In a commendable move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took a significant step forward by hosting its first-ever U-15 women’s tournament in the 2022-23 season. This historic tournament saw Haryana emerge victorious in the final, defeating Vidarbha.
This development is being hailed as a positive stride in the right direction, as it will provide young girls with valuable exposure to competitive cricket. Furthermore, it will help boost their confidence and ease their transition into U-19 and other senior age-level tournaments.
In line with the BCCI’s vision, the number one intention in introducing this format is to create a well-described pathway for nurturing young skills, with the closing goal of enriching the expertise pool in women’s cricket.
The primary focus of this article revolves around shedding light on the playing conditions and regulations governing this freshly established tournament, as meticulously laid out by the BCCI.
While fundamental laws and playing conditions in this format remain steadfast, such as modes of dismissals and the length of the pitch, it’s worth highlighting the noteworthy alterations set to take place in this domain.
Schedule and Format
Scheduled for November 17, 2023, to December 5, 2023, the U15 Women’s One-Day Trophy for this year is expected to be an exciting affair. The tournament format involves six groups, each comprising six teams.
During the league stage, every team will partake in five matches within their respective groups. As for the knockout stage, it is set to feature 4 Pre-Quarterfinals, 4 Quarterfinals, 2 Semifinals, and the much-anticipated grand finale.
We eagerly anticipate the official announcement of the host association and venue for this captivating event.
Regulations and Playing Conditions for U15 Women’s One-Day Trophy
1. Ball Size and Weight
One of the prominent changes pertains to the size and weight of the ball. The tournament will feature adjustments in these aspects to suit the age group and ensure fair play.
The new cricket ball must have a weight falling within the range of 4.94 ounces (140 grams) to 5.31 ounces (151 grams). Additionally, its circumference should measure between 8.25 inches (21 centimetres) and 8.88 inches (22.5 centimetres).
Also Read | How is a Cricket Ball Made? Step-by-Step Process
2. Intervals
A 40-minute break will be observed between innings, and during each session, players will have the opportunity to take two drink breaks, with each break spaced 45 minutes apart.
3. Playing Hours
The playing hours for matches will undergo modifications, impacting the scheduling and duration of games. This adjustment aims to accommodate the needs and capabilities of young players. The match comprises two sessions, each lasting 2 hours and 20 minutes, with a 40-minute break separating the two sessions.
The hours of play are as follows:
- First Session: 9:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
- Lunch Break: 11:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Second Session: 12:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.
4. Number of Overs
The number of overs per inning will see variations, potentially influencing strategies and gameplay dynamics during the matches. In every match, both teams will have a single innings, and each of these innings will have a cap of 35 overs.
5. Number of Overs per Bowler
In a single inning, each bowler is restricted to delivering a maximum of 7 overs.
6. Dimensions of the Cricket Field
The playing area shall be exactly 55 yards (50.29 metres). Measurements will be taken from the centre of the designated pitch.
7. Substitute Fielder Law
There will be changes in the substitute fielder law, possibly affecting the flexibility of teams in making tactical decisions during matches. In the realm of penalties for players, it’s important to note that their remaining penalty time cannot exceed a cap of 45 minutes.
8. Limitation of On-side Fielders
When the bowler releases the ball, a maximum of five fielders are permitted on the leg side.
9. Restrictions on the Placement of Fielders
To define the fielding restrictions, two semi-circles are to be drawn on the field. These semi-circles will have their centres aligned with the middle stump at each end of the pitch.
Each semi-circle will have a radius of 25.15 yards (approximately 23 metres). These semi-circles will be connected by two straight lines running parallel to each other across the field.
During the moment the bowler delivers the ball, there must be a minimum of 5 fielders positioned inside the 25.15-yard circle.
Also Read | The Cricket Fielding Positions – Explained
Conclusion
In summary, the BCCI has implemented significant rule changes and adjusted playing conditions specifically for the U-15 women’s cricket tournament, differentiating it from other domestic women’s competitions.
These adaptations have been carefully designed to cater to the needs of the younger age group while upholding the principles of fairness and sportsmanship, thereby creating a nurturing environment for budding talents to flourish.
These noteworthy changes embody elements inclusive of the scale and weight of the cricket ball, intervals, playing hours, the number of overs, and the restriction on overs according to the bowler.
The primary objective of those adjustments is to strike a harmonious balance between retaining the aggressive essence of the sport and ensuring the proper well-being of younger athletes.
Furthermore, the restrictions imposed on field placements and the introduction of substitute fielder rules bring a fresh strategic perspective to the game.
Collectively, these adjustments make the U-15 women’s tournament a distinctive and valuable platform for nurturing and honing emerging talent in women’s cricket, setting it apart as a significant event in the sport’s development.
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