The Rules of Cricket

The game of Cricket has been governed by The Rules of Cricket for over 250 years. These Rules of Cricket have been subject to additions and alterations recommended by the governing authorities of the time. Since its formation in 1787, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been recognised as the sole authority for drawing up the Rules of Cricket and for all subsequent amendments.

The Rules of Cricket have stood up remarkably well for over 250 years of playing the game. It is thought the real reason for this is that cricketers have traditionally been prepared to play in the Spirit of the Game as well as in accordance with the Laws.

In 2000, the MCC has revised and re-written the Rules of Cricket for the new Millennium. In this Code, the major innovation is the introduction of the Spirit of Cricket as a Preamble to the Laws. Whereas in the past it was assumed that the implicit Spirit of the Game was understood and accepted by all those involved, now MCC feels it right to put into words some clear guidelines, which will help to maintain the unique character and enjoyment of the game.

The other aims have been to dispense with the Notes, to incorporate all the points into the Rules of Cricket and to remove, where possible, any ambiguities, so that captains, players and umpires can continue to enjoy the game at whatever level they may be playing.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2008-09

The 9th ICC Women's Cricket World Cup will be held in Australia from 7th to 22nd March 2009.
Teams from New Zealand, Australia, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies will compete.
The teams will form two groups, Group A comprising reigning champions Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies with India, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka making up Group B.
The top three sides in each group will then progress to the Super Six stage before the top two sides in the Super Six meet in the final, to be held at North Sydney Oval, on 22nd March.
Six grounds will be used for the tournament in Sydney, Canberra, Bowral and Newcastle

CHIPPING SODBURY CRICKET CLUB

CRICKET HISTORY

The History of the Game

The links above contain all you need to know about the first 100 years of Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club, but the actual game of cricket has a fascinating history as well.

The early stages of cricket's history are a bit of a difficult thing to get to the bottom of. The precise origins of the game remain in doubt, but there are early references from Guildford, Surrey, UK in 1598. This mention comes from the Royal Grammar School in Guildford which refers to pupils playing a game of 'creckett' in about 1550.

It's not until afterwards, in the late part of the 17th century that the first published references to cricket can be found. In one such reference it's noted how fines were handed out for those missing church in order to play cricket.

In the early parts of cricket history there are a couple of main theories as to the derivation of the word 'cricket'. One is from the old French criquet (a kind of club, or goal post).

Another puts forward the idea that the game was played among shepherds who hit a stone with their crooks and, at the same time, defended the wicket gate into the sheep pen.

Also ideas that it came from the Flemish word krick(e), (stick) or from the old English cricc, (crutch, staff) have been proposed.

In cricket's early history it was a sport which was especially regarded as an English sport. As the British empire grew at a rapid rate the game found new homes further a field. English soldiers, sailors, and ex-pats introduced cricket to Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, and India.

The former colonies still take great pleasure in beating England at their own game.

Cricket in England

Cricket has been played as a recognized sport since the early 18th century. The first recorded match was played in Sussex, England in 1697. In 1719, the first "county" match was played, with the Londoners (Middlesex) vs. the Kentish. It gained publicity in the southern counties of England, but was eventually transplanted to be mainly in the London grounds of wealthy patrons. During this time, crowds were often rowdy, with high monetary stakes on important matches.

The Hambledon Club, a small club in Hampshire, brought attention to the sport, as they challenged the larger clubs with a run for their money. Their historian, John Nyren, wrote prose literature on the subject of cricket. This team played its final recorded match in 1793 at Lord's in London, the most important cricket site in cricket history.

Lord's was begun in Dorset Square as a private cricket field by Thomas Lord, a Yorkshire man who bowled for the club. In 1813, the club was moved from its second location at St. John's Wood to its present field. However, the original Dorset Square turf was relaid with each change. The Marylebone Cricket Club, (MCC) with Lord's as its 'home base', is considered the international cricket authority.

In 1969, cricket administration underwent a dramatic change. The Cricket Council was formed at this point, including the M.C.C., the Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB), and the National Cricket Association. The MCC still holds responsibility for the laws, but it is no longer the sole governing body. The TCCB controls both the county matches and the international tests. Delegates from the Women's Cricket Association, umpires, Royal Air Force, Army, and Navy cricket are on the Council.

There is now no distinction between amateur and professional clubs. The county cricket matches are large attractions among all people in England. Also, the Oxford vs. Cambridge match is played as a major event every summer at Lord's. Cricket is truly England's national summer sport.

cricket20

IPL 3 to kick off in Hyderabad

Defending champions the Deccan Chargers will kick off an expanded third edition of the Indian Premier League next March in Hyderabad against the Kolkata Knight Riders

IPL Headlines

Modi was involved in IMG decision IMG spat likely to top agenda at IPL meeting Clarke finally succumbs to IPL lure Pietersen set to miss Champions League Steyn cleared of doping charge during IPL Modi looks to expanded the IPL in 2011