Message from the Match & Disciplinary Committee to all HKCA captains

Dear Captain,

Please take note of the following issues and policies below:

Running out of a non-striking batsman

The MDC considers that the running out of a non-striking batsman by the bowler prior to the delivery stride (known in some quarters as a `Mankad'), without a prior warning to the batsman, is considered by the HKCA MDC to be an action against the Spirit of Cricket and in future will result in strong MDC action against players found to be performing this action.

Note however that, irrespective of warnings or not, should the bowler take the bails off of the non-striker during or after entering his delivery stride, it is simply 'not out' - dead ball according to the Laws of Cricket.

Completion & Submission of scoresheets

In dealing with a recent issue, the MDC were required to take into their considerations the scorecard submitted by the winning captain. The information therein, signed by both captains, turned out to be inconsistent at best and a shambles at worst.

Note that it is the winning captain's job to prepare & submit the scoresheet, but both captains have responsibility for ensuring it's accuracy. In the unlikely event that a captain does not agree to the accuracy of a scoresheet then he / she should not sign it, but instead should lodge a separate complaint to HKCA office.

All captains are warned that a complete and correct submission of the scoresheet is part of their responsibilities and that failure to ensure this may result in action by the MDC.

Accuracy of Scoring

Captains are encouraged that, where games are reaching a likely close conclusion, a check on the accuracy of the scores is performed well before (perhaps a couple of overs or so) the final few deliveries are bowled is performed, in order to help acheive an appropriate result.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Burns
Chairman, HKCA MDC