The Spirit of Cricket

In 2000, when the Laws of Cricket were revised a new preamble was added called the "Spirit of Cricket". This can be found on page 22 of 'Tom Smith's', in the EYCA Handbook and should be on display in every cricket club in the world. This was an attempt to ensure that the game would be played within the laws of the game and taking due notice of the traditions of the game. Over the years the word cricket has become a byword for the essence of fairness; the term "It's not cricket" is synonymous with fair play. One of the dictionary definitions of cricket is -"that which is fair and sporting". Sadly there is much in modern day cricket which contravenes this ethos.

It is, however, now incumbent on players and officials to ensure that the "Spirit of Cricket" is complied with both on and off the field. The main responsibility for ensuring that the game is played with a due spirit of fair play lies with the captains of the teams, and the players but if they abrogate this responsibility then the umpires are duty bound to remind them of their responsibilities. We should not be lax in upholding the spirit of the game, and this can usually be done in a quiet, pro-active and supportive way without causing offence or humiliation to players.

The Spirit 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.

1. There are two Laws which place 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 criticising by word or action the decision 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.

2. 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.

3. The umpires are authorised 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

4. The Spirit of the Game involves RESPECT for:

• Your opponents
• Your own captain
• The roles of the umpires
• The game's traditional values

5. 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
• To indulge in cheating or any sharp practice, for instance:
• (a) to appeal knowing that the batsman is not out
• (b) to advance towards an umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
• (c) 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

6. Violence

There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.

7. Players

Captains and umpires together set the tone for the conduct of a cricket match. Every player is expected to make an important contribution towards this.

The Spirit of Cricket © MCC