Improvisation is always welcomed whether it comes in the human life or in sports, as it will ensure that changes come for better. Cricket is one of the most loved games in the world so if there are any chances of improvement in order to make the game more interesting yet simpler for not only the players and umpires but also spectators, they should be done without any delay.
On Tuesday, the law making body of Cricket, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), released the summary of amended laws of the game which will be implemented from October 1, 2017, worldwide. This is for the first time after 2000 that the laws of cricket have been amended.
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Fraser Stewart , law manager of MCC, stated,
“MCC has left no stone unturned in researching and redrafting the new Laws of Cricket and has done so in order to make the Laws work in a way that makes sense to players, umpires, and spectators.”
He further added,
“The Laws are applicable worldwide so they need to be as simple as possible to understand and inclusive to all. The Club hopes to encourage interest in the game at all levels and believes these new Laws are reflective of the present time and easier for cricketers and umpires to interpret.”
42 laws have been amended by MCC and the biggest change is that a player can be sent off the field by the umpire if he commits a level 3 or above offence.
Here is the summary:
a) Now written in language applying to all persons, regardless of gender.
b) The Handled the ball Law has been deleted, with its contents merged into Obstructing the field.
c) The Lost ball Law has been deleted and is now covered under Dead ball.
d) Limits placed on the thickness of the edges and the overall depth of the bat.
e) Injuries hoped to be prevented in a new Law which allow mechanisms tethering the bails to the stumps.
f) Bowling of deliberate front foot No balls to be treated in same way as deliberate full-tosses.
g) A new Law of the game, Players’ conduct, is introduced, giving an in-match consequence for poor on-field behaviour.
h) The Law regarding running out the non-striker has been altered.
i) ‘Bouncing bat’ Law changed, substitutes now allowed to keep wicket and concept of penalty time amended.
Do you think that these changes will make cricket more entertaining? Share your views in the comments section below.