THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET (Preamble to the Laws of Cricket)
CRICKET is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within
its Laws, but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game
itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.
There are two Laws that place the responsibility for the team's conduct firmly on the captain
Responsibility of captains:
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is
conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.
Player's conduct:
In the event of a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or
criticizing by word or action decisions of an umpire, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring
the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and to the player's
captain, and instruct the latter to take action.
Fair and unfair play:
According to the Laws the umpires are the sole judges of
fair and unfair play. The umpires may intervene at any time, and it is the responsibility of the captain to take action where
required.
The umpires are authorized to intervene in cases of:
Time wasting
Damaging the pitch
Dangerous or unfair bowling
Tampering with the ball
Any other action that they consider to be unfair
The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:
Your opponents
Your own captain and team
The role of the umpires
The game's traditional values
It is against the Spirit of the Game:
To dispute an umpire's decision by word, action or gesture
To direct abusive language towards an opponent or umpire
Indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:
to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out; to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing;
to seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise
of enthusiasm and motivation of one's own side.
Violence
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.
Players
Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket
match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution to this.
