Lancashire League Handbook 2025

LCL Handbook 2025 100 to any time that the Umpires might allow for stoppages. Allowances prior to a stoppage are carried forward for the purposes of the application of Playing Condition 16.3 only they do not influence the recalculated number of overs or the scheduled close of play. 16.3 Over-Rate Penalties In a match in which there is no delay or interruption all sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the last of their 20 overs within 1 hr 15 minutes playing time. In the event of them failing to do so then one fewer player shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction for the remainder of the innings. This will apply to both innings of the match. If the innings is terminated before the scheduled cut-off time, no over-rate penalty shall apply. If the innings is delayed or interrupted all sides are expected to be in position to bowl the first ball of the penultimate over before the cessation time for that innings and in default then one fewer player shall be permitted outside the fielding restriction for the remainder of the innings. The Umpire shall inform the fielding team Captain when taking the field for the first time and on every subsequent occasion if play is interrupted by the weather, the scheduled cessation time for that innings. The Umpire at the bowler’s end will inform the fielding Captain, the batsman and his fellow Umpire of any time allowances as and when they arise. (This matter will not be subject to retrospective negotiation). Umpires shall apply the fielding restriction laws for time wasting especially strictly bearing in mind that conditions for play are likely to be difficult by 9pm. This is the only penalty for a slow over-rate. 17. CAPTAINS’ AGREEMENT. If both Captains agree prior to the commencement of a match that weather is likely to intervene during the match they may agree to start the match as a reduced number of overs match providing that a minimum number of 5 overs is to be received by each Club. In those circumstances the game as agreed between the Captains may start at any time which allows the agreed number of overs together with a reduced interval of 10 minutes to be completed by 9pm. Once that is no longer possible the match must either be abandoned or the overs reduced in accordance with Rule 16. 18. No Declarations. The Captain of the batting side may not declare his innings closed at any time during the course of a match.