The MCC's new revised version of the Laws of Cricket for the new millennium has
been approved by the Club's AGM - and is set to be implemented in October.
The new version does not immediately replace the current Laws - these remain in
force until 1 October.
The game of Cricket has been governed by a series of Codes of Law for over 250 years.
These Codes have been subject to additions and alterations recommended by the governing
authorities of the time.
Since its formation in 1787, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been recognised
as the sole authority for drawing up the Code and for all subsequent amendments.
The Club also holds the World copyright.
The basic Laws of Cricket have stood remarkably well the test of well over 250 years
of playing the game. It is thought the real reason for this is that cricketers have
traditionally been prepared to play in the Spirit of the Game as well as in accordance
with the Laws.
Now in 2000, MCC has revised and re-written the Laws for the new Millennium. In
this Code, the major innovation is the introduction of the Spirit of Cricket as
a preface to the Laws.
Whereas in the past it was assumed that the implicit Spirit of the Game was understood
and accepted by all those involved, now MCC feels it right to put into words some
clear guidelines, which will help to maintain the unique character and enjoyment
of the game.
The other aims have been to dispense with the Notes, to incorporate all the points
into the Laws and to remove, where possible, any ambiguities, so that captains,
players and umpires can continue to enjoy the game at whatever level they may be
playing.
MCC has consulted widely with all the Full Member Countries of the International
Cricket Council, the Governing Body of the game. There has been close consultation
with the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers. The Club has also brought in
umpires and players from all round the world.
SIGNIFICAT DATES IN THE HISTORY OF THE
LAW
1700
Cricket was recognised as early as this date.
1744
The earliest known Code was drawn up by certain "Noblemen and Gentlemen" who used
the Artillery Ground in London. 1755 The Laws were revised by "Several Cricket Clubs,
particularly the Star and Garter in Pall Mall".
1774
A further revision was produced by "a Committee of Noblemen and Gentlemen of
Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and London at the Star and Garter".
1786
A further revision was undertaken by a similar body of Noblemen and Gentlemen
of Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and London.
1788
The first MCC Code of Laws was adopted on 30th May.
1835
A new Code of Laws was approved by the MCC Committee on 19th May.
1884
After consultation with cricket clubs worldwide, important alterations were
incorporated in a new version approved at an MCC Special General Meeting on 21st
April.
1947
A new Code of Laws was approved at an MCC Special General Meeting on 7th May. The
main changes were aimed at achieving clarification and better arrangement of the
Laws and their interpretations. This did not, however, exclude certain definite
alterations which were designed to provide greater latitude in the conduct of the
game as required by the widely differing conditions in which Cricket was played.
1979
After five editions of the l947 Code, a further revision was begun in 1974 with
the aim being to remove certain anomalies, consolidate various Amendments and Notes,
and to achieve greater clarity and simplicity. The new Code of Laws was approved
at an MCC Special General Meeting on 21st November.
1992
A second edition of the 1980 Code was produced, incorporating all the amendments
which were approved during the intervening twelve years.
Many queries on the Laws, which apply equally to women's cricket as to men's, are
sent to MCC for decision every year. MCC, as the accepted Guardian of the Laws,
which can only be changed by the vote of two-thirds of the Members present and voting
at a Special General Meeting of the Club, has always been prepared to answer the
queries and to give interpretations on certain conditions, which will be readily
understood, i.e.:-
(a) In the case of League or Competition Cricket, the enquiry must come from
the Committee responsible for organising the league or competition. In other cases,
enquiries should be initiated by a representative officer of a club, or of an umpires'
association on behalf of his or her committee, or by a master or mistress in charge
of school cricket.
(b) The incident on which a ruling is required must not be merely invented
for disputation but must have actually occurred in play.
(c) The enquiry must not be connected in any way with a bet or wager.
MCC 5/6/2000