Information Guide

Format of the Competition

The 1999 Cricket World Cup will be contested by 12 teams which have been 'seeded' and divided into two groups:

Group A	Group B
Sri Lanka	Australia
India	West Indies
South Africa	Pakistan
England	New Zealand
Zimbabwe	Bangladesh
Kenya	Scotland

The first phase of the competition will be the Group Matches.

Each team will play every other team in its group. Points will be allocated for each match Win, Tie or No Result in accordance with the system described in Section 11 of these Playing Conditions, which will apply throughout the Tournament.

Following the Group Matches the top three teams from each group will progress to the next phase, the Super Six. The teams will be placed in order of merit based on the points gained in the Group Matches and will take forward into the Super Six phase the points scored against the other teams which have qualified from their group.

In the Super Six phase of competition, each of the three qualifying teams from Group A will play each of the three qualifying teams from Group B.

The top four teams at the end of the Super Six phase of the competition will progress to the Semi-finals where the team placed first will play the team placed fourth and the team placed second will play the team placed third.

The winners of the Semi-finals will contest the Final which will be held at Lord's.  

Playing Conditions

The Playing Conditions for Test Matches as printed in the ICC Code of Conduct Standard Playing Conditions and Other Regulations Booklet, September 1998 will apply, except where specified.

1. Duration

   All matches will consist of one innings per side, and each innings will be limited to 50 six-ball overs. A minimum of 25 overs per team will constitute a match (subject to the provisions of Clause 10.1 below). Matches will be of one day's scheduled duration with one reserve day allocated (two reserve days in the case of the Final). The reserve day(s) will be used if necessary to continue a match which has not been completed on the first scheduled day.

2. Hours of Play, Intervals and Minimum Overs in the Day 2.1   Scheduled Start and Cessation Times

   The scheduled hours of play will be 10.45am to 6.30pm. 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 result can be obtained on that day. If the Umpires are satisfied that a result cannot be obtained on the first day, the timing for the cessation of play on that day will be 8.00pm, subject to conditions of ground, weather and light.

   2.2   Sessions of Play and Interval between Innings

   There will normally be two sessions of play of 3 hours 30 minutes each, separated by an interval of 45 minutes between 2.15pm and 3.00pm. The innings of the team batting second shall not commence before the scheduled time for the commencement of the second session unless the team batting first has completed its innings at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled interval. In such circumstances, a 10-minute break will occur and the team batting second will commence its innings and the interval will occur as scheduled.

   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, both Captains and the Referee 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.

   Note: Refer also to the provisions of Clause 4.2

   2.3   Intervals for Drinks

   Two drinks intervals per innings shall be permitted, each 1 hour 10 minutes apart. The provisions of Law 16.6 shall be strictly observed, except that under conditions of extreme heat the Umpires may permit extra intervals for drinks.

   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 on to the field without the permission of the Umpires. Any player taking drinks on to the field shall be dressed in proper cricket attire.

3. Appointment of Umpires and Referees

   The ICC shall appoint Umpires from the World Cup Panel for On-Field and Third Umpire duties. ECB will appoint Fourth Umpires from their First Class Panel. The three participating Associate Member Countries will provide one Umpire each whom ICC will appoint for Fourth Umpire duties.

   The ICC shall appoint a Referee for each World Cup Match.

4. Length of Innings

   4.1   Uninterrupted Matches (i.e. Matches Which Are Neither Delayed Nor Interrupted)

   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.

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

      Unless otherwise determined by the Referee, the innings of the team batting second shall be limited to the same number of overs that it bowled by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first session. The over in progress at the scheduled cessation time shall count as a complete over. The interval shall not be extended and the second session shall commence at the scheduled time (3.00 pm).

      The Referee may increase the number of overs to be bowled by the team bowling second if, after consultation with the Umpires, he is of the opinion that events beyond the control of the team bowling first prevented that team from bowling the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first innings.

   3. If the team batting first is all out and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled time for the interval, the innings of the team batting second shall be limited to the same number of overs bowled to the team batting first at the scheduled time for the interval.

   4. If the team batting first is dismissed in less than 50 overs, the team batting second shall be entitled to bat for 50 overs except as provided for in (c) above.

   5. If the team fielding second fails to bowl 50 overs or the number of overs as provided for in (b), (c), or (d) above by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the required number of overs has been bowled or a result achieved.

   6. Penalties shall apply for slow over-rates (refer ICC Code of Conduct).

   4.2   Delayed or Interrupted Matches

   4.2.1   General

   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 (third day in the case of the Final). 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.

   1. 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. A team shall not be permitted to declare its innings closed.

      A minimum of 25 overs must be bowled to the team batting second in order to constitute a match (subject to the provisions of Clause 10.1.below).

      Except as provided for in Clause 4.2.3 below, the calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on a rate of 14.28 overs per hour in the total time available for play up to 6.30pm on the last scheduled day of the match. If a reduction of the number of overs is required, any recalculation must not cause the match to be rescheduled to finish earlier than the original cessation time. This time may be extended to allow for one extra over for both teams to be added if required.

   2. If the team fielding second fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled cessation time, the hours of play shall be extended until the overs have been bowled or a result achieved.

   3. 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.

   4. Fractions are to be ignored in all calculations regarding the number of overs.

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

   1. If the number of overs of the team batting first is reduced, a fixed time will be specified for the completion of the first session, as calculated by applying the provisions of Clauses 2.2 and Clause 4.2.1(a) (if appropriate).

   2. If the team fielding first fails to bowl the required number of overs by the scheduled time for the cessation of the first session, play shall continue until the required number of overs has been bowled, and Clause 4.1(b) shall apply.

   3. If the team batting first is all out and the last wicket falls at or after the scheduled time for the interval, Clause 4.1(c) shall apply.

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

   When the innings of the team batting second has had to be reduced to less than 50 overs under the provisions of Clause 4.2.1(a), any subsequent interruption to the innings of the team batting second will result in the overs being reduced at a rate of 14.28 overs per hour for time lost. Overs will always be reduced on the basis of time lost, as above, when the innings of the team batting second has commenced at or after 3.00pm on the last scheduled day of the match.

5. Restrictions on the Placement of Fieldsmen

   Two semi-circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The semi-circles shall have as their centre the middle stump at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the semi-circles shall be 30 yards (27.5m). The ends of each semi-circle shall be 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.

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

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

   For the remaining overs only five fieldsmen are permitted to be outside the field restriction marking at the instant of delivery.

   Two inner circles shall be drawn on the field of play. The circles have as their centres the centre point of the popping crease at either end of the pitch. The radius of each of the circles is 15 yards (13.72 metres). The field restriction area should be marked by 'dots'. The segment of the circles reserved for the slip positions shall not be demarcated. (Refer to diagram).

   In the first 15 overs there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen within the 15-yard field restriction of the striker at the instant of delivery. The two stationary fieldsmen may be permitted to stand deeper than 15 yards (in the un-demarcated area) provided only that they are standing in slip, leg slip and gully positions.

   In circumstances where the number of overs for the team batting first is reduced, the number of overs in regard to the above fielding restrictions 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.

   Total overs in Innings	Number of overs for which restrictions above will apply
   25-26	7
   27-29	8
   30-33	9
   34-36	10
   37-39	11
   40-43	12
   44-46	13
   47-49	14
   50	15

   Where the number of overs for the team batting second is reduced (including under the provisions of Clauses 4.1(b) and/or 4.1(c) above), the aim will be to maintain the above fielding restrictions for the same proportion of the second innings that they were maintained for the first innings (fractions to be ignored).

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

6. Number Of Overs Per Bowler

   No bowler shall bowl more than 10 overs in an innings.

   In a delayed or interrupted match where the overs are reduced for both teams or for the team bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed. This restriction shall not apply to the team fielding second where the provisions of Clause 4.1(b) have been applied.

   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 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.

   The scoreboard shall show the total number of overs bowled and the number of overs bowled by each bowler.

7. No Ball

   Short Pitched Bowling - if the ball passes or would have passed above the shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease, either Umpire shall call and signal 'No Ball'. The penalty shall be one run for the no ball, plus any runs scored from that delivery.

8. Wide Bowling - Judging a Wide

   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.

   Any offside or legside delivery which, in the opinion of the Umpire, does not give the batsman a reasonable opportunity to score shall be called a wide. As a guide, on the leg side a ball landing clearly outside the leg stump going further away shall be called wide.

   A penalty of one run plus any runs scored shall be scored as wides.

9. The Ball

   The ECB shall provide Grade 1 BSI-approved cricket balls manufactured by Dukes.

   Coloured clothing, black sightscreens and white balls shall be used.

   Each fielding team shall have one new ball for its innings.

   In the event of a ball becoming wet and soggy as a result of play continuing in inclement weather or it being affected by dew, or a white ball becoming significantly discoloured and in the opinion of the Umpires being unfit for play, the ball may be replaced for a ball that has had a similar amount of wear, even though it has not gone out of shape.

   Either bowler or batsman may raise the matter with the Umpires and the Umpires' decision, as to a replacement or otherwise, will be final.

10. The Result

    10.1   A result can be achieved only if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 25 overs (subject to the provisions of Clauses 4.1(b) and 4.2.2(b) above), unless one team has been all out in less than 25 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 25 overs.

    All matches in which both teams have not had the opportunity of batting for a minimum of 25 overs (subject to the provisions of this clause) shall be declared 'No Result'.

    10.2   Where the maximum number of overs available to both sides remains unaltered once play has commenced (other than through the application of 4.1(b), the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. If the scores are equal, the result shall be a Tie and no account shall be taken of the number of wickets which have fallen.

    10.3   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 originally allotted (minimum 25 overs unless the provisions of 4.1(b) or 4.2.2 (b) apply), then a revised target score (to win) should be set for the number of overs which the team batting second will have the opportunity of facing - this revised target being calculated by the Duckworth/Lewis method. The target set will always be a whole number and one run less will constitute a Tie (Duckworth/Lewis Regulations).

    10.4   At the interval between innings or whenever a revised target has been set, a print-out of 'par' scores (the score for which if the match was abandoned the match would be tied) for the end of each over will be supplied to both teams' dressing rooms and to the Match Umpires, Referee and Ground Authority.

    10.5   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 (minimum 25 overs required to constitute a match unless the provisions of Clause 10.1 apply), then the result shall be decided by the Duckworth/Lewis method. If the second innings score is equal to the 'par' score for the given number of overs remaining and wickets lost, the result shall be a Tie.

11. Points

    11.1   The following points system will apply:

    Win	2
    Tie or No Result	1
    Loss	0

    11.2   Group Matches

    In the event of teams finishing on equal points in either Group, the right to play in the Super Six stage will be decided in the following order of priority:

    1. The most wins in the Group Matches.

    2. When two teams have both equal points and equal wins, the team which was the winner of the Group Match played between them will be placed in the higher position.

    3. When more than two teams have equal points and equal wins, the team which was the winner of the most number of matches played between those teams will be placed in the higher position.

    4. If still equal, the team with the higher net run rate in the Group Matches will be placed in the higher position (refer to 11.6 below for the calculation of net run rate).

    5. If still equal, the team with the higher number of wickets taken per balls bowled in the Group Matches in which results were achieved, will be placed in the higher position.

    6. In the highly unlikely event that teams cannot be separated by (a) to (d) above this will be done by drawing lots.

    11.3   Super Six Matches

    The six teams that qualify for the Super Six stage carry forward the points that they have gained against the other teams that have qualified from their respective groups. The points carried forward by each team are added to those they gain in the Super Six Matches, to form the Super Six league table.

    In the event of teams finishing on equal points at the end of the Super Six stage, the right to play in the Semi-final will be decided in the following order of priority:

    1. The most wins in all of the matches throughout the competition against the other Super Six qualifiers.

    2. When two teams have both equal points and equal wins, the team which was the winner of the match played between them (in either the Group or Super Six Matches) will be placed in the higher position.

       When more than two teams have equal points and equal wins, the team which was the winner of the most number of matches played between those teams (in both the Group and Super Six Matches) will be placed in the higher position.

    3. If still equal, the team with the higher net run rate in all matches played against the other Super Six qualifiers (in both the Group and Super Six Matches) will be placed in the higher position (refer to 11.6 below for the calculation of net run rate).

    4. If still equal, the team with the higher number of wickets taken per balls bowled in all of the matches throughout the competition against the other Super Six qualifiers in which results were achieved, will be placed in the higher position.

    5. In the highly unlikely event that teams cannot be separated by (a) to (d) above this will be done by drawing lots.

    11.4   Semi-final

    If a Semi-final is tied or there is no result, the team that finished higher at the end of the Super Six stage as decided by clause 11.3 shall proceed to the Final.

    11.5   Final

    In the event of a tied Final or if there is no result in the three days allocated, the World Cup will be shared by the finalists.

    11.6   Net Run Rate

    A team's net run rate is calculated by deducting from the average runs per over scored by that team, the average runs per over scored against that team - see 11.2(c) for the Group Matches and 11.3(c) for the Super Six matches. Only those matches where results were achieved and where the D/L method for recalculating the target score was not utilised will count for the purpose of net run rate calculations.

    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 and not on the number of overs in which the team was dismissed.

12. Code of Conduct

    All Players, Team Officials and Umpires shall be bound by the terms of the ICC Code of Conduct.

13. Prize Money

    Prize Money for the 1999 Cricket World Cup totals US$1,000,000 and will be distributed as follows:

    Winner	US$ 300,000
    Runner-up	US$ 150,000
    Losing Semi-finalists	US$ 100,000 each
    Fifth Place Super Six	US$ 52,500
    Sixth Place Super Six	US$ 27,500
    Group Match Winners	US$ 6,000 each
    Group Match Losers	US$ 3,000 each

14. Technical Committee

    A three-man Technical Committee appointed by ICC will adjudicate on:

    • Any match-related dispute regarding the interpretation of Playing Conditions (other than that which is the responsibility of the Umpires and Referee).

    • Any application by a Competing Team for a replacement player.

    Decisions of the Technical Committee will be final.

    The Technical Committee is not responsible for the application of the Code of Conduct or any non-match related dispute.