Rules for Players and Captains - ICC

International Cricket Council implements and amends cricket laws from time to time. Here are the rules for players and captains.

Points from 1.1 to 1.2.11 are the rules for players and 1.3 and 1.4 are the rules for captains. (Source: ICC Laws)

1.1 Number of players

A match is played between two sides, each of eleven players, one of whom shall be captain.

1.2 Nomination and replacement of players


1.2.1 – Each captain shall nominate 11 players plus a maximum of 4 substitute fielders in writing to the ICC Match Referee before the toss. Other than set out in clause 1.2.7, no player (member of the playing eleven) may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.

1.2.2 – Only those nominated as substitute fielders shall be entitled to act as substitute fielders during the match, unless the ICC Match Referee, in exceptional circumstances, allows subsequent additions.

1.2.3 – All those nominated including those nominated as substitute fielders, as well as any Concussion Replacements must be eligible to play for that particular team, and by such nomination, the nominees shall warrant that they are so eligible.

1.2.4 – In addition, by their nomination, the nominees shall be deemed to have agreed to abide by all the applicable ICC Regulations pertaining to international cricket and in particular, the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel (hereafter referred to as the ICC Code of Conduct), the Anti-Discrimination Code for Players and Player Support Personnel, the AntiDoping Code and the Anti-Corruption Code.

1.2.5 – A player or player support personnel who has been suspended from participating in a match shall not, from the toss of the coin and for the remainder of the match thereafter:

1.2.5.1 – Be nominated as, or carry out any of the duties or responsibilities of a substitute fielder, or 2.


1.2.5.2 – Enter any part of the playing area (which shall include the field of play and the area between the boundary and the perimeter boards) at any time, including any scheduled or unscheduled breaks in play.


1.2.6 – A player who has been suspended from participating in a match shall be permitted from the toss of the coin and for the remainder of the match thereafter be permitted to enter the players’ dressing room provided that the players’ dressing room (or any part thereof) for the match is not within the playing area described in clause 1.2.5.2 above (for example, the player is not permitted to enter the on-field ‘dug-out’).


1.2.7 – If a player sustains a concussion or suspected concussion as a result of a head or neck injury during the course of the relevant match, a Concussion Replacement may be permitted in the following circumstances:


1.2.7.1 – The head or neck injury must have been sustained during play and within the playing area described in clause 1.2.5.2 above;

1.2.7.2 – A concussion or suspected concussion must have been formally diagnosed by the Team Medical Representative;

1.2.7.3 – The Team Medical Representative or Team Manager shall submit a Concussion Replacement Request to the ICC Match Referee on a standard form, which shall:

1.2.7.3.1 – Identify the player who has sustained the concussion or suspected concussion;

1.2.7.3.2 – Specify the incident in which the concussion or suspected concussion was sustained, including the time at which it occurred;

1.2.7.3.3 – Confirm that, following an examination, the Team Medical Representative believes or suspects that the player has sustained a concussion as a result of the incident specified in clause 1.2.7.3.2 above; and

1.2.7.3.4 – Identify the requested Concussion Replacement, who shall be a like-for-like replacement for the player who has sustained the concussion or suspected concussion.

1.2.7.4 – The Concussion Replacement Request must be submitted as soon as possible after the incident specified in clause 1.2.7.3.2 if a Concussion Replacement is to be permitted.

1.2.8 – The ICC Match Referee should ordinarily approve a Concussion Replacement Request if the replacement is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively advantage his team for the remainder of the match.

1.2.8.1 – In assessing whether the nominated Concussion Replacement should be considered a like-for-like player, the ICC Match Referee should consider the likely role the concussed player would have played during the remainder of the match and the normal role that would be performed by the nominated Concussion Replacement.

1.2.8.2 – If the ICC Match Referee believes that the inclusion of the nominated Concussion Replacement when performing their normal role, would excessively advantage their team, the Match Referee may impose such conditions upon the identity and involvement of the Concussion Replacement as he/she sees fit, in line with the overriding objective of facilitating a like-for-like replacement for the concussed player.

1.2.8.3 – The ICC Match Referee may, in reviewing a Concussion Replacement Request made in accordance with clause 1.2.7.3, request any such further information as may be required in order to make the determination required under clauses 1.2.7.4 and 1.2.7.5.

1.2.9 – The decision of the ICC Match Referee in relation to any Concussion Replacement Request shall be final and neither team shall have any right of appeal.

1.2.10 – Once the Concussion Replacement has been approved by the ICC Match Referee, the replaced player shall play no further part in the match.

1.2.11 – Both the Concussion Replacement and the replaced player shall be considered to have played in the match for records and statistical purposes.

1.3 Captain


1.3.1 – If at any time the captain is not available, a deputy shall act for him.

1.3.2 – If a captain is not available to nominate the players, then any person associated with that team may act as his deputy to do so. See clause1.2.

1.3.3 – At any time after the nomination of the players, only a nominated player can act as deputy in discharging the duties and responsibilities of the captain as stated in these Playing Conditions, including at the toss. See clause 13.4 (The toss).

1.4 Responsibility of Captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within The Spirit of Cricket as well as within these Playing Conditions.

Also Read: Spirit of Cricket – ICC | explained

Summary – Rules for Players and Captains – ICC

  1. Conduct: Players and captains are not just participants in the game; they are ambassadors of the sport. They carry the responsibility of representing cricket with honor and dignity. They should embrace the values of respect, fairness, and sportsmanship in their actions and conduct on and off the field.
  2. Umpire’s Decision: Cricket is a game of trust and mutual respect. Players and captains must accept the decisions made by the umpires, even if they may disagree. It can be challenging at times, but showing grace and accepting the umpire’s judgment is essential for maintaining the spirit of the game.
  3. Over Rates: Captains play a vital role in ensuring that the game flows smoothly and doesn’t lose its rhythm. They must encourage their team to maintain a good over rate, ensuring that the match progresses at a reasonable pace. This not only keeps the game exciting but also respects the time and expectations of the spectators.
  4. Fair Play: Cricket is built on the foundation of fair play and integrity. Players and captains must uphold this principle at all times. They should resist the temptation to gain an unfair advantage through ball tampering, the use of prohibited substances, or any form of cheating. It is in playing fair that true sportsmanship shines through.
  5. Respect for Opponents: Cricket is a battle, but it is also an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the skills and efforts of the opposing team. Players and captains should compete fiercely but with respect. They should acknowledge and honor the abilities of their opponents, understanding that the game thrives on healthy competition and mutual respect.
  6. Spirit of the Game: The spirit of cricket is a delicate balance of competitiveness and camaraderie. Players and captains should embrace this spirit, cherishing the traditions, values, and history of the game. It is through this spirit that the essence of cricket shines, captivating the hearts of players and fans alike.
  7. Cooperation with Officials: Match officials play an integral role in ensuring fairness and maintaining the smooth flow of the game. Players and captains should cooperate with them, treating them with respect and courtesy. Engaging in positive communication and providing any necessary information helps create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration.
  8. On-Field Behavior: Emotions can run high in the heat of the game, but players and captains should strive to display exemplary behavior. They should avoid actions that bring the game into disrepute, such as excessive appeal, using offensive language, or displaying aggression towards opponents or officials. Instead, they should embody the ideals of grace and dignity, leaving a lasting impression.
  9. Use of Technology: Technology has become an integral part of modern cricket, aiding in decision-making through tools like the DRS. Players and captains must embrace the use of technology responsibly and in accordance with the guidelines provided. They should remember that its purpose is to assist in achieving accurate outcomes, enhancing fairness in the game.
  10. Responsibilities of Captains: Captains carry the weight of leadership on their shoulders. They have the power to inspire and influence their team. Captains should lead by example, fostering an environment of trust, unity, and respect within the team. They must promote fair play, instill confidence, and uphold the integrity of the game as they make strategic decisions on the field.

Hope it helped, now you know the ICC rules for players and captains, read other cricket articles below:

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