1 Duration of Matches

All matches shall be completed in one day, except the Final for which a reserve day been allowed, Matches will consist of one innings per side, each innings being limited to a maximum of 50 overs. The Playing Conditions for Second XI Championship matches will apply, with the following exceptions:

2 Hours of Play and Intervals

2.1 In All Matches Without a Reserve Day

2.1.1 Scheduled Start and Cessation Times

2.1.2 Interval Between Innings

If the innings of the team batting first is completed prior to the scheduled time for the interval, the Interval shall take place immediately and the innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier.

Where play is delayed or interrupted the umpires will reduce the length of the interval as follows:

Note: Refer also to provisions of Clause 3.2

2.1.3 Intervals for Drinks:

Two drinks breaks per innings shall be permitted, each 1 hour and 5 minutes apart, Otherwise the provision of Law 16.6 shall be strictly observed except that under conditions of extreme heat the Umpires may permit extra intervals for drinks. When the number of overs to be faced by either side is reduced as a result of an interruption there will be no further drinks intervals scheduled in the match (drinks intervals shall be permitted but no time allowance will be provided for them).

An individual player may be given a drink either on the boundary edge or at the fall of a wicket, on the field, provided that no playing time is wasted. No other drinks shall be taken onto the field without the permission of the umpires. Any player taking drinks onto the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire.

2.2 In the Semi-finals and Final (With a Reserve Day)

2.2.1Start and Cessation Times

The scheduled hours of play will be 11.00am to 6.15pm, If there is a delayed start or one or more interruptions in play, the Umpires may order extra time on the first day if they consider that a finish can be obtained on that day. If the Umpires are satisfied that a result cannot be obtained on the first day, the timing for Cessation of Play on that day will be 7.00pm, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light.

2.2.2 Sessions of Play and Interval between innings

There will normally be two sessions of play of 3 hours 15 minutes each, separated by an interval of 45 minutes from 2.15pm to 3.00pm If the innings of the team batting first is completed prior to the scheduled time for the interval, the interval shall take place immediately and the innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier.

Where the innings of the side batting first is delayed or interrupted, the Umpires will reduce the length of the interval. In the event of time being lost up to and including 60 minutes in aggregate, the length of the interval shall be reduced from 45 to 30 minutes. In the event of more than 60 minutes being lost in aggregate, the duration of the interval shall be agreed mutually by the Umpires and both Captains subject to no interval being of more than 35 minutes' duration or less than 10 minutes' duration. In the event of disagreement, the interval shall be of 25 minutes' duration.

2.2.3 Intervals for Drinks

As per 2.1.2

3 Length of Innings

3.1 Uninterrupted Matches (i.e. matches which are neither delayed nor interrupted):

3.1.1 Each team shall bat for 50 (six ball) overs unless all out earlier. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed

3.1.2 If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled.

Unless otherwise determined by the Umpires, the team batting second shall only have available to it the number of overs that it bowled by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings. The over in progress at the scheduled cessation time shall count as a completed over.

Unless otherwise determined by the Umpires as a result of wholly exceptional circumstances, the interval will not be extended and the innings of the team batting second will commence at the scheduled time (normally 3.00 pm).

The Umpires may increase the number of overs to be bowled by the team bowling second if they are of the opinion that events beyond the control of the team bowling first (including time-wasting by the team batting first) prevented that team from bowling the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings.

The Umpires at the bowler's end will inform the fielding side, the batsmen and his fellow Umpire of any time allowances as and when they arise (this matter will not be subject to retrospective negotiation).

3.1.3 If the team batting first is all out, and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled time for the commencement of the interval, the innings of the team batting second shall, subject to the discretion of the Umpires as provided for in 3.1.2 above, be limited to the same number of overs bowled to the team batting first at the scheduled time for the interval. The over in which the last wicket falls will count as a completed over.

3.1.4 If the team batting first is dismissed in less that 50 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 50 overs except as provided for in 3.1.3 above.

3.1.5 If the team fielding second fails to bowl 50 overs, or the rescheduled number of overs as provided for in 3.1.2, 3.1.3 or 3.1.4 above by the scheduled time for the cessation of the second innings, the hours of play shall, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result has been achieved.

3.2 Delayed or Interrupted Matches:

3.2.1 General

(a) In the Semi-finals and Final for which a reserve day has been allocated, any rearrangement of the number of overs that may be necessary due to a delayed start or one or more interruptions in play as a result of adverse ground, weather or light conditions or any other reason, shall only be made on the second day. The timing and duration of all suspensions of play (including all intervals) or delays on any day will be taken into account when calculating the length of time available for either innings.

(b) The object shall always be to rearrange the number of overs so that, if possible, both teams have the opportunity of batting for the same number of overs.

The calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on a rate of 16 overs per hour in the total time available for play up to 7.00 pm on the last scheduled day of the match. (first day in the case of matches for which no reserve day has been allocated) always providing that the overs left to bowl at the resumption is not greater than that at the commencement of the delay or interruption.

A minimum of 20 overs have to be bowled to the side batting second (subject to it not being all out earlier) in order to constitute a match, unless the provisions of Clause 3.1.2 above apply (i.e. if the innings of the team batting second is reduced to less than 20 overs as a result of that team earlier failed to bowl the required number of overs (minimum 20 overs) by the scheduled time for the completion of the first innings) .

(c) If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light, be extended until the overs have been bowled or a result has been achieved.

(d) The team batting second shall not bat for a greater number of overs than the team batting first, unless the latter has been all out in less than the agreed number of overs.

(e) Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations re the number of overs.

3.2.2 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team Batting First

(a) If the number of overs of the team batting first is reduced, a fixed time will be specified for the completion of its innings, as calculated by applying the provisions of 2.1.2 or 2.2.2 above (whichever versions apply depending on whether a reserve day has been allocated for the match or not), 3.2.1 (a) above (if appropriate) and 3.2.1 (b) above.

(b) If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the rescheduled time for the cessation of the first innings, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled and 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 above shall apply. In all reduced overs matches the fielding team will be given one over's leeway in addition to any time that the Umpires might allow for stoppages

(c) If the team batting first is all out, and the last wicket falls at or after the rescheduled time for the cessation of the first innings, Clause 3.1.3 above shall apply.

4.2.3 Delay or Interruption to the Innings of the Team Batting Second

Refer to second paragraph 3.2.1 (b) above.

4 Restrictions on the Placement or Fieldsmen:

4.1 Two semi circles shall be drawn on the field of play, The semi circles have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi circles is 30 yards (27.5m). The ends of each semi circle are joined to the other by a straight line drawn on the field on the same side of the pitch. The field restriction area should be marked by continuous painted white lines or 'dots' at five yard (4.5m) intervals, each 'dot' to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches (18cm) in diameter.

4.2 At the instant of delivery there shall not be more than five fieldsmen on the leg side.

4.3 For the first 15 overs only two fieldsman are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery

6.4 For the remaining overs of each innings, a minimum of four fieldsmen (plus the bowler and wicket-keeper) must be within the fielding circle at the instant of delivery.

6.4 In the first 15 overs only of each innings there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within 15 yards of the striker at the instant of delivery. (orthodox slip, leg slip and gully positions at an angle of less than 45 degrees are exempt from this 15 yard restriction when a fast bowler is bowling)..

6.5 In circumstances where the number of overs for either team is reduced (including under the provisions of 3.1.2 and/or 3.1.3 above), the number of overs in regard to the restrictions in 4.3 and 4.5 above shall be reduced proportionately in a ratio of 15:50 (30%) in accordance with the table below. Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations re the number of overs. (if on resumption the number of overs for fielding restrictions has already been exceeded, this shall take effect immediately).

4.7 In the event of an infringement of any of the above fielding restrictions, the square leg Umpire shall call and signal 'No Ball'.

4.8 In the Semi-finals and Final where the Duckworth/Lewis method is the target setting mechanism, 4.6 above will be replaced by NatWest Trophy regulation 6.5

5 Number of Overs per Bowler

If a match starts as a 50 over match, no bowler may bowl more than 10 (six ball) overs in an innings.

If, however the start of the match is delayed and the overs of both teams are restricted to less than 50 overs, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed.

Where the total overs are not divisible by five, one additional over shall be allowed to the maximum number per bowler necessary to make up the balance.

In a match where the innings of either or both teams is reduced after the start of the match, the maximum number of overs allowed per bowler shall remain as at the start of the match.

In the event of a bowler breaking down and being unable to complete an over, the remaining balls will be bowled by another bowler. Such part of an over will count as a full over only in so far as each bowler's limit is concerned.

In the Semi-finals and the Final where the Duckworth/Lewis method is the target setting mechanism, this regulation will be replaced by NatWest regulation 7.

6 No Ball

The amendments to Laws 24.8 and 24.11 set out in First-class Playing Condition Nos. 26 and 27 will apply.

7 Free Hit after a Foot Fault No Ball

In addition to 8 above, the delivery following a no ball called for a foot fault (Law 24.3) shall be a free hit for whichever batsmen is facing it. If the delivery for the free hit is not a legitimate delivery (any find of no ball or a wide ball) then the next delivery will become a free hit for whichever batsmen is facing it.

For any free hit, the striker can be dismissed only under the circumstances that apply for a no ball, even if the delivery for the free hit is called wide ball.

Field changes are permitted for free hit deliveries

8 Law 25.1 - Wide Ball - Judging a Wide and Law 25.2 Penalty

Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket.

As a guide, if the ball passes either side of the wicket sufficiently wide to make it virtually impossible for the striker to play a 'normal cricket stroke' both from where he is standing and from where he should normally be standing at the crease, the Umpire should call and signal 'Wide'.

A penalty of one run shall be scored, This penalty shall stand in addition to any other runs which are scored or awarded.

9 Law 31 -Timed Out

For the purpose of the competition Law 31 is replaced by:
The incoming batsmen must be in position to take guard or for his partner to receive the next ball within 2 minutes 30 seconds of the fall of the previous wicket, Failure to do so will result in the incoming batsmen being timed out on appeal.

10 Championship Playing Condition 33 - The Bowling of Fast, Short-pitched Balls

In addition to PPP Playing Condition 33.1.1 to 33.1.8 and in place of 33.2.1 to 33.2.6, the following will apply:

If the ball passes, or would have passed, above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease, the Umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal 'No Ball'.

11 The Result

11.1 A result can be achieved only if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 20 overs (subject to the provisions of 3.1.2 and 3.2.2 (b) above) unless one team has been all out in less than 20 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 20 overs.

All matches in which both teams have not had the opportunity of batting for a minimum of 20 overs (subject to the provisions of 3.1.2 and 3.2.2 (b) above), shall be declared "No Result"

11.2 When there is no interruption after play has commenced and when both teams have had the opportunity of batting for the same agreed number of overs (subject to the provisions of 3.1.2 and 3.2.2 (b) above) , the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. If the scores are equal, the following shall apply.

11.2.1 The team losing the lesser number of wickets shall be the winner.

11.2.2 Of both teams are all out, the team with the higher overall scoring rate, based on the respective number of balls that each team has received, shall be the winner

11.2.2 If the result cannot be decided by 11.2.1 or 11.2.2, the winner shall be the team with the higher score after 25 overs, or if still equal after 20 overs, then 15 overs etc.

11.3 If, due to suspension of play after the start of the match, the number of overs in the innings of either team has to be revised to a lesser number than that originally allotted (minimum 20 overs), then a revised target score should be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing, In zonal matches this will be calculated on the basis of average run rate. In the Semi-finals and Finals this revised target being calculated by the Duckworth/Lewis method. An integral target will be set for the team batting second with one run less that this target resulting in a Tie (see 11.5 below). If after the restart of play it is discovered that the wrong Duckworth/Lewis target has been set the faulty target shall stand

11.4 If a match is abandoned before it has been played to a conclusion and before the team batting second has received its allotted number of overs (providing that it has received not less than 20 overs), the result shall be decided by average run rate in the zonal league matches of the competition and by the Duckworth/Lewis method in the Semi-finals and Final.

11.5 In the event of a Tie when the Duckworth/Lewis method has been used, the match will be decided as outlined in 11.7.

11.6 Points Scoring System - Zonal League Matches

11.6.1 The side winning the match to score two points

11.6.2 In a "No Result" match, each side to score one point.

11.6.3 In the event of two or more sides in any zone having an equal number of points, their positions in the table shall be based on the higher net run-rate achieved in all zonal league matches in which the side batting second is scheduled, at the start of its innings, to bat for 30 overs or more (subject to the provisions of 3.1.2 above)

A team's net run rate is its own overall run-rate in all the zonal league matches which it has played (i.e.., total runs scored X 100 divided by balls received) minus the combined cumulative run-rate of its opponents in those same matches (calculated on the same basis). In the event of a team being all out in less than its full quota of overs, the calculation of its net run rate shall be based on the full quota of overs to which it would have been entitled (after the provisions of 3.1.2 have been applied if appropriate), and not on the number of overs in which it was dismissed.

Note If any side has not received 30 overs or more in all its zonal league matches, 25 overs, (then 20 overs, 15 overs, etc.) will constitute a match for calculation purposes only.

11.7 If in either Semi-final no result can be achieved the winner shall be the team with:

11.7.1 The higher average number of points per match in those zonal league matches in which a result was achieved, or if still equal.

11.7.2 The higher net run-rate achieved in the zonal league matches (to be calculated as in 11.6.3. above).

If it is still not possible to determine the winner(s) of the Semi-final(s) on either of the above basis, then the result shall be decided by the toss of a coin.

11.8 In the event of no result being achieved within the two days allocated for the Final, the trophy will be shared.

12 Covering the Pitch and Surrounding Areas

Teams should make every effort to comply with the the covering regulation applicable to on-day matches, and particularly should ensure that the pitch is fully covered and as much of the bowler's 'run-up' as possible.

13 The Ball

Best quality cricket balls shall be used, Teams must use balls of Grade A quality