Local League Rules 2026
1.0 Registration and Administration
1.1 Player Registration
- Maximum of 25 players registered per team at any time.
- Professional or overseas players must be declared during registration with photo uploads. Professional players are defined as those who have played International, First Class, List A, or Domestic cricket at any time, regardless of the number of games. Overseas players on cricket-related visas (e.g., Tier 5, Sports Visitor, Type C Visitor) or non-UK passport holders arriving within 60 days of the season start (unless on student, working, or spouse visas) are classified as professionals.
- Teams may register 25 players free of charge by 15th April 2026, 5pm. Deadline for free registration is 15th April 2026. Final registration cut-off is 1st July 2026 11:00 pm. No new players will be allowed to register after 1 July 2026 11:00 pm.
- Players aged 16 years old and above will be allowed to register and play. Anyone below that age will require parental consent to be shared with the league.
- To register new players after reaching the 25-player limit, teams must de-register existing players by notifying the league member. De-registered players may transfer once to another team before 1st July 2026, 5:00pm.
- Teams must verify players are not registered with another LL Cricket League team. Playing a dual-registered player results in a season-long ban for the player, deduction of all points from matches they played in for the second team, and a final decision by the League Committee.
- Registrations must be applied for by 11:59 pm every Wednesday. After the free registration period, player registration must be paid for within in the deadline (11:59 PM every Wednesday). Once payment is received, newly registered player will appear in your squad on the website once approved by the league by Friday. Registrations must be completed by 11:59 pm Wednesday. Any players registered after this period will not be included in the squad for that Sunday but will be included for the following Sunday match. Registration rules must be followed (Only pictures with a clear background will be accepted and should be the only type of image uploaded. Photos should be taken in the same manner as passport photos). No cards will be issued this year. Only online cards will be used this year so it is important that registration guidelines are followed strictly, failure to do so will result in player not being included in the squad in time for the match.
1.2. Professional Player Limits:
- Maximum of 3 professional players registered per team, with only 2 playing in any match.
- No professional players allowed in Divisions 2, 3, or 4. Violations incur a £200 fine and 20-point deduction per game played.
- Undeclared professional or overseas players result in a season-long ban for the player and captain, with all points from matches they played voided.
1.3. Team Responsibilities:
- Teams must attend all league meetings, with a £50 fine for non-attendance.
- Check the league website every Saturday or before 11:30 AM on match day for fixture changes.
- For complaints or issues, email llcricketleague@hotmail.com first. Text or call 07488363479 only for emergencies (Friday/Saturday 6:00 PM–8:00 PM or before 10:00 AM on match day).
2.0 Team Captain Responsibilities
2.1. Rule Compliance:
- Captains must ensure all team members are aware of rules and updates. Non-compliance excuses are not accepted.
- Captains are responsible for supporter behaviour, with teams liable for any misbehaviour.
2.2. Dispute Handling:
- Disputes must not interrupt play; complete the innings before raising issues with the umpire. Text or call 07488363479 immediately after informing the umpire. The league will consult the umpire, and the Committee may change match results if rules were breached.
2.3. Prohibited Actions:
- Entering the field to protest or confront the umpire or opposing team results in a minimum 2-match ban for offenders and the captain, based on umpire or opposing captain reports. The umpire may call off the game, awarding it to the opposition, or void it with both teams losing 20 points and fined £50 (or more if the Committee is involved).
- Leaving the field in protest results in match loss, 20-point deduction, and a £200 fine. The Committee may expel the team, with appeal rights by email before 12:00 PM Tuesday.
- Misleading the umpire incurs a fine, 20-point deduction, match awarded to the opposition, and voided points for the offending team.
3.0 Match Day Regulations
3.1. General Match Rules:
- Matches start at 1:30 PM unless delayed by poor weather or ground issues. Toss occurs at 1:15 PM with a minimum of 8 players per team present. Teams without 8 players forfeit the toss.
- A match cannot start without at least 8 players per team. For every 4 minutes of delay due to insufficient players, the offending team loses 1 over, up to 15 overs. If no players are present by 2:30 PM, the match is awarded to the opposing team with 20 points, and the offending team is deducted 20 points, fined £50, and responsible for full umpire (£50) and ground fees.
- Each innings is 40 overs, lasting approximately 2 hours 55 minutes. The first innings must conclude by 4:25 PM. If 40 overs are not bowled by 4:25 PM, the batting team continues until 4:35 PM, and the second innings faces only the overs bowled by 4:25 PM. The second innings starts at 4:50 PM or 25 minutes after the first innings ends if earlier. The second innings cut-off is 7:45 PM.
- Maximum of 8 overs per bowler per match.
- First 8 overs are a Power Play with only 2 fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Post-Power Play, a minimum of 4 fielders (excluding bowler and wicketkeeper) must be inside the circle, or a “no ball” is called.
- No free hit for a no ball. More than 5 fielders on the leg side or a second delivery above shoulder height per over is a no ball.
- All leg-side deliveries outside the leg stump are called wide.
- If the ball hits a helmet worn by a batsman or fielder, it is a dead ball (applies to all formats).
Players in all the Divisions must wear the coloured kits provided by the league for the season. Any player wearing any other coloured kit, previous season kits or any other leagues kit in Local League divisions will not be allowed to play. Kits displaying other leagues’ names are also prohibited.
- Home teams provide stumps, bails, 30-yard discs (not cones), and boundary markers. Playing without 30-yard discs, even if agreed, voids the game with both teams losing 20 points.
- Fielding teams provide 2 new balls and 2 used match balls per innings. New balls are used at the start of each innings. If a ball is lost within the first 4 overs, a new ball must be provided; after 4 overs, a used ball must be used. No Dukes balls; umpire decides ball suitability. Teams must carry 7 new balls per match. All of the teams will be provided 18 pink balls free of charge at the start of the season. Additional/spare balls will need to be purchased from the league. Cost of the ball remains unchanged from last year i.e £10/ball.
- A 25-minute break occurs after the first innings, unless shortened by agreement.
3.2. Player ID Cards:
Physical ID cards are being replaced with digital ID cards. As per rule 1. Player registration, Teams must register/deregister players as per the rules stated above with in the deadline stated. All approved players will be shown on the website under “Team Players” section. All active players will be on the website and can be verified by checking the website. No changes to the players can be made once the 11 players have been selected before the toss, even if players fail to arrive.
- Late players must be notified to the umpire and opposing captain before the toss, arrive by 2:30 PM (umpire’s watch), and cannot bat or bowl until on the field for the duration of their lateness (e.g., 30 minutes late = 30-minute wait). Arrival time is when the captain informs the umpire, with the player ready at the boundary in correct attire.
3.3. Substitutes:
- Only registered players included as part of the squad as per the website can substitute for injuries during the match; they cannot bat or bowl. A substitute wicketkeeper is allowed if registered. No substitutes for late or absent players.
3.4. Venue Responsibilities:
- Teams must remove rubbish from grounds, or home teams are billed for clearance.
- No smoking (including vaping) on premises, field, car parks, or surrounding areas. Violations result in a 5-point deduction.
4.0 Umpire and Fees
4.1. Umpire Fees:
- £60 per 40-over match ( £30 per team), must be paid at the toss.
- If the umpire arrives and the match is cancelled without play, each team pays £20 ( £40 total).
- The umpire’s decision is final, except for formal complaints after completing the match. The Committee may alter results post-investigation. No agreements with umpires or teams are valid.
- Home teams notify league and the away team by 11:30 AM if the ground is unplayable. The league will then notify the Umpire. The umpire or groundsman decides playability after 1:30 PM.
5.0 Bad Weather and Reduced Games
5.1. Weather and Delay Rules:
- If match has not started and no play is possible by 4:00 PM due to poor weather or an unfit ground, the match is a draw, and both teams receive 10 points.
- If a match has started and 1st innings is delayed (e.g., by rain or other issues) but a reduced 20-over match may be played, if agreed by the umpire. The Cut-off time is 5.45pm to complete 20 over in 1st innings. 2nd innings must start by 6:00 PM to achieve a 20-over game (each innings approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with a 15-minute break – excluding rain interruptions). Cut-Off time 7.45pm for 2nd innings.
If 20 overs are not bowled in 1st innings by the end of 5.45pm, the match is a draw (10 points each).
For every 8 minutes of delay after scheduled start of 1.30pm and once match has started, one over is deducted from both innings.
5.2. Minimum Overs for Result:
- A minimum of 20 overs per innings is required for a match result.
- Results use net run rate (NRR) if play stops after 20 overs (e.g., Team A scores 200 in 40 overs, NRR 5; Team B needs NRR 5+ after 20+ overs to win). If Team B scores 180 in 19.5 overs chasing 200, it’s a draw, as 20 overs are required. A result is achieved if the target is reached or all wickets are lost before 20 overs.
6.0 Match Results and Reporting
6.1. Result Submission:
Umpires Responsibility:
Umpires will be required to submit the scores on the website twice, once after the first inning finishes and secondly once the match finishes. After 1st innings the umpires will be required to submit high level score as per the example shown below and same after the second innings finishes. Teams need to ensure the scores are submitted by the umpires before leaving the ground.
- Example:
- Team A: 120/6 in 39.4 overs
- Team B: 124/7 in 30.4 overs
Teams Responsibility:
Similar to last year both teams must also enter results on the league website, following the specified format, by 8:15 PM on match day for 40-over matches. Failure to submit results incurs a 5-point deduction. Scores will need to match on the website before they can be approved. It is a must requirement that Teams score submission not only matches each other’s but also the score card submitted by the umpire.
- Include both teams’ scores, overs, and balls faced/bowled; players scoring 50+ runs, taking 4+ wickets, or achieving a hat-trick (with names and teams); and umpire performance (0–10).
If no umpire is available, then there is no requirement to submit score mid innings by the teams. Both teams still need to submit the score on the website as stated above, in the specified format by 8:15 PM on the match day for 40 over matches.
- Example:
- Team A: 120/6 in 39.4 overs, M. Ali 54, S. Hussain 4/18
- Team B: 124/7 in 30.4 overs , S. Hussain 68, M. Hussain 5/28
- Umpire: 8/10
6.2. Scorers:
- Each team provides a scorer. If a team fails to provide one, the opposing team’s score, verified by the umpire, is used.
7.0 Penalties and Fair Play
7.1. Time Wasting:
- Deliberate time-wasting incurs a 5-point deduction.
7.2. Saliva on Ball:
- First offence: Warning.
- Second offence: 5 penalty runs deducted.
- Third offence: Player removed from the match.
7.3. Rule Violations:
- Deliberate breaches may result in fines, point deductions, match forfeiture, or a 20-point deduction, as determined by the four-tier penalty system (see Section 8.0). Teams unable to fulfil fixtures cover ground and umpire fees, lose the match, and face a 20-point deduction and £50 fine.
- Abuse of rules or individuals (e.g., umpire or opponent abuse) incurs penalties at the Committee’s discretion, including 2-match bans, fines, or suspensions, classified under the four-tier system.
Complaints must be emailed to llcricketleague@hotmail.com by 12:00 PM Tuesday post-incident. An independent Committee Panel decides, with outcomes of rescinded, upheld, or increased penalties.
- Complaints require a £100 payment and must be communicated via text/call on match day, followed by an email to llcricketleague@hotmail.com by 12:00 PM Tuesday. Further information may be requested, with responses due from the teams by 12:00 PM Wednesday. Based on the committee individuals availability, the committee will meet Thursday/Friday to discuss the case and decision will be communicated to the teams by Friday evening.
- 7.4. Match Forfeiture:
- Teams failing to start by 2:30 PM due to insufficient players cover full umpire (£60) and ground fees, lose 20 points, and the opposing team gains 20 points.
8.0 Four-Tier Penalty System for Rule Breaches
8.1. Overview:
- The League Committee classifies breaches of league rules into four tiers based on severity, intent, and impact. Punishments include fines (payable within 7 days), point deductions, and suspensions. Decisions are based on written reports and evidence, with no meetings held with players or teams.
8.2. Tier 1: Minor Offence:
- Description: Minor infractions with minimal game impact, typically unintentional, e.g., late submission of match results, minor attire violations (incorrect shirt colour).
- Punishments:
- Player: Formal warning, recorded in player’s record. No suspension.
- Team: Deduction of 5 league points.
- Fine: £50 per offence, payable within 7 days.
- Additional: Team must rectify the issue (e.g., correct attire) by the next match. Failure escalates to Tier 2.
8.3. Tier 2: Moderate Offence:
- Description**: Breaches affecting fairness or integrity, not malicious, e.g., deliberate time-wasting, using saliva on the ball (second offence), failure to provide required equipment (new balls). Repeated Tier 1 offences may escalate to Tier 2.
- Punishments:
- Player: 1-match suspension, effective from the next scheduled match.
- Team: Deduction of 10 league points.
- Fine: £100 per offence, payable within 7 days.
- Additional: Committee may require a written apology or corrective action (e.g., equipment provision). Repeated offences escalate to Tier 3.
8.4. Tier 3: Serious Offence: - Description: Significant breaches undermining the game’s spirit, e.g., using an unregistered player, deliberate rule abuse to gain advantage, using saliva on the ball (third offence). Repeated Tier 2 offences or unpaid fines may escalate to Tier 3.
- Punishments:
- Player: 2–4 match suspension, determined by the Committee, effective from the next scheduled match.
- Team: Deduction of 20 league points and forfeiture of match points.
- Fine: £150 per offence, payable within 7 days.
- Additional: Repeated offences or non-compliance may result in Tier 4 penalties.
8.5. Tier 4: Grave Offence:
- Description: Severe breaches damaging league integrity, e.g., match-fixing, physical altercations, verbal abuse of umpires or opponents, failure to fulfil a fixture without valid reason. Repeated Tier 3 offences may be classified as Tier 4.
- Punishments:
- Player: Suspension for the remainder of the season or minimum 6 matches (whichever is longer), with potential permanent expulsion, subject to Committee review.
- Team: Deduction of 30 league points, forfeiture of match points, potential relegation or expulsion, subject to Committee decision.
- Fine: £200 per offence, payable within 7 days, plus additional costs (e.g., ground or umpire fees).
- Additional: Team must submit a Committee-approved action plan to prevent future breaches. Probation may be imposed for the next season, with further breaches leading to expulsion.
8.6. Notes:
- Committee Discretion: The Committee assigns tiers based on written reports and evidence. Decisions are final, subject to the appeals process (Section 7.0, Rule 7.3).
- Escalation: Repeated offences within a season may escalate to a higher tier.
- Payment of Fines: Fines must be paid within 7 days. Non-payment incurs 5-point deductions per week of delay and potential tier escalation.
- Suspension Enforcement: Suspensions apply to all league matches and cannot be served during cancelled or postponed games.
- Record Keeping: All offences and punishments are recorded and may impact future disciplinary decisions.
9.0 Points System
9.1. Match Points:
- Win/Lose: Winning Team - 20 points for the winning team, Losing Team – Batting and Bowling points.
- Draw:
- Same Score - both teams receive 10 points.
- Rain: If the match is stopped due to rain and a result is not possible (minimum 20 overs not completed), both teams receive 10 points.
- No Result/Abandoned: If the match is abandoned (e.g., no play by 4:00 PM due to poor weather or unfit ground), both teams receive 10 points.
- Dispute: If a dispute arises, both teams receive 0 points until the League Committee decides the outcome.
- One Team Not Available: If a team is unable to play (e.g., insufficient players by 2:30 PM), the available team receives 20 points, and the unavailable team is deducted 20 points.
9.2. Batting Points (Losing Team):
- 0–99 runs: 0 points
- 100–134 runs: 1 point
- 135–169 runs: 2 points
- 170–204 runs: 3 points
- 205–239 runs: 4 points
- 240+ runs: 5 points
9.3. Bowling Points (Losing Team):
- 1–3 wickets: 1 point
- 4–5 wickets: 2 points
- 6–7 wickets: 3 points
- 8–9 wickets: 4 points
- 10 wickets/all out: 5 points
10.0 Awards Submission
10.1 End-of-Season Awards:
- Teams submit by email to llcricketleague@hotmail.com:
- Best umpire nomination.
- Highest run scorer and total runs per division and all competitions.
- Highest wicket taker and total wickets per division and all competitions.
- Outstanding performances (hat-tricks, best batting/bowling).
10.2 Clarifications
- Overs Counting: Overs started before cut-off times (e.g., 4:25 PM for 40 overs, 5:45 PM for 20 overs) count as completed.
- Injury Delays: Umpires adjust cut-off times for injuries or extreme circumstances.
- Non-Playable Grounds: Home teams notify by 11:30 AM if unplayable. Umpires decide after 1:30 PM.
- No Rearrangements: Cancelled matches cannot be rescheduled.
- Committee Powers: The Committee may amend rules, reject player registrations, or expel teams/players for bringing the league into disrepute. Decisions are final.
- Division Structure: 10 teams per division, 3 promoted, 3 relegated. Premiership play-offs on 23 August 2026 and League Final 20th September 2026 (weather-dependent, higher-finishing team wins if cancelled).
- Cup Formats: T20 Cup (Premier and Division 1) and Shield T20 (Divisions 2–3) start 23 August 2026, with reserve day by 27th September 2026. Non-fulfilment incurs pitch and umpire fees.
- Finals to take place at Pickwick CC.
1.1 Player Registration
- Maximum of 25 players registered per team at any time.
- Professional or overseas players must be declared during registration with photo uploads. Professional players are defined as those who have played International, First Class, List A, or Domestic cricket at any time, regardless of the number of games. Overseas players on cricket-related visas (e.g., Tier 5, Sports Visitor, Type C Visitor) or non-UK passport holders arriving within 60 days of the season start (unless on student, working, or spouse visas) are classified as professionals.
- Teams may register 25 players free of charge by 15th April 2026, 5pm. Deadline for free registration is 15th April 2026. Final registration cut-off is 1st July 2026 11:00 pm. No new players will be allowed to register after 1 July 2026 11:00 pm.
- Players aged 16 years old and above will be allowed to register and play. Anyone below that age will require parental consent to be shared with the league.
- To register new players after reaching the 25-player limit, teams must de-register existing players by notifying the league member. De-registered players may transfer once to another team before 1st July 2026, 5:00pm.
- Teams must verify players are not registered with another LL Cricket League team. Playing a dual-registered player results in a season-long ban for the player, deduction of all points from matches they played in for the second team, and a final decision by the League Committee.
- Registrations must be applied for by 11:59 pm every Wednesday. After the free registration period, player registration must be paid for within in the deadline (11:59 PM every Wednesday). Once payment is received, newly registered player will appear in your squad on the website once approved by the league by Friday. Registrations must be completed by 11:59 pm Wednesday. Any players registered after this period will not be included in the squad for that Sunday but will be included for the following Sunday match. Registration rules must be followed (Only pictures with a clear background will be accepted and should be the only type of image uploaded. Photos should be taken in the same manner as passport photos). No cards will be issued this year. Only online cards will be used this year so it is important that registration guidelines are followed strictly, failure to do so will result in player not being included in the squad in time for the match.
1.2. Professional Player Limits:
- Maximum of 3 professional players registered per team, with only 2 playing in any match.
- No professional players allowed in Divisions 2, 3, or 4. Violations incur a £200 fine and 20-point deduction per game played.
- Undeclared professional or overseas players result in a season-long ban for the player and captain, with all points from matches they played voided.
1.3. Team Responsibilities:
- Teams must attend all league meetings, with a £50 fine for non-attendance.
- Check the league website every Saturday or before 11:30 AM on match day for fixture changes.
- For complaints or issues, email llcricketleague@hotmail.com first. Text or call 07488363479 only for emergencies (Friday/Saturday 6:00 PM–8:00 PM or before 10:00 AM on match day).
2.0 Team Captain Responsibilities
2.1. Rule Compliance:
- Captains must ensure all team members are aware of rules and updates. Non-compliance excuses are not accepted.
- Captains are responsible for supporter behaviour, with teams liable for any misbehaviour.
2.2. Dispute Handling:
- Disputes must not interrupt play; complete the innings before raising issues with the umpire. Text or call 07488363479 immediately after informing the umpire. The league will consult the umpire, and the Committee may change match results if rules were breached.
2.3. Prohibited Actions:
- Entering the field to protest or confront the umpire or opposing team results in a minimum 2-match ban for offenders and the captain, based on umpire or opposing captain reports. The umpire may call off the game, awarding it to the opposition, or void it with both teams losing 20 points and fined £50 (or more if the Committee is involved).
- Leaving the field in protest results in match loss, 20-point deduction, and a £200 fine. The Committee may expel the team, with appeal rights by email before 12:00 PM Tuesday.
- Misleading the umpire incurs a fine, 20-point deduction, match awarded to the opposition, and voided points for the offending team.
3.0 Match Day Regulations
3.1. General Match Rules:
- Matches start at 1:30 PM unless delayed by poor weather or ground issues. Toss occurs at 1:15 PM with a minimum of 8 players per team present. Teams without 8 players forfeit the toss.
- A match cannot start without at least 8 players per team. For every 4 minutes of delay due to insufficient players, the offending team loses 1 over, up to 15 overs. If no players are present by 2:30 PM, the match is awarded to the opposing team with 20 points, and the offending team is deducted 20 points, fined £50, and responsible for full umpire (£50) and ground fees.
- Each innings is 40 overs, lasting approximately 2 hours 55 minutes. The first innings must conclude by 4:25 PM. If 40 overs are not bowled by 4:25 PM, the batting team continues until 4:35 PM, and the second innings faces only the overs bowled by 4:25 PM. The second innings starts at 4:50 PM or 25 minutes after the first innings ends if earlier. The second innings cut-off is 7:45 PM.
- Maximum of 8 overs per bowler per match.
- First 8 overs are a Power Play with only 2 fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Post-Power Play, a minimum of 4 fielders (excluding bowler and wicketkeeper) must be inside the circle, or a “no ball” is called.
- No free hit for a no ball. More than 5 fielders on the leg side or a second delivery above shoulder height per over is a no ball.
- All leg-side deliveries outside the leg stump are called wide.
- If the ball hits a helmet worn by a batsman or fielder, it is a dead ball (applies to all formats).
Players in all the Divisions must wear the coloured kits provided by the league for the season. Any player wearing any other coloured kit, previous season kits or any other leagues kit in Local League divisions will not be allowed to play. Kits displaying other leagues’ names are also prohibited.
- Home teams provide stumps, bails, 30-yard discs (not cones), and boundary markers. Playing without 30-yard discs, even if agreed, voids the game with both teams losing 20 points.
- Fielding teams provide 2 new balls and 2 used match balls per innings. New balls are used at the start of each innings. If a ball is lost within the first 4 overs, a new ball must be provided; after 4 overs, a used ball must be used. No Dukes balls; umpire decides ball suitability. Teams must carry 7 new balls per match. All of the teams will be provided 18 pink balls free of charge at the start of the season. Additional/spare balls will need to be purchased from the league. Cost of the ball remains unchanged from last year i.e £10/ball.
- A 25-minute break occurs after the first innings, unless shortened by agreement.
3.2. Player ID Cards:
Physical ID cards are being replaced with digital ID cards. As per rule 1. Player registration, Teams must register/deregister players as per the rules stated above with in the deadline stated. All approved players will be shown on the website under “Team Players” section. All active players will be on the website and can be verified by checking the website. No changes to the players can be made once the 11 players have been selected before the toss, even if players fail to arrive.
- Late players must be notified to the umpire and opposing captain before the toss, arrive by 2:30 PM (umpire’s watch), and cannot bat or bowl until on the field for the duration of their lateness (e.g., 30 minutes late = 30-minute wait). Arrival time is when the captain informs the umpire, with the player ready at the boundary in correct attire.
3.3. Substitutes:
- Only registered players included as part of the squad as per the website can substitute for injuries during the match; they cannot bat or bowl. A substitute wicketkeeper is allowed if registered. No substitutes for late or absent players.
3.4. Venue Responsibilities:
- Teams must remove rubbish from grounds, or home teams are billed for clearance.
- No smoking (including vaping) on premises, field, car parks, or surrounding areas. Violations result in a 5-point deduction.
4.0 Umpire and Fees
4.1. Umpire Fees:
- £60 per 40-over match ( £30 per team), must be paid at the toss.
- If the umpire arrives and the match is cancelled without play, each team pays £20 ( £40 total).
- The umpire’s decision is final, except for formal complaints after completing the match. The Committee may alter results post-investigation. No agreements with umpires or teams are valid.
- Home teams notify league and the away team by 11:30 AM if the ground is unplayable. The league will then notify the Umpire. The umpire or groundsman decides playability after 1:30 PM.
5.0 Bad Weather and Reduced Games
5.1. Weather and Delay Rules:
- If match has not started and no play is possible by 4:00 PM due to poor weather or an unfit ground, the match is a draw, and both teams receive 10 points.
- If a match has started and 1st innings is delayed (e.g., by rain or other issues) but a reduced 20-over match may be played, if agreed by the umpire. The Cut-off time is 5.45pm to complete 20 over in 1st innings. 2nd innings must start by 6:00 PM to achieve a 20-over game (each innings approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with a 15-minute break – excluding rain interruptions). Cut-Off time 7.45pm for 2nd innings.
If 20 overs are not bowled in 1st innings by the end of 5.45pm, the match is a draw (10 points each).
For every 8 minutes of delay after scheduled start of 1.30pm and once match has started, one over is deducted from both innings.
5.2. Minimum Overs for Result:
- A minimum of 20 overs per innings is required for a match result.
- Results use net run rate (NRR) if play stops after 20 overs (e.g., Team A scores 200 in 40 overs, NRR 5; Team B needs NRR 5+ after 20+ overs to win). If Team B scores 180 in 19.5 overs chasing 200, it’s a draw, as 20 overs are required. A result is achieved if the target is reached or all wickets are lost before 20 overs.
6.0 Match Results and Reporting
6.1. Result Submission:
Umpires Responsibility:
Umpires will be required to submit the scores on the website twice, once after the first inning finishes and secondly once the match finishes. After 1st innings the umpires will be required to submit high level score as per the example shown below and same after the second innings finishes. Teams need to ensure the scores are submitted by the umpires before leaving the ground.
- Example:
- Team A: 120/6 in 39.4 overs
- Team B: 124/7 in 30.4 overs
Teams Responsibility:
Similar to last year both teams must also enter results on the league website, following the specified format, by 8:15 PM on match day for 40-over matches. Failure to submit results incurs a 5-point deduction. Scores will need to match on the website before they can be approved. It is a must requirement that Teams score submission not only matches each other’s but also the score card submitted by the umpire.
- Include both teams’ scores, overs, and balls faced/bowled; players scoring 50+ runs, taking 4+ wickets, or achieving a hat-trick (with names and teams); and umpire performance (0–10).
If no umpire is available, then there is no requirement to submit score mid innings by the teams. Both teams still need to submit the score on the website as stated above, in the specified format by 8:15 PM on the match day for 40 over matches.
- Example:
- Team A: 120/6 in 39.4 overs, M. Ali 54, S. Hussain 4/18
- Team B: 124/7 in 30.4 overs , S. Hussain 68, M. Hussain 5/28
- Umpire: 8/10
6.2. Scorers:
- Each team provides a scorer. If a team fails to provide one, the opposing team’s score, verified by the umpire, is used.
7.0 Penalties and Fair Play
7.1. Time Wasting:
- Deliberate time-wasting incurs a 5-point deduction.
7.2. Saliva on Ball:
- First offence: Warning.
- Second offence: 5 penalty runs deducted.
- Third offence: Player removed from the match.
7.3. Rule Violations:
- Deliberate breaches may result in fines, point deductions, match forfeiture, or a 20-point deduction, as determined by the four-tier penalty system (see Section 8.0). Teams unable to fulfil fixtures cover ground and umpire fees, lose the match, and face a 20-point deduction and £50 fine.
- Abuse of rules or individuals (e.g., umpire or opponent abuse) incurs penalties at the Committee’s discretion, including 2-match bans, fines, or suspensions, classified under the four-tier system.
Complaints must be emailed to llcricketleague@hotmail.com by 12:00 PM Tuesday post-incident. An independent Committee Panel decides, with outcomes of rescinded, upheld, or increased penalties.
- Complaints require a £100 payment and must be communicated via text/call on match day, followed by an email to llcricketleague@hotmail.com by 12:00 PM Tuesday. Further information may be requested, with responses due from the teams by 12:00 PM Wednesday. Based on the committee individuals availability, the committee will meet Thursday/Friday to discuss the case and decision will be communicated to the teams by Friday evening.
- 7.4. Match Forfeiture:
- Teams failing to start by 2:30 PM due to insufficient players cover full umpire (£60) and ground fees, lose 20 points, and the opposing team gains 20 points.
8.0 Four-Tier Penalty System for Rule Breaches
8.1. Overview:
- The League Committee classifies breaches of league rules into four tiers based on severity, intent, and impact. Punishments include fines (payable within 7 days), point deductions, and suspensions. Decisions are based on written reports and evidence, with no meetings held with players or teams.
8.2. Tier 1: Minor Offence:
- Description: Minor infractions with minimal game impact, typically unintentional, e.g., late submission of match results, minor attire violations (incorrect shirt colour).
- Punishments:
- Player: Formal warning, recorded in player’s record. No suspension.
- Team: Deduction of 5 league points.
- Fine: £50 per offence, payable within 7 days.
- Additional: Team must rectify the issue (e.g., correct attire) by the next match. Failure escalates to Tier 2.
8.3. Tier 2: Moderate Offence:
- Description**: Breaches affecting fairness or integrity, not malicious, e.g., deliberate time-wasting, using saliva on the ball (second offence), failure to provide required equipment (new balls). Repeated Tier 1 offences may escalate to Tier 2.
- Punishments:
- Player: 1-match suspension, effective from the next scheduled match.
- Team: Deduction of 10 league points.
- Fine: £100 per offence, payable within 7 days.
- Additional: Committee may require a written apology or corrective action (e.g., equipment provision). Repeated offences escalate to Tier 3.
8.4. Tier 3: Serious Offence: - Description: Significant breaches undermining the game’s spirit, e.g., using an unregistered player, deliberate rule abuse to gain advantage, using saliva on the ball (third offence). Repeated Tier 2 offences or unpaid fines may escalate to Tier 3.
- Punishments:
- Player: 2–4 match suspension, determined by the Committee, effective from the next scheduled match.
- Team: Deduction of 20 league points and forfeiture of match points.
- Fine: £150 per offence, payable within 7 days.
- Additional: Repeated offences or non-compliance may result in Tier 4 penalties.
8.5. Tier 4: Grave Offence:
- Description: Severe breaches damaging league integrity, e.g., match-fixing, physical altercations, verbal abuse of umpires or opponents, failure to fulfil a fixture without valid reason. Repeated Tier 3 offences may be classified as Tier 4.
- Punishments:
- Player: Suspension for the remainder of the season or minimum 6 matches (whichever is longer), with potential permanent expulsion, subject to Committee review.
- Team: Deduction of 30 league points, forfeiture of match points, potential relegation or expulsion, subject to Committee decision.
- Fine: £200 per offence, payable within 7 days, plus additional costs (e.g., ground or umpire fees).
- Additional: Team must submit a Committee-approved action plan to prevent future breaches. Probation may be imposed for the next season, with further breaches leading to expulsion.
8.6. Notes:
- Committee Discretion: The Committee assigns tiers based on written reports and evidence. Decisions are final, subject to the appeals process (Section 7.0, Rule 7.3).
- Escalation: Repeated offences within a season may escalate to a higher tier.
- Payment of Fines: Fines must be paid within 7 days. Non-payment incurs 5-point deductions per week of delay and potential tier escalation.
- Suspension Enforcement: Suspensions apply to all league matches and cannot be served during cancelled or postponed games.
- Record Keeping: All offences and punishments are recorded and may impact future disciplinary decisions.
9.0 Points System
9.1. Match Points:
- Win/Lose: Winning Team - 20 points for the winning team, Losing Team – Batting and Bowling points.
- Draw:
- Same Score - both teams receive 10 points.
- Rain: If the match is stopped due to rain and a result is not possible (minimum 20 overs not completed), both teams receive 10 points.
- No Result/Abandoned: If the match is abandoned (e.g., no play by 4:00 PM due to poor weather or unfit ground), both teams receive 10 points.
- Dispute: If a dispute arises, both teams receive 0 points until the League Committee decides the outcome.
- One Team Not Available: If a team is unable to play (e.g., insufficient players by 2:30 PM), the available team receives 20 points, and the unavailable team is deducted 20 points.
9.2. Batting Points (Losing Team):
- 0–99 runs: 0 points
- 100–134 runs: 1 point
- 135–169 runs: 2 points
- 170–204 runs: 3 points
- 205–239 runs: 4 points
- 240+ runs: 5 points
9.3. Bowling Points (Losing Team):
- 1–3 wickets: 1 point
- 4–5 wickets: 2 points
- 6–7 wickets: 3 points
- 8–9 wickets: 4 points
- 10 wickets/all out: 5 points
10.0 Awards Submission
10.1 End-of-Season Awards:
- Teams submit by email to llcricketleague@hotmail.com:
- Best umpire nomination.
- Highest run scorer and total runs per division and all competitions.
- Highest wicket taker and total wickets per division and all competitions.
- Outstanding performances (hat-tricks, best batting/bowling).
10.2 Clarifications
- Overs Counting: Overs started before cut-off times (e.g., 4:25 PM for 40 overs, 5:45 PM for 20 overs) count as completed.
- Injury Delays: Umpires adjust cut-off times for injuries or extreme circumstances.
- Non-Playable Grounds: Home teams notify by 11:30 AM if unplayable. Umpires decide after 1:30 PM.
- No Rearrangements: Cancelled matches cannot be rescheduled.
- Committee Powers: The Committee may amend rules, reject player registrations, or expel teams/players for bringing the league into disrepute. Decisions are final.
- Division Structure: 10 teams per division, 3 promoted, 3 relegated. Premiership play-offs on 23 August 2026 and League Final 20th September 2026 (weather-dependent, higher-finishing team wins if cancelled).
- Cup Formats: T20 Cup (Premier and Division 1) and Shield T20 (Divisions 2–3) start 23 August 2026, with reserve day by 27th September 2026. Non-fulfilment incurs pitch and umpire fees.
- Finals to take place at Pickwick CC.
