a delayed start to the match. 9. If for some reason the match cannot be started on the stipulated start time, both captains should agree to play a reduced-over match to ensure that the match can finish on time. b. Umpires:

1. Both umpires need to be at the ground at least 10 minutes before the stipulated start time to ensure that the coin toss and boundary setup is performed before the match start time. In case of umpires not arriving on time, both the captains will do the toss and get on with the game using the batting team players from the playing 11 as the umpires until official umpires arrive. If in worst situation the um- pires do not show up at all the teams will continue with the using the players from their playing 11 as umpires. Umpires can be changed as needed in this special condition.

I T C F 44 45 2. Also, sometimes the umpires from earlier game are on field and can be requested to officiate until the next game umpires arrive. 3. In the event that umpires are unable to get to the field on time, they should pro-actively call ahead to the playing Captains to inform them of their delay and estimated time of arrival. 4. Captains need to ensure that they only send umpires that are knowledgeable on general cricketing rules, have read and understood the rule book, and can confidently officiate the matches.

13.5. Match Forfeiture Policy: ITCF discourages teams for forfeiting their games. Hence, teams that forfeit a match will be severely pe- nalized. A match will be considered as a „Forfeit‟ un- der one of the following conditions: a. A Team is a No-Show for a match or refuses to play the match. b. A Team violates the Minimum Player Rule. c. A Team violates ITCF conduct policy resulting in the umpires calling the game off and awarding it to the opposition. What Happens after a Game is forfeited? The offending team may/will be penalized with player and/or team Suspensions. ITCF Organizers will take into consideration the events leading to the forfeiture

I T C F 45 46 and inform teams accordingly of the outcome. The opposition will be declared as the „match winners‟ and awarded the points. No NRR allocation will be applied to forfeited games. 13.6 Rain/Washouts/Bad Weather/Bad Light/ Unavailability of Ground: a. If a match is interrupted due to rain/ Bad weather, it will be played as per D/L system. Minimum 3 overs from each team (if not getting All Out) is com- pulsory to get a result in such matches. b. If the game is not completed due to weather/light/ ground availability then the game will be resched- uled. The final decision with regards to rescheduled games will rest with the Organizers. c. If it has rained the previous night or is raining and the game has not already been called off, then a pitch inspection should be performed by the um- pires and captains. If the umpires deem play possi- ble, then the match should be played that day. Um- pires should take into consideration the ground conditions to ensure a safe match. d. If there is no chance of play that day the match will be rescheduled to a later date. The Organizers, af- ter consulting with the captains and umpires would decide about whether the match should be re- scheduled. Washed out games will be rescheduled just once. Any subsequent washouts of the same league round game will result in the teams sharing points.

I T C F 46 47 e. The final decision about rescheduling would be taken by the Organizers. The Organizers can call off games ahead of time based on the weather. Such decisions will be communicated to the play- ing teams and umpires.

13.7 Conduct and Penalties: a. Match Penalties: The Organizers is focused on providing all teams with a fair, safe environment to play cricket through its tournaments while ensuring that all teams comply with the stipulated Rules and Regulations. Any team(s) found to be guilty of any rule violations or misconduct will be liable for getting penalized as deemed appropriate by the Organizers. Penalties can range from warnings, point deductions, disqualifica- tion, to getting banned from future tournaments, etc. b. Player / Team Conduct: 1. Captains are responsible for the actions of their players at all times and for maintaining on-field harmony. In addition to players, captains/teams can also be penalized for any team offenses. 2. Decisions by the umpires on the field of play are final. Any player showing unreasonable dissent in the opinion of the Umpires/Organizers shall first be warned for misconduct. Repeated offenses may result in player and/or team disqualification

I T C F 47 48 from the match and/or tournament along with team penalties. 3. Fielders and bowlers are prohibited from shouting anything from the instant the bowler starts his bowling run-up to the instant the ball is either played or crosses the normal batting position of the batsmen. 4. Under no circumstances should players from the pavilion enter the ground to dispute any on-field decisions. The batting team captain will be re- sponsible for ensuring that players stay off the field. If there are any questions/concerns then only the captain should inquire off the umpires for clarification. Teams/players will be suspended from that game or future games based on the reports of the incident can be penalized for enter- ing the playing field to dispute decisions and causing a match delay. 5. All questions/concerns related during the match need to be addressed and directed towards the umpires. Communicating with opposing team players is not advised as it generally does not re- solve the issue. 6. Sledging on the field– Umpires will warn the of- fending player once. If the behavior continues then umpires have the authority to penalize the player by suspending them from the game. This will apply to fielders, bowlers, and batsmen.

I T C F 48 49 7. Any player involved in verbal and/or physical abuse of umpire and/or opposing team player(s) can/will be disqualified from the Tournament im- mediately, and the team will not be allowed to field a substitute in his place. In addition the play- er(s) who instigates the offending player could also be suspended from that game or future games or even disqualified from the tournament based on the neutral reports. 14. Signals: The following code of signals shall be used by the um- pires when the ball is in play: i. Dead Ball – by crossing and re-crossing the wrists below the waist.

ii. No Ball – by extending one arm horizontally parallel to the shoulder height.

I T C F 49 50 iii. Out – by raising an index finger above the head.

iv. Wide Ball – by extending both arms horizontally parallel to the shoulder height. v. Boundary (4 Runs)– by waving an arm from side to side finishing with the arm across the chest.

vi. Boundary (6 Runs) – by raising both arms above the head. vii. New Ball – by holding the ball above the head. viii. Revoke last signal – by touching both shoulders each with opposite hands.

I T C F 50 51 ix. Bye – by raising an open hand above the head

x. Five Penalty Runs – by repeated tapping of one shoulder with the opposite hand five times. xi. Leg Bye – by touching a raised knee with the hand. xii Short Run – by bending one arm upwards and touching the nearer shoulder with the tips of the fingers. xiii. Declared Runs – By raising the fingers equal to runs declared above head and repeatedly tapping the wrist with other hand.

The umpire shall wait until each signal to the scorers has been separately acknowledged by a scorer before allowing play to proceed.

I T C F 51 52 15. Tennis Cricket Score Sheet:

I T C F 52 53

International Tennis Cricket Federation Mathura sports school, Amar colony, Goverdhan road, Mathura 281004, U.P. India Mobile: 7520065722 E mail: [email protected] Website: www. Internationaltenniscricket.com 54