The
2000 Code 2nd Edition - 2003 is the most up-to-date version of the Laws of Cricket, for use in all competitions.
Since the introduction of the 2000 Code, the
Spirit of Cricket Preamble, has been an important feature, providing the context in which the game is intended to be played.
The 2000 Code 2nd Edition - 2003 is available for you to read either by using the links below, or to
download as a PDF file (293k). To access this file you will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you haven't got it installed, click here -
Get Acrobat Reader.Queries and clarifications relating to the Laws of Cricket will be answered via
laws@mcc.org.uk.
The players, umpires and scorers in a game of cricket may be of either gender and the Laws apply equally to both. The use, throughout the text, of pronouns indicating the male gender is purely for brevity. Except where specifically stated otherwise, every provision of the Laws is to be read as applying to women and girls equally as to men and boys.
Preface
The Preamble � The Spirit of Cricket
Law 1 (The players)
Law 2 (Substitutes and runners; batsman or fielder leaving the field; batsman retiring; batsman commencing innings)
Law 3 (The umpires)
Law 4 (The scorers)
Law 5 (The ball)
Law 6 (The bat)
Law 7 (The pitch)
Law 8 (The wickets)
Law 9 (The bowling, popping and return creases)
Law 10 (Preparation and maintenance of the playing area)
Law 11 (Covering the pitch)
Law 12 (Innings)
Law 13 (The follow-on)
Law 14 (Declaration and forfeiture)
Law 15 (Intervals)
Law 16 (Start of play; cessation of play)
Law 17 (Practice on the field)
Law 18 (Scoring runs)
Law 19 (Boundaries)
Law 20 (Lost ball)
Law 21 (The result)
Law 22 (The over)
Law 23 (Dead ball)
Law 24 (No ball)
Law 25 (Wide ball)
Law 26 (Bye and Leg bye)
Law 27 (Appeals)
Law 28 (The wicket is down)
Law 29 (Batsman out of his ground)
Law 30 (Bowled)
Law 31 (Timedout)
Law 32 (Caught)
Law 33 (Handled the ball)
Law 34 (Hit the ball twice)
Law 35 (Hit wicket)
Law 36 (Leg before wicket)
Law 37 (Obstructing the field)
Law 38 (Run out)
Law 39 (Stumped)
Law 40 (The wicket-keeper)
Law 41 (The fielder)
Law 42 (Fair and unfair play)
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D