Cricket 🏏 ( defination and rules)

INTRODUCTION 

 Cricket is a sport that has been played for over 400 years and has become one of the most popular sports in the world. The game has evolved over time, and with that, the rules of the game have changed too. In this article, we will explore the rules of cricket and how they shape the game we all love.

The Basics

Cricket is played between two teams, with each team consisting of eleven players. The game is played on a circular field with a 22-yard-long rectangular strip in the center, known as the pitch. The team that scores the most runs wins the game.

The Game

Each team gets to bat and bowl for a set number of overs. An over is a set of six deliveries or pitches from the bowler to the batsman. After six deliveries, the bowler switches ends, and another bowler from the same team takes over. The team that bowls first is known as the fielding team, and the team that bats first is known as the batting team.

The Pitch

The pitch is the most critical area of the cricket field. It is 22 yards long and 10 feet wide. The pitch is divided into three main sections: the bowling crease, the batting crease, and the popping crease. The bowling crease is where the bowler delivers the ball from, and it is marked by two white lines that are 8 feet 8 inches apart. The batting crease is where the batsman stands, and it is marked by two white lines that are 3 feet 4 inches apart. The popping crease is marked by two white lines that are 4 feet away from the stumps at each end of the pitch. These creases are important because they help the umpire make decisions on run-outs and stumpings.

The Stumps

The stumps are three vertical posts that are 28 inches high and are placed at each end of the pitch. The stumps are connected by two horizontal pieces of wood, known as bails. The aim of the game for the fielding team is to hit the stumps with the ball to get the batsman out.

Scoring Runs

A run is scored when the batsman hits the ball and runs to the opposite end of the pitch, crossing the crease. If the ball is hit and crosses the boundary, four runs are awarded. If the ball is hit over the boundary without touching the ground, six runs are awarded. In addition to runs, there are also extras, which include wides, no-balls, and byes.

Wides

A wide is called when the ball is delivered outside the batsman's reach and cannot be hit. If the umpire deems the ball to be too wide, a run is awarded to the batting team, and the ball is re-bowled.

No-balls

A no-ball is called when the bowler oversteps the bowling crease, or when the ball is delivered above the waist of the batsman. If a no-ball is called, a run is awarded to the batting team, and the ball is re-bowled.

Byes

Byes are runs that are scored when the ball goes past the batsman without being hit but still crosses the boundary. These runs are credited to the batting team and are not counted as runs scored off the batsman's bat.

THE RULES 

In recent years, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has made some significant changes to the rules of the game to make it more exciting and accessible to new fans. Some of the notable rule changes in cricket include:

1. SUPER OVERS: In limited-overs cricket matches that end in a tie, a Super Over is played to determine the winner. Each team bats for one over, with the team scoring the most runs winning the match.

2. THIRD UMPIRE: The role of the third umpire has been expanded to include more decision-making in the game, particularly around catches and boundary decisions.

3. POWERPLAY: In limited-overs cricket, teams can choose to take a Powerplay, during which the fielding restrictions are tightened, allowing for more aggressive batting.

4. DRS: The Decision Review System (DRS) has been introduced in all international matches. This allows teams to challenge on-field decisions and request a review of a decision from the third umpire.

5. FREE HITS: If a bowler bowls a no-ball, the next delivery is a free hit. This means the batsman cannot be out on that delivery, except for run-out.

6. CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTES: In Test cricket, a player who has suffered a concussion can be substituted during the match, subject to certain conditions.

These are some of the notable rule changes that have been implemented in cricket in recent years. The ICC continues to review and update the rules to ensure the game remains fair, safe, and exciting for players and fans alike.

WHAT HAPPEN IF CRICKETER DOES NOT FOLLOW THE RULES?

In cricket, players are expected to follow the rules of the game. If a cricketer fails to follow the rules, there can be several consequences, including:

1. PENALTIES: If a player commits a minor infraction of the rules, the umpire may award a penalty to the opposing team. Penalties can include awarding extra runs to the opposing team, a free hit, or a warning.

2. SUSPENSION: If a player commits a serious infraction, they may be suspended from playing for a period of time. The length of the suspension will depend on the severity of the infraction.

3. FINES: In some cases, players may be fined for breaking the rules. The amount of the fine will depend on the severity of the infraction and the player's past behavior.

4. DISQUALIFICATION: If a player commits a serious breach of the rules, they may be disqualified from the game. This means they will not be allowed to continue playing in the match and may face further disciplinary action.

It is important for cricketers to follow the rules of the game to ensure fair play and sportsmanship. In addition, players who fail to follow the rules may harm their team's chances of winning and damage the reputation of the sport. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all players to uphold the integrity of the game and follow the rules.

CONCLUSION 

Cricket is a game of strategy, skill, and patience. The rules of the game have evolved over time, but the essence of the game has remained the same. The objective is to score more runs than the opposition while trying to get them out.

Understanding the rules of the game is crucial to enjoying cricket, and with this article, you should have a better understanding of how the game is played.