Playing Conditions & Code of Conduct.

1 International Masters Cricket

International Masters Cricket (IMC) is the governing body for international cricket for Over 40s, Over 50s, Over 60s, and Over 70s with 15 member countries. The participating countries of this IMC Cricket World Cup are listed in Appendix C.

2 IMC Ruling Committee

IMC has a Ruling Committee (IMCC), which, for the welfare of, and in the best interests of, IMC, has the power and duty to administer and regulate the activities of member countries, including international Masters cricket tournaments between members and World Cups conducted from time to time around the world.

3 Approval to Conduct Tournaments

If the IMCC or any member country wishes to organize and conduct an international tournament among its members, it must first apply in writing to the IMCC and obtain the IMCC's approval. The IMCC may grant approval subject to any reasonable conditions it considers necessary to ensure the proper, orderly, and equitable conduct of the tournament.

4 Application of Playing Conditions

For the proper, orderly, and equitable conduct of all tournaments, and for the welfare of and in the best interests of IMC, the IMCC requires all international matches to be played in accordance with these Playing Conditions. If a member country wishes to change, vary, amend, or add to any tournament playing condition, it must apply in writing in advance of the tournament, setting out its reasons, and obtain the written consent of the IMCC. Failing such approval, the proposed variation shall be inoperative for that tournament, and these Playing Conditions shall prevail. These requirements ensure that all international match results and individual statistics are granted proper IMC comparative status.

5 Disputes and Final Authority

The IMCC shall be the final arbiter of any dispute or conflict arising from or relating to any tournament, and its decision shall be final, with no further avenue of appeal in a court of law or otherwise.

However, in the case of a member-hosted tournament, the Tournament Committee shall be the first forum for any appeal concerning such a dispute or conflict between participating members, who shall be the only parties to that process.

6 Conduct Bringing IMC into Disrepute

In addition to, or alternatively to, clause 5 above, the IMCC and/or the Tournament Committee shall have jurisdiction to mediate and/or determine any matter relating to a player and/or a member country arising from a tournament which brings IMC into disrepute.

7 Post-Tournament Reporting

Upon conclusion of the tournament, and within a reasonable time, the Tournament Committee shall notify the IMCC of all match results, player, official, and match statistics, together with any other written information or analysis that the IMCC may require or direct.

1.1 General Format

These Playing Conditions are drafted in a generic form so that they may be used for all future international tournaments and World Cups. Where any Playing Conditions are specific to a particular event or tournament, those conditions shall be set out in Appendix C at the end of this document. Each event or tournament must prepare its own Appendix C clauses and submit them in writing for approval by the IMCC before the event is played, in accordance with clause 4 of the Preface.

1.2 Tournament Committee

Each tournament or World Cup shall be managed by a committee of not fewer than three persons. The draw and ground allocations for each tournament shall be administered by that Committee.

1.3 Participating Countries

The number of countries participating in each event or tournament shall depend on the number of countries permitted to enter by the relevant committee. The participating countries for each specific event or tournament shall be listed in Appendix C.

1.4 Team Squads

Each country participating in a tournament shall nominate a squad of no more than 16 players. The full name and date of birth of each selected player must be submitted in a single document to the host country’s organizing committee no later than seven days before the opening date of the tournament. This submission must be supported by a copy of a valid birth certificate or passport showing the player’s name, date of birth, and place of birth.

All other information on such documents may be redacted, provided that the minimum required information—name, date of birth, and place of birth—remains visible. Failure to provide the required information within the prescribed timeframe may result in any action the IMCC considers appropriate under clause 5 of the Preface.

Once a squad list has been submitted to the host country’s organizing committee, no changes or alterations may be made without the prior approval of the IMCC.

Once the tournament has commenced, a team may only replace a player if the number of players in their squad falls below 11, and conditional upon approval by the host country organising committee in consultation with the IMCC.

1.5 Applicable Laws

Each event or tournament shall be played in accordance with the most recent version of the Laws of Cricket, except that where there is any inconsistency, these Playing Conditions shall prevail. The applicable version of the Laws of Cricket for any specific event shall be identified in Appendix C.

1.6 Committee Powers

The Committee for each event or tournament shall determine disputes, complaints, and other matters arising from the conduct of the tournament. The Committee shall also have full authority, where required, to amend the format of the tournament, including playing days, hours, and venues.

All decisions made by the Committee shall be final.

The names of those comprising the Committee for any specific event or tournament shall be listed in Appendix C.

1.7 Tournament Referee

The Committee shall appoint a Tournament Referee to act on its behalf in respect of any matter within its jurisdiction. The decision of the Tournament Referee shall be final and not subject to appeal. The name of the Tournament Referee for any specific event shall be listed in Appendix C.

2.1 Home Team

The team named first in each match shall be deemed the nominal “Home” team.

2.2 Hospitality

The Committee shall be responsible for providing lunch, and refreshments at each match.

2.3 Umpires

The Committee shall arrange the appointment of two official umpires for all matches. Where applicable, the Committee may outsource this function to the local Umpires’ Association in the city where the tournament is being held. If appointed umpire(s) attends a match venue but no play takes place on that day, the umpire match fee shall nevertheless remain payable. If, due to a shortage of available umpires, only one official umpire is appointed to a fixture, that umpire shall be paid one and a half (1.5) times the standard match fee.

2.4 Scorebooks and Match Balls

Each team must provide a scorebook for each match it plays. Match balls shall be pink in color and shall be provided by the Committee.

2.5 Agreement on Scores

Both captains must agree on the scores at the conclusion of the first innings and again at the conclusion of the second innings. If the captains fail to agree within 60 minutes of the end of the match, the match result shall be determined by appeal in accordance with Playing Condition 4.1.

2.6 Submission of Scorecards

A photograph of the match scorecard must be emailed to the Tournament Statistician immediately after the match. A team that fails to submit its scorecard within the prescribed timeframe may, at the absolute discretion of the Committee, be penalized, including by deduction of competition points. The name and email address of the Tournament Statistician for any specific event shall be listed in Appendix C.

3.1 Agreement Between Captains

If both captains agree on the fitness of the ground, weather, or light for play, the officially appointed umpires should allow play to proceed or continue. This does not apply to suspension of play under the lightning rule in clause 3.3, which is a matter solely for the umpires.

3.2 Disagreement Between Captains

If the captains disagree on the fitness of the ground, weather, or light for play, the officially appointed umpires shall be the final judges of those matters. However, where fewer than 20 overs have been completed in the second innings—meaning the match has not yet been constituted— and the captains disagree over the fitness of the ground, weather, or light for play, the appointed umpires shall not abandon the match before 4:00 pm unless the captains otherwise agree.

3.3 Lightning

Play shall cease immediately if a lightning flash is followed by thunder less than 30 seconds later. Play shall not resume until 30 minutes have elapsed since the last lightning flash followed by thunder within 30 seconds. No person may enter the field of play while play is suspended under this rule. If any participant enters the field during the suspension period in breach of this rule, the umpire shall report the breach to the organizing committee as a Code of Conduct matter.

3.4 Maximizing Play

At all times, all participants shall strive to maximize play. This includes, without limitation:

• (a)all players from both sides assisting with the removal or laying of covers when directed by the umpire(s); and
• (b)where the venue is deemed unfit for play, but the match has not yet been abandoned, all players making their best efforts to improve conditions so that play may commence or resume. A refusal by any player to comply with an umpire’s instruction in relation to maximizing play, as described above, shall be deemed dissent and may, at the umpire’s discretion, be reported to the tournament’s governing body as a Code of Conduct breach.

3.5 Boundary Lengths

Subject to being set at least 2 meters inside any perimeter fencing or other stationary object as a buffer zone, the boundary should not exceed the following distances:

• ●Over 70s: maximum 55 meters
• ●Over 60s: maximum 60 meters
• ●Over 40s, Over 50s, and Over 55s: minimum 55 meters & maximum 65 meters

4.1 Right of Appeal

Any appeal in respect of a match may only be made by one of the two teams participating in that match and not by any third party. Any appeal to the Committee must be made in writing by email and must be lodged by 8:00 pm on the date the match was played, or by such other time as the Committee may determine appropriate.

4.2 Committee Powers

The powers of the Committee include, but are not limited to, the power to:

• (a)award the match to one team or to both teams jointly; and/or
• (b)deduct competition points from, and/or award competition points to, either team in such manner as the Committee, in its absolute discretion, considers fit.

5.1 Player Eligibility

For all IMC age-group international matches, a player must have attained the minimum age for the relevant age category on or before the date of each match to be deemed a qualified player and eligible to participate.

5.2 Unqualified Players

Any team that causes or permits an unqualified player to participate in a match shall forfeit its match points, and the match shall be deemed to have been won by the opposing team.

5.3 Team Sheets

Before the toss, each captain shall provide a team sheet to the opposing captain and to the umpires. No alteration may thereafter be made without the consent of the opposing captain.

The umpires shall retain both team sheets until the conclusion of the tournament.

Where a team elects to play 12 players under the “Play 12, Bat 11” rule, the team sheet must clearly identify which of the 12 nominated players will not bat.

If a player within the named 12 is injured during warm ups after the toss but prior to match commencement, then such player may be replaced only with the consent of the opposing captain and the umpires.

5.4 Timing of the Toss

The toss shall take place in the presence of the umpires no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start of play. Pre-match presentations and national anthems shall commence no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start of play.

5.5 Decision at the Toss

The captain winning the toss shall immediately notify the opposing captain whether the team will bat or bowl first. If a captain is unavailable at the time of the toss, a deputy shall act in the captain’s place and make the decision regarding the innings. If the toss is delayed and the match consequently starts late, any time lost shall count against the extra time allowance described in clause 6.5. At the toss, each captain must inform the umpires if the team intends to play with 12 players under clause 6.1.

5.6 Failure to Comply

A refusal by a captain or deputy to comply with clause 5.5 may result in further action by the Committee, including loss of points or a determination that the offending team has forfeited the match.

The umpires shall report to the Committee any instance where play started late and the umpires believe the toss was deliberately delayed by either captain.

6.1 Number of Players per Match

A team may play under a “Play 12, Bat 11” rule. This is permissible even if one team elects to play 12 players and the other elects to play 11 players.

The umpires must be informed at the toss if a team intends to play 12 players under this Playing Condition.

Where a team plays 12 players, the following conditions apply:

• (a)one of the 12 players shall not be permitted to bat. That same player shall also not be permitted to act as a runner for an injured striker;
• (b)any or all of the 12 players may bowl;
• (c)unless a fielder becomes legitimately ill or injured under Law 24 of the Laws of Cricket, no player amongst the 12 nominated players may be off the field for more than a total of 10 overs in an innings, reduced pro rata in a reduced-overs innings. Fielding rotation among the 12 nominated players is desirable at 5-over intervals (eg, end of 5th over, 10th over etc), however in the interest of saving time, may also be rotated any time at a dismissal or other delay in play. Umpires must be notified every single time a fielding rotation occurs. Any player entering the field as part of such a rotation must be one of the 12 nominated players for that match and may bowl immediately if otherwise eligible. If the umpires find a breach of this rule, they shall submit a Code of Conduct report against the captain of the offending team to the Committee for determination;
• (d)if a bowler is off the field receiving treatment for more than 10 overs in total during an inning, that bowler may not bowl again until having been back on the field for at least the same number of overs as the number of overs missed. For example:
• ●if Player A leaves the field after 10 overs and returns after the 25th over, Player A may not bowl until after the 40th over;
• ●if Player B leaves the field after 10 overs and returns at the end of the 30th over, and insufficient overs remain in the innings, Player B may not bowl again that day;
• (e)any player who is off the field receiving treatment for more than 10 overs in the first innings shall not be permitted to bat in the second innings until five wickets have fallen;
• (f)if any player is off the field receiving treatment for a total of 10 overs or less, clauses 6.1(d) and 6.1(e) shall not apply;
• (g)players in the squad who are not among the nominated 12 for the match may not participate as substitute fielders, except where injury or illness reduces the nominated 12 to fewer than 11 available fielders. In that event, a substitute fielder from outside the nominated 12 may be used only after all available nominated players have been exhausted. For clarity, a 13th or subsequent player may only act as substitute fielder if injury or illness has reduced the originally nominated 12 to fewer than 11 players; and
• (h)Notwithstanding the above, the umpires retain sole discretion to allow a substitute fielder for reasons other than illness or injury where the reason is wholly acceptable within the meaning of Law 24.1 of the Laws of Cricket.

6.2 Match Times and Scheduling

Play shall be scheduled from 9:30 am to 4:35 pm, with a lunch interval of 45 minutes and two drinks breaks of 5 minutes each per inning.

Each innings shall be limited to a maximum of 45 overs per side.

When bowling, each team shall have 180 minutes to complete its allotted overs, being a rate of 15 overs per hour, or one over every four minutes.

Each team must have the opportunity to bat for a minimum of 20 overs for a match to be constituted.

6.3 Change of Innings Interval

For an uninterrupted match, the interval between innings shall be 45 minutes.

If time or overs are lost before or during the first innings, the interval shall be reduced in accordance with the table in Appendix A.

If the first innings extends beyond its scheduled completion time, the duration of the interval shall remain unchanged, and the excess time taken shall count against the extra time allowance described in clause 6.5.

If the team batting first is bowled out in 20 overs or fewer, the usual interval shall not apply. Instead, there shall be an innings interval of 20 minutes, after which the match shall continue to its conclusion.

6.4 Drinks Breaks

Under normal weather conditions, two drinks breaks of 5 minutes each shall be taken in each inning, scheduled at the completion of 15 and 30 overs.

For reduced overs matches, the timing of drinks breaks shall be agreed between the umpires and the captains.

On extremely hot days, additional drinks breaks shall be taken as required in accordance with the Excessive Heat Policy in clause 11.

6.5 Extension of Play

The scheduled finishing time of 4:35 pm may be extended by up to 60 minutes, to 5:35 pm, where time is lost due to any of the following:

• (a)a late start caused by ground, weather, or light conditions;
• (b)suspension of play due to rain, lightning, or operation of the Excessive Heat Policy under clause 11;
• (c)either innings exceeding its allotted time for completion of overs;
• (d)additional drinks breaks on hot days beyond the standard two per innings; or
• (e)any other delay exceeding five minutes before play can resume, including an extended delay due to player injury.

6.6 Bowling and Batting Restrictions

6.6.1 Bowling Restrictions

In a full 45-over inning, no player may bowl more than 9 overs. In a reduced-overs inning, no player may bowl more than 20% of the total overs allocated for that innings. If a player completes an over for an injured bowler, that partial over shall count as a full over for the purposes of this clause.

6.6.2 Batting Restrictions

No batting retirement restriction based on a batter’s score shall apply in this tournament.

6.7 Fielding Restrictions

6.7.1 Fielding Restriction Area

Two semi-circles shall be marked on the field of play, each centered on the middle stump at either end of the pitch, with a radius of 27.5 meters (30 yards). The ends of the semi-circles should ideally be joined by straight lines or a series of dots.

6.7.2 Powerplay Restrictions

Fielding restrictions shall apply during designated overs in each inning as follows, subject to there being no interruption to play: Powerplay 1: overs 1 to 15 No more than 3 fielders may be outside the fielding restriction area. Powerplay 2: overs 16 to 30 No more than 4 fielders may be outside the fielding restriction area. Powerplay 3: overs 31 to 45 No more than 5 fielders may be outside the fielding restriction area.

6.7.3 Leg-Side Restriction

At the instant of delivery, no more than 5 fielders may be on the leg side of the wicket.

6.7.4 Infringement

If there is an infringement of clause 6.7.2 or 6.7.3, either umpire shall call and signal No Ball at the instant of delivery.

6.7.5 Reduced-Overs Matches

If the number of overs available to the batting team is reduced in either innings, the number of Powerplay overs shall be adjusted in accordance with Appendix B.

6.7.6 Slow Over Rate Penalty

If, in an uninterrupted match, the fielding side fails to bowl the required minimum number of overs by the scheduled or rescheduled finishing time of the innings, clause 6.7.2 shall be modified so that, from the start of the next over, one fewer fielder shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction area than would otherwise be allowed. This penalty shall remain in effect for the remainder of the innings. Umpires shall consider the allowances in clause 6.7.7.

6.7.7 Allowances

For the purpose of measuring innings duration, the following allowances shall apply:

• (a)treatment of an injured player on the field, or a player leaving the field due to serious injury;
• (b)time taken to dry a wet ball;
• (c)time taken to find, retrieve, or replace a lost or wayward ball;
• (d)additional drinks breaks taken in excessive heat; and
• (e)actual time lost due to other circumstances beyond the control of the fielding side, including time-wasting by the batting side.

6.8 Loss of Scheduled Playing Time

6.8.1 General Principle

If scheduled playing time is lost for any reason, the quota of overs shall remain unchanged for the first 60 minutes of lost playing time.

In addition, if the first innings finish ahead of schedule, any unused time in that innings shall be added to the 60-minute allowance before overs are reduced following any later interruption.

Example: In a normal uninterrupted 45-over match, the first innings is scheduled from 9:30 am to 12:40 pm. If the first innings conclude at 12:25 pm, the unused 15 minutes shall be added to the 60 minutes of available make-up time in the event of an interruption after the first innings.

The objective of any revised schedule following an interruption shall be to fit as many overs as possible at a rate of one over per four minutes, up to the rescheduled finishing time.

6.8.2 Reduction of Overs After Make-Up Time Is Exhausted

Once all available make-up time has been exhausted, the number of overs shall be recalculated as follows:

Where a calculation produces part of an over, the number of overs shall be rounded up.

• (a)Lost time before the start of play For matches that do not start on time, the number of overs per side and the match schedule shall be determined by the late-start table in Appendix A.
• (b)Lost time during the first innings Where time is lost during the innings of the team batting first, overs shall be reduced at the rate of one over for each team for each whole 8-minute period of scheduled playing time lost, provided that a minimum of 20 overs per side remains achievable.
• (c)Lost time after the first innings Where time is lost after the first innings, the number of overs remaining in the match shall be calculated by dividing the available playing time remaining up to the rescheduled finish time by 4, with any fraction rounded up, provided always that the team batting second can still receive a minimum of 20 overs.
• (d)Umpires to recalculate

In all circumstances where time is lost, the umpires shall recalculate the number of overs and communicate the revised arrangements to both captains.

• (e)Minimum overs for a match

If either team receives fewer than 20 overs, the match shall be declared a draw unless a result has already been achieved.

For clarity, if the team batting second reaches the target, or revised target, in fewer than 20 overs, but had the opportunity to bat at least 20 overs, the match shall be deemed constituted and the result shall stand.

• (f)Latest start time for the match

If the match cannot commence by 2:15 pm, it shall be abandoned as a draw.

• (g)Latest start time for second innings

If the team batting second cannot commence its innings by 3:55 pm, the match shall be abandoned as a draw.

6.9 Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method

In all matches, the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner, except where the maximum number of overs available to either team is reduced after the match has commenced. In such circumstances, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) Method shall apply.

The DLS Method shall operate as follows:

• (a)at each match, a device must be available with the official ICC DLS software installed. Once installed on a laptop or compatible device, no further internet connectivity is required for operation;
• (b)a DLS calculation shall be prepared in the following circumstances:
• (i)at the change of innings in every match, even if there has been no interruption, so that a target is available if the second innings is later interrupted; and
• (ii)whenever an interruption after commencement of play causes a reduction in overs in either innings. Where multiple interruptions occur, a fresh DLS recalculation shall be made each time play resumes;
• (c)whenever a DLS target table is produced, a printed copy should be made available to each captain;
• (d)if no printer is available at the ground, a representative from each team, preferably the captain, shall in the presence of the umpires take a photograph of the DLS target table displayed on the device. Such photograph shall serve in place of a printed copy.

7.1 Wides

Wides shall be interpreted and called in the same manner as in limited-overs international cricket, subject to the following:

• (a)a delivery passing the striker on the offside outside the Off-Side Wide Guideline, being 75 cm from the outside of the off stump, shall be called Wide, provided the striker maintains a normal batting position and has not brought the ball within reach. If, in the umpire’s opinion, the striker has brought the ball within reach, the guideline shall be disregarded, and the umpire shall apply the Law in the usual way;
• (b)any delivery passing the striker outside the return crease shall be called Wide, regardless of whether the striker has brought the ball within reach;
• (c)any delivery passing the striker’s stumps on the leg side without touching the striker’s bat or person shall be called Wide unless:
• (i)the ball passes between the striker and the stumps;
• (ii)the striker moves towards the offside and, in the umpire’s opinion, the ball would have made contact with the striker in a normal batting position; or
• (iii)the striker is attempting, or has aborted, a switch hit or reverse sweep. In that case, a delivery passing outside the Off-Side Wide Guideline on what would otherwise be the leg side shall be treated as a Wide.

7.2 No Balls

The Laws of Cricket shall apply, except as modified below.

7.2.1 High Bouncers

A bowler may bowl no more than one bouncer per over. For the purposes of this clause, a bouncer is a delivery which, after pitching, passes or would have passed above shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease. Once a bowler has delivered the permitted bouncer for the over, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall inform the bowler and the striker that the limit has been reached. Any further bouncer in the same over shall be called No Ball and shall trigger the following warning procedure for that bowler during the innings:

• ●first breach: No Ball and first warning;
• ●second breach: No Ball and final warning;
• ●third and subsequent breach: No Ball and removal of the bowler from the attack for the remainder of the innings.

7.2.2 Bouncers Above Head Height

Any bouncer which passes clearly over the head of the striker standing upright at the popping crease shall, in the first instance, be called Wide.

It shall count as the single allowable bouncer for that over.

Any further such delivery in the same over shall be called No Ball and dealt with under clause 7.2.1.

7.2.3 High Full Pitches

Any delivery, irrespective of pace, that reaches the striker on the full above waist height while the striker is standing upright at the popping crease shall be called No Ball.

This call shall be made by the umpire at the bowler’s end only.

7.2.4 Dangerous High Full Pitches

A warning system shall apply only to a waist-high full-pitch delivery that, in the umpire’s opinion, was dangerous and had the potential to cause injury to the striker.

If the umpire considers such a delivery dangerous, the umpire shall call No Ball and then issue an official warning.

For the same bowler in the same innings:

• ●first dangerous full-pitch delivery: No Ball and first warning;
• ●second dangerous full-pitch delivery: No Ball and final warning;
• ●Third and subsequent dangerous full-pitch delivery: No Ball and removal of the bowler from the attack for the remainder of the innings.

As guidance, an official warning should be issued only where the umpire answers “yes” to each of the following questions:

• ●Was the delivery a full-pitch ball above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease?
• ●Was the delivery directed at the striker’s body?
• ●Whether or not the ball was struck, would it have had the potential to cause significant injury if it had hit the striker’s body?

In applying this test, the umpire shall also consider the speed of the delivery.

7.2.5 Leg-Side Fielding Restriction

See clauses 6.7.3 and 6.7.4. If more than 5 fielders are on the leg side at the instant of delivery, either umpire shall call and signal No Ball.

7.2.6 Free Hit

Following any No Ball, the next delivery shall be a Free Hit.

If the Free Hit delivery itself is not a fair delivery, including another No Ball or a Wide, the following delivery shall also be a Free Hit.

8.1 Batters

Batters are not required to wear helmets, although the practice is strongly recommended. Any batter who elects not to wear a helmet accepts an increased risk of injury.

8.2 Close Fielders

All fielders positioned on either side of, and in front of, the wicket within 3 meters of the striker must wear a helmet.

8.3 Wicket-Keepers

A wicket-keeper standing up to the stumps must wear a helmet.

9.1 Substitute Fielders

Once play has commenced, if the fielding side is reduced to fewer than 11 players because a fielder has left the field due to illness or injury, a substitute fielder shall be permitted.

If the fielding team does not have a substitute fielder available, the opposing team is encouraged, as a matter of best practice and sportsmanship, to provide a substitute fielder from within its own ranks. If necessary, the umpires should remind the opposing captain of this Playing Condition.

9.2 Runners

The restriction applied in some other forms of cricket that prevents an injured player from batting with a runner shall not apply in this tournament. Where a runner is used:

• ●the runner must be one of the nominated 12 players;
• ●the runner must not be the nominated player who is not permitted to bat; and
• ●the runner must be a player who has already been dismissed. If an opening batter requires a runner from the commencement of the innings, the runner must be a player who is listed to bat below number 7 in the batting order. If the first wicket to fall is that of the non-injured batter, the runner shall immediately be replaced by the first dismissed batter. Once play has commenced, if at any time a player sustains an injury, the following conditions may be implemented:
• •Bat, or continue to bat, without the support of a runner.
• •Elect to Retire Hurt, to seek treatment. The batter may then return to the batting crease and continue the innings, without the support of a runner, at the fall of the next wicket, or any subsequent wicket thereafter.
• •Elect to Retire Hurt, to seek treatment. The batter may then return to the batting crease and continue the innings, aided by the support of a runner, only after the fall of the 5th wicket, or any subsequent wicket thereafter.

A runner is not permitted for any player who carries an injury into the match. For clarity, a player who sustains an injury at any time prior to batting in the first innings, is deemed to have carried the injury into the match and is not entitled to a runner. This includes the period between the Toss and the point when that player takes to the field to bat.

9.3 Player Umpire at Square Leg

If only one official umpire is available at any time, the role of striker’s-end square-leg umpire shall be performed by a player from the batting side. If, in the opinion of the officially appointed umpire, the player umpire makes a decision that is plainly incorrect, the official umpire shall call and signal Dead Ball. The two umpires shall then consult. The appointed umpire may provide observational input and clarify relevant Laws or Playing Conditions. The purpose of the consultation is to ensure the correct decision is reached. If, after consultation, the player umpire does not wish to alter the decision, that decision shall stand. The appointed umpire is encouraged to seek an immediate replacement player umpire if the continued presence of that person is likely to create conflict or ill feeling between the teams. A player acting as striker’s-end umpire shall not call or signal No Ball for high full tosses or short-pitched deliveries. Those decisions remain solely within the jurisdiction of the umpire at the bowler’s end.

A team batting second shall not continue batting after it has passed the total or revised target of the team batting first.

11.1 Spirit of Cricket

All players shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Spirit of Cricket as set out in the Laws of Cricket.

Umpires shall report any breach to the Committee. Any reported player shall be dealt with at the discretion of the Committee, which may impose such penalty as it considers appropriate.

There shall be no right of appeal against any penalty imposed by the Committee under this clause.

11.2 Law 42 Sanctions

Although Law 42 of the 2017 Code of the Laws of Cricket allows umpires to suspend or send off a player for serious misconduct, those immediate on-field sanctions shall not apply in this tournament.

12.1 Competition Points

Competition points shall be awarded as follows:

• (a)winning team, including a win by forfeit: 2 points;
• (b)losing team, including a loss by forfeit: 0 points;
• (c)tied result: 1 point each. A tie occurs where both teams finish on the same score, irrespective of wickets lost by the team batting second;
• (d)draw or no result: 1 point each, including where weather or ground conditions prevent play from starting or prevent a result being achieved;
• (e)where a match is awarded by the umpires under Law 16.3, the result shall be treated as a forfeit;
• (f)if a team is unable to field a side on a scheduled match day due to COVID-19 or a related illness, the result shall be recorded as a draw.

12.2 Ladder Positions

Where a finals series follows preliminary rounds and two or more teams finish on equal competition points, ladder positions shall be determined by Net Run Rate (NRR) calculated across all preliminary round matches.

The formula shall be:

• ●total runs scored ÷ total overs faced = A
• ●total runs conceded ÷ total overs bowled = B
• ●NRR = A − B

The team with the higher NRR shall rank above the other.

Where a team is bowled out before facing its full quota of overs, it shall be deemed, for NRR purposes, to have faced its full quota.

12.3 Playing Dates and Tournament Format

The playing dates schedule and the tournament format for each event shall be set out in Appendix C.

12.4 Finals Series

Following the completion of preliminary round matches, the following provisions shall apply to any finals series.

12.4.1 Non-Grand Final Matches

The winner of a finals match other than the Grand Final shall progress to the next round.

If no result is obtained due to a washout or for any other reason, the team that finished higher on the preliminary round ladder shall progress.

12.4.2 Grand Final

The winner of the Grand Final shall be declared the tournament winner.

If no result is obtained in the Grand Final due to washout or for any other reason, the teams shall be declared joint winners.

12.4.3 Tied Finals Matches — Super Over

If a finals match ends in a tie, including a tie under DLS, the winner shall be determined by a Super Over conducted as follows:

• (a)subject to ground, weather, and light being fit, the Super Over shall commence 5 minutes after the conclusion of the match, at the same ground and on the same pitch;
• (b)the umpires shall stand at the same ends as they stood during the match;
• (c)in each innings of the Super Over, the fielding side shall choose the end from which to bowl;
• (d)only players named on the team sheet for the main match may participate;
• (e)the same fielding restrictions shall apply as for the final over of the match;
• (f)the team batting second in the match shall bat first in the Super Over;
• (g)the same ball used at the end of each innings of the match, or a similar ball if that ball is unsuitable, shall be used for the corresponding innings of the Super Over. At the end of the first innings of the main match, the umpires shall retain possession of the match ball in case a Super Over is required;
• (h)each team shall bat for one over unless all out earlier. A maximum of 4 batters may participate, and the innings shall end upon the fall of the third wicket;
• (i)if the scores remain level after the Super Over, additional Super Overs shall be played until a winner is determined;
• (j)if a Super Over is interrupted by rain or any other issue, the umpires shall wait until they jointly determine that no further play is possible. The result shall then be determined under clause 12.4.3(k);
• (k)if a Super Over cannot be completed due to ground, weather, light, or any other reason, the winner shall be determined by the following countback system:

Countback Item 1 If the two teams played each other during the preliminary rounds, the winner of that preliminary round match shall be declared the winner of the finals match. If that earlier match was tied or produced no result, Countback Item 2 shall apply.

Countback Item 2 The scores in the match proper shall be compared at the end of 20 overs. The team with the higher score at that point shall be declared the winner. If scores are equal after 20 overs, comparison shall be made at the end of 19 overs, then 18 overs, and so on, moving back one over at a time until a winner is determined.

The Tournament Committee shall ensure that all stakeholders are reminded of the importance of recording the score at the end of each over in the scorebook for all finals matches.

12.5 Excessive Heat Policy

12.5.1 Preamble

The Competition Committee has a responsibility to all participants, including players and match officials, to ensure that play is conducted in conditions that do not place health or wellbeing at unreasonable risk.

Because mature-age players and umpires are at increased risk of heat illness and heat stroke in extreme temperatures, this Playing Condition provides that play shall not continue where the risk is reasonably foreseeable.

12.5.2 Temperature Threshold

Air temperature shall be the measurement used for the purpose of this policy.

12.5.3 Official Smartphone App

The official smartphone app to be used for the operation of this policy shall be determined by the Committee hosting the relevant event or tournament and shall be identified in Appendix C.

12.5.4 Additional Drinks Breaks

The umpires shall schedule three drink breaks per innings instead of two on any day for which the forecast temperature is 32°C or above.

12.5.5 Cessation of Play

Play shall cease immediately if the nominated smartphone app records a temperature exceeding 36°C at the match location.

Play may resume if the temperature falls to 36°C or below.

A match suspended under this policy shall not be abandoned unless and until it becomes impossible for both teams to receive the minimum 20 overs required to constitute a match.

12.5.6 Loss of Time Due to Heat

Clause 6.5 shall apply to any suspension under this heat policy.

For clarity, only 60 minutes of extra time may be added to a match suspended due to adverse weather conditions, including excessive heat, subject to any additional time recouped because the first innings finished ahead of schedule under clause 6.8.1.

Once that available time has been exhausted, overs shall be reduced in accordance with these Playing Conditions.

12.5.7 Advance Cancellation of an Entire Day’s Play

The Competition Committee may, in its absolute discretion, cancel an entire day’s play if, at 4:00 pm on the day before scheduled play, the forecast temperature exceeds 36°C at a majority of scheduled venues.

If an entire day is cancelled, the Committee may in its absolute discretion:

• (a)treat that day’s play as lost to the tournament;
• (b)reschedule the lost matches to a later day if a suitable opportunity exists; or
• (c)make any other decision it considers appropriate.

12.6 COVID Protocols

12.6.1 The Ball

The Laws of Cricket prohibit the application of saliva to the ball under Law 41.3, and that prohibition shall apply in all matches governed by these Playing Conditions.

The use of sweat on the ball remains permitted.

12.6.2 Social Distancing

As COVID-19 remains present in the community, each participant may choose whether to continue observing social distancing practices.

If a player or umpire chooses not to shake hands for social distancing reasons, that decision shall be understood and respected by all participants.

The IMCC reserves the right to introduce additional protocols at any time in the best interests of players, officials, and volunteers.

Appendix A, B and C follow.............

The table below should be used in the event of a match starting late. The table is only valid for a late start. Once play commences, if there is a weather-related delay the overs remaining should be manually recalculated as per Clause 6.8(b) Over Reductions for Late Starts

Scheduled 9:30am start

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The table below should be used in the event of a match being reduced to less than 45 overs

* Powerplay 1 requires no more than 3 players outside the fielding circle

* Powerplay 2 requires no more than 4 players outside the fielding circle

* Powerplay 3 requires no more than 5 players outside the fielding circle

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Items listed in Appendix C are specific to one particular tournament and are cross referenced within the generic playing conditions listed above.

Each individual tournament is required to draft its own items in this section. Questions needing to be answered are listed in regular black font below and the answer to each tournament specific question shall be listed in red font below. Appendix C requirements for each individual event or Tournament must be submitted for approval to the IMC Committee before they are circulated to stakeholders (refer clause 4 of this document’s Preface located on page 1).

Tournament name and host city/country

2026 IMC Over 40s Cricket World Cup - Guyana

Tournament dates

October 17 – November 01, 2026

Team selections / squad numbers restrictions

A maximum of 16 players are allowed in a squad

Participating teams/countries

Australia, Canada, Columbia, England, India, Namibia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Rest of The Caribbean (ROTC), Rest of the World (ROW), Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, Wales & West Indies.

Applicable Laws of Cricket

2017 Code - 3rd Edition 2022

Tournament Referee

Hon. Sanjeev Datadin · Member of Parliament / Attorney at-Law
sjdata@yahoo.com

Tournament Statistician

Jim Morrison
info@masterscricket.org

Playing dates scheduling

Match venues for all fixtures will be allocated by the Tournament Committee and advised separately from this document.

Tournament format

Seventy-Two 45 over matches with seven group matches and eight Crossover Semi-Finals, 7 Crossover Finals and one Cup Final.

Approved smartphone app for the Extreme Heat Policy

TBA

• (i)no action is to be taken against the Person Reported; or
• (ii)the Person Reported is to be issued a Notice of Charge.

• (i)give the Person Reported an official reprimand or caution; or
• (ii)offer a “Plea Bargain” to the reported participant. Such “Plea Bargains” shall be at the lighter end of penalties recommended in Appendix A; or
• (iii)refer the matter for Judiciary Hearing.

• (i)the Person Reported; and
• (ii)the Governing Body of the Participant’s Team; and
• (iii)the IMC Committee.

LEVEL 1 - Offences

The offences set out below are Level 1 offences:

• i)Showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.
• ii)Using language that is obscene, offensive, or insulting and/or the making of an obscene gesture.
• iii)Excessive appealing, after having been warned by the umpires.
• iv)Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other member of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batter.
• v)Time-wasting, after having been warned by the umpires.
• vi)Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, the Laws of Cricket shall apply.

Penalties

The penalty for a Level 1 offence shall be at least an official reprimand, or at most a suspension of two (2) matches that will apply to the next scheduled match. The Tournament Referee or Judiciary Panel may decide to partially suspend any sentence of a Level 1 Offence.

LEVEL 2 - Offences

The offences set out below are Level 2 offences:

• i)Showing serious dissent at an umpire`s decision and comments.
• ii)Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings.
• iii)Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play.
• iv)Advancing towards the umpire in an aggressive manner.
• v)Throwing the ball at or near a participant in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner.
• vi)Using language or gesture that is seriously obscene, offensive, or insulting to another participant, a spectator or match official.
• vii)Continues time-wasting after having been advised by the umpires.
• viii)Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play during a match.
• ix)Any attempt to manipulate a match for inappropriate strategic or tactical reasons.
• x)Other issues related to a Captain where he has not acted within the spirit of the game and/or has not used his power to control elements of the game, which resulted in a disciplinary hearing due to his negligence/wilful conduct.
• xi)Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, the Laws of Cricket shall apply.

Penalties

The minimum penalty for a Level 2 offence shall be a suspension for a minimum of two

LEVEL 3 - Offences

The offences set out below are Level 3 offences:

• i)Intimidation of an umpire or Match Referee whether by language or conduct.
• ii)Threat of assault on another participant.
• iii)Using language or a gesture that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages, or vilifies another person based on that person`s race, religion, gender, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.
• iv)Charging towards the umpire in an aggressive manner.
• v)Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, the Laws of Cricket shall apply.

Penalties

The penalty for a Level 3 offence shall be a suspension of a minimum of four (4) matches, and a maximum of eight (8) matches. The Tournament Referee or Judiciary Panel may decide to partially suspend any sentence of a Level 3 Offence.

LEVEL 4 - Offences

The offences set out below are Level 4 offences:

• i)Physical assault of another participant.
• ii)Any act of violence.
• iii)Threat of physical assault or physical assault on an umpire or Match Referee.
• iv)Using language or gestures that seriously offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages, or vilifies another person based on that person`s race, religion, gender, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin.
• v)Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, the Laws of Cricket shall apply.

Penalties

The penalty for a Level 4 offence shall be a suspension of a minimum of ten (10) matches, and a maximum of a life ban for the participant concerned. The Tournament Referee or Judiciary Panel may decide to partially suspend any sentence of a Level 4 Offence.