1 Playing Conditions

The Playing Conditions for First Class Cricket matches as they relate to matches in the Championship will apply, with the following exceptions:

2 Duration

The matches will consist of one innings per side and each innings will be limited to 50 overs.

Two days will be allocated in case of weather interference, but the aim will be complete the match in one day if possible.

3 Hours of Play and Intervals

All matches have a Reserve day

3.1.1 The scheduled hours of play will be l0.45 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

3.1.2 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 8.00pm

3.1.3 There will normally be two sessions of play of 3 hours 30 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

3.1.4 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

3.1.5Two drinks intervals per innings shall be permitted, separated by equal periods of time. Law 16.6 will apply. However, 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 still be permitted but no time allowance will be provided for them).

4 Length of Innings

In Interrupted Matches: (i.e. matches which are neither delayed or interrupted):

4.1.1 Each team shall bat for 50 overs unless all out earlier.

4.1.2 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 shall have the discretion to increase the number of overs to be bowled by the team bowling second if both of them agree 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.

4.1.3 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 4.1.2 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.

4.1.4 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 (4.1.3) above.

4.1.5 If the team fielding second fails to bowl 50 overs, or the rescheduled number of overs as provided for in (4.1.2), (4.1.3) or (4.1.4) above by the scheduled time for the cessation of the second innings (normally 6.45 p.m.), 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.

4.1.6 Penalties shall apply for slow over rates (see rule 6).

In Delayed or Interrupted Matches:

4.2.1 General

(a) 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 final scheduled day of the match. 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.

(c) Except as provided for in 4.2.3 below, the calculation of the number of overs to be bowled shall be based on a rate of one over for every full four minutes in the total time available for play up to 6.30pm on the last scheduled day of the match. A minimum of 10 overs must be bowled to the team batting second (subject to it not being all out earlier) in order to constitute a match, except if the provisions of 4.2.2 (b) apply (i.e. if the innings of the team batting second is reduced to less than 10 overs as a result of that team having earlier failed to bowl the required number of overs (minimum 10 overs) by the scheduled time for the completion of the first innings).

(d) 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.

(e) 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.

4.2.2 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 4.2.1 (a), 4.2.1(b) and 4.2.1 (c) above. In the event of its innings being completed prior to the scheduled time, the interval shall take place immediately and the innings of the team batting second will commence correspondingly earlier.

(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 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 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, 4.1.3 shall apply.

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

If there is a delay or interruption to the inning of the team batting second, the overs to be bowled shall be reduced at a rate of one over for every four full minutes lost, except that, when the innings of the team batting first has been completed prior to the scheduled or rescheduled time for the interval between innings, the reduction of overs will not commence until an amount of time equivalent to that by which the second innings started early has elapsed.

Note: The Home Authority will provide a Match Manager. After any hold up in play, the Umpires will notify the Scorers of the number of overs lost and the Scorers will perform the Duckworth/Lewis calculations required. The Umpires will both satisfy themselves as to the correctness of all such calculations before allowing play to take place. The Match Manager will notify the Captains, Scorers and all others concerned of such decisions. The Match Manager must understand the Duckworth/Lewis method must check the scorers' calculations.

5 The Result

5.1 When there is no interruption during the course of the match and when both sides have had the opportunity, subject to the provisions of 4.1.3 above, of batting for the same agreed number of overs, the team scoring the higher number of runs shall be the winner. In the event of a tie, the following shall apply.

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

5.1.2 If the result cannot be decided by 5.1 or 5.1.1, the winner shall be the team with the higher score after 15 overs, or if still equal after 14 overs, or if still equal after 13 overs etc.

5.2 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 10 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, 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. If after the restart of play it is discovered that the wrong Duckworth/Lewis target has been set the faulty target shall stand

5.3 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 10 overs), the result shall be decided by average run rate in the 1st and 2nd Rounds of the competition and by the Duckworth/Lewis method in Round 3 onwards.

5.4 In the event of a Tie when the Duckworth/Lewis method has been used, the match will be decided as outlined in 5.5.

5.5 In the event of no result being obtained within this rule, the Captains should, if circumstances (outdoors or indoors) permit, agree (in case of disagreement the Umpires shall decide) to the following form of bowl-out' contest to achieve a result: five players from each side will bowl overarm two deliveries each at a wicket (conforming to Law 8) from a single stump pitched at a distance of 22 yards with, if practicable, bowling, popping and return creases (conforming to Law 9). The side which bowls down the wicket (as defined in Law 28.1 (a)) most times shall be the winner. If the scores are equal, the same players will bowl one ball each alternately to achieve a result on a 'sudden death' basis. If circumstances make the contest impossible, the match shall be decided by the toss of a coin.
The following shall also apply in respect of 'bowl-outs':

5.5.1 The same suitably acceptable ball (not a new one) will be used by both teams. If this ball becomes wet, it may be changed subject to the Umpires' approval.

5.5.2 If a bowler bowls a 'no ball' it will count as one of his two deliveries but will not count towards the score of the team.

5.5.3 If the original match has started, the five cricketers to take part in the 'bowl-out' must be selected from the original 11 cricketers and the 12th man. If there has been no play in the original match (the toss has not taken place), the five cricketers may be selected from any of a County's registered cricketers.

5.5.4 Each side will appoint a wicket-keeper to stand behind the wicket but out of reach of the stumps..

6 Restrictions on the Placement or Fieldsmen:

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

6.2 For the first 15 overs only of each innings, only two fieldsman are permitted to be outside an area bounded by two semi-circles centred on each middle stump (each with a radius of 30 yards) and joined by a parallel line on each side of the pitch (the fielding circle). The fielding circle should be marked by painted white 'dots' at five-yard intervals, each 'dot' to be covered by a white plastic or rubber (but not metal) disc measuring seven inches in diameter.

6.3 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 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 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. For the first 15 overs only of each innings there must be a minimum of two stationary fieldsmen (excluding the wicket-keeper) within 15 yards 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.

6.5 In circumstances where the number of overs for the team batting first is reduced, the number of overs in regard to the restrictions in 6.2 and 6.4 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 should take effect immediately).

Where the number of overs for the team batting second is reduced (including under the provisions of clause 4.1.2 above), the aim will be to maintain the restrictions in 6.2 and 6.4 for the same proportion of the second innings that they were maintained for the first innings (fractions to be ignored).

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

(F) Number of Overs per Bowler

No bowler may bowl more than ten overs, however in a delayed start or interrupted match, where the overs are reduced for both sides or for the side bowling second, no bowler may bowl more than one-fifth of the total overs allowed (unless such a number has been exceeded before the interruption), except that where the total overs are not divisible by five, an additional over shall be allowed to the minimum number of bowlers necessary to make up the balance - e.g. after 16 overs, rain interrupts play and the innings is reduced to 32 overs. Both opening bowlers have bowled 8 overs. Two bowlers can bowl 7 overs and three bowlers can bowl 6. Bowlers 1 and 2 have already exceeded this limit. They count as the two bowlers who were allowed the extra over (7 as opposed to 6) and so any other bowlers are limited to 6 overs.

When an interruption occurs mid-over and on resumption the bowler has exceeded the new maximum allocation, he will be allowed to finish the incompleted over.

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 number of overs bowled by each individual bowler shall be indicated on the scoreboard from the commencement of an innings.

The allocation of overs per bowler will not be reduced as a result of the deduction of penalty overs.

8 Declarations

Law 14 will not apply in this competition. The Captain of the batting side may not declare his innings closed at any time during the course of a match.

9 Laws 24.8 and 24.11 - No Ball - Penalty and Batsman Given Out Off a No Ball

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

10 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.

11 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.

12 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'.

Over Rate Fines (applicable from Round 3 onwards)

All sides are expected to complete the bowling of their 50 overs within 3 hrs. 30 mins. playing time. In the event of their failing to do so, the full quota of overs will be completed, but the fielding side will be fined for every over which it has failed to bowl in the allotted time at the rates listed below.

If the innings is limited in advance to less than 3 hrs. 35 mins. (less than 50 overs), the calculations will be revised accordingly (the required over rate being 15 overs per hour for all playing time and fines only applying to innings' of at least 1 hour's duration).

The umpire at the bowler's end will inform the fielding Captain, the batsmen and his fellow Umpire of any time allowances as and when they arise (This matter will not be subject to retrospective negotiation) In addition, in all reduced overs matches the fielding team will be given one over's leeway.

All fines levied will be divided equally between the County Club and the players, with the contribution to be made by each individual player to any fine being decided by the County concerned.

Prize Money

Winner of the Competition £53,000

Losing finalist £27,000

Each losing Semi-finalist £16,500

Each losing Quarter-finalist £11,500

In addition, the following 'Man of the Match' awards will be made:

In each of the 14 First Round matches £300

In each of the 14 Second Round matches £325

In each of the 16 Third Round matches £350

In each of the 8 Fourth Round matches £450

Quarter-finals £500

Semi-finals £550

Final £1,750

Participants will be reimbursed for Employer's National Insurance contributions borne on the above prize moneys.