The Spirit of Cricket is a preamble to the Laws of Cricket. It was first introduced in 2000 when the code of conduct in cricket was revised.
Two distinguished members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (who drafts the Laws of Cricket) who were former captains of the English cricket side were Ted Dexter and Lord Colin Cowdrey). The two were instrumental in introducing the idea of Spirit of Cricket as an integral part of the Laws of Cricket.
The preamble that was first published in the Laws of Cricket in the year 2000 read:
“Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket. The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, match officials and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents.”
The preamble emphasises that respect is a core trait that must be shown towards the sport, captain, teammates, opponents and umpires. It furthers adds that the umpire’s final decision has to be respected at all times. It also advocates playing hard, fair, showcasing self-discipline and encouraging others to play in a positive atmosphere. Following the match, congratulating and thanking the opponents, teammates and umpires by shaking hands should be a decorum that must be done to carry forward the ‘gentleman’ aspect of the sport.
Irrespective of their nationality, culture, and religion, the Spirit of Cricket is a code that is mandatorily followed by all players. Every event done on-field or off-field is within the laws of the game to align with the Spirit of Cricket.
In recent times, Spirit of Cricket came into play during the controversy on run out at the non-striker’s end. While some ‘believe’ it is not within the Spirit of Cricket, the non-striker’s run-out is well within the rules and laws of the MCC. Thus, the notion of Spirit of Cricket often becomes emotional and personal, making the players delusional in their ability to judge what is within or beyond the Laws of Cricket.
