Rules.
The official playing rules of the Hand Cricket League, from the toss to the code of conduct.
01
Toss
Decided by 3, 5 or 7 rounds of Odd–Even, depending on the stage.
| Stage | Odd–Even rounds |
|---|---|
| League matches | 3 × Odd–Even |
| Playoffs | 5 × Odd–Even |
| Final | 7 × Odd–Even |
02
DRS
From Season 6: 2 reviews per team, decided by the Umpire Council. No more Odd–Even.
DRS from Season 6
- · Each team has 2 DRS reviews.
- · To use one, the team must give a valid statement explaining why the umpire's decision should be changed.
- · The Umpire Council decides. If they agree, the decision is changed and the team keeps the review. If not, the review is lost.
Odd–Even reviews (HCL-Traditional DRS) were used up to Season 5 and are no longer used. The toss is still decided by Odd–Even.
03
Retired Hurt
Allowed only between 15 and 150 runs.
A batter who has scored at least 15 and at most 150 runs may retire at any time and come back to bat whenever they wish.
Not allowed
Allowed
Not allowed
04
No Ball
Late or unconventional numbers are a no ball.
- · If a player shows their number late, or uses any unconventional method to show it, it is a no ball. The batter is declared not out and is given the runs they showed.
- · If it happens by mistake and the bowler admits it, it is a re-ball with no penalty.
- · If the bowling team calls out which ball the batter will take, or calls a number out loud, it is a no ball.
05
Unconventional Methods
Hiding the hand or showing numbers late.
- · Hiding the hand from the other player in any way. If the batter feels the hand is being hidden, even slightly, they have the full right to claim a no ball or re-ball.
- · Showing a number later than the other player.
Penalty · 5 runs for any violation. If the batting side does it, their target increases by 5. If the bowling side does it, the batting team's target decreases by 5.
06
Players & Batting
Unavailable players’ wickets can be reused.
If a player is 100% unavailable, the team may claim that player's wicket and use it again for an existing batter. Claiming the wicket of an available player just because they aren't playing well is not allowed and will not count.
Penalty · 50 runs for claiming an available player's wicket.
07
Batting Time
The batter takes as long as they need.
- · A batter may take as much time as they want. The bowling team has no right to hurry the batting side.
- · If a bowler says “Trials” mid-match with a batter standing and the batter is out, the dismissal counts as out and it is a complete legal ball.
08
Honesty & Decorum
Respect every player during the match.
Misusing the game, saying anything bad to a player during the match, or any action that disrespects a player is a breach.
Penalty · Net Rating reduced by 10, plus the standard penalty rules.
09
Outside Help
No help of any kind, from anyone.
Taking help from external, internal or retired people by any means is a breach of the code of conduct, whether or not the help worked. A team is penalised even if it did not intend to take the help.
Any umpire or player of any team who feels someone is helping during a match has the full right to report it to the Head of Fair Game Play in HCL.
Penalty · Code-of-conduct breach under the HCL penalty laws, with a demerit.
10
Schedule
Matches must be played on schedule.
No team may play matches outside the official schedule.
Penalty · Net Rating reduced by 10, and further action may follow.
11
Vice-Captain
Takes full charge when the captain is absent.
If the captain is absent on a match day or at an auction, the vice-captain holds all of the captain's rights. A team may not stop playing because its captain is absent; the match must go ahead.