‘Unfair Play’ in IPL: What is strict Clause 41 on penalties imposed by BCCI; know details

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about explosive batting, crafty bowling, and acrobatic fielding, but it also operates under a strict code of conduct to ensure fair play. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has laid down comprehensive rules in the IPL Playing Conditions to penalize any form of ‘unfair play,’ ranging from ball tampering to deliberate time-wasting.

Here’s a breakdown of key offenses and the penalties they attract.

What Constitutes Unfair Play?

The IPL’s Playing Conditions define unfair play as any action that violates the Spirit of Cricket or the tournament’s regulations.

Umpires are the sole arbiters of what is fair or unfair, and their decisions can lead to penalties, including runs awarded to the opposition, suspensions, and even post-match disciplinary action.

Details of IPL’s Clause 41:

1. Ball Tampering

One of the most serious offenses, altering the condition of the ball, is strictly prohibited. Players can only polish the ball with sweat (no artificial substances), remove mud under supervision, or dry it with an approved cloth. If umpires find the ball has been unfairly altered:

First offense: The captain receives a final warning.

Second offense: Five penalty runs are awarded to the opposition.

The replacement ball is chosen by the batting side (if fielders tampered) or umpires (if batters were involved).

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2. Deliberate Distraction of Batters

Fielders cannot verbally or physically distract a batter preparing to face a ball. If they do:

The umpire calls a Dead ball and awards five penalty runs to the batting side.

The bowler’s end umpire informs both captains, and the incident may be reported to the IPL Match Referee for further action.

3. Dangerous Bowling

Bowlers are restricted to two short-pitched deliveries per over (above shoulder height). If they exceed this limit:

First breach: A warning is issued.

Repeat offense: The bowler is suspended from bowling further in the innings.

Beamers (full-toss above waist height): Immediate No ball call, with repeat offenders facing suspension.

4. Time-Wasting

Both fielding and batting sides can be penalized for unnecessary delays:

Fielding side: First offense leads to a warning; subsequent breaches result in five penalty runs.

Batting side: Batters must be ready when the bowler is. A second violation costs the team five penalty runs.

5. Pitch Damage

Players cannot deliberately damage the pitch:

Fielders: First offense is a warning; a second leads to five penalty runs.

Batters: Repeated encroachment into the protected area results in runs disallowed and five penalty runs awarded to the fielding side.

6. Protected Area Violations

Bowlers encroaching the pitch’s protected area (a 5-foot strip in front of the crease) face suspensions after three offences. Batters repeatedly standing too close to this zone risk 5-run penalties and loss of runs.

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Strict Consequences for Repeat Offenders

Apart from in-game penalties, umpires report serious or repeated violations to the IPL Match Referee and BCCI, which can lead to fines, suspensions, or other disciplinary actions.

Why These Rules Matter

The BCCI’s strict clauses aim to balance competitiveness with safety and fairness. For instance, limiting short-pitched deliveries reduces injury risks, while anti-tampering rules ensure a level playing field, underscoring the league’s zero-tolerance stance.