A Terms and Conditions

1. Unless specified otherwise in this document, all ICC cricket rules shall be followed. The rules and guidelines established by the TCL committee are considered final, and any modifications will be made solely at the committee's discretion.
2. The decisions made by the umpire(s) shall be considered final. Umpires are entrusted with upholding the spirit of the game and may ask a player to leave the match in cases of inappropriate conduct. For any necessary clarifications, only the captains of the respective teams may approach the umpires.
3. Any disputes or conflicts that arise between teams must be reported to the TCL Committee. The committee will investigate and deliver a final ruling.
4. All participants are required to maintain respectful conduct towards fellow players, umpires, spectators, and TCL organisers. Any form of harassment, discrimination, or unsporting behaviour will result in penalties, including possible disqualification.
5. Teams and players acknowledge that TCL may capture photos and videos during the tournament for use in promotional and social media content. By participating, all players consent to this usage.
6. Participating teams and players are responsible for ensuring their own safety throughout the tournament. All players are required to wear appropriate protective gear while batting or wicketkeeping. Please note that TCL organisers cannot be held liable for any injuries, whether minor or major, sustained during the course of play.
7. Participating teams and players are responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings throughout the tournament. The TCL organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
8. Each team is responsible for ensuring its players are aware of and comply with these rules. Ignorance of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.
9. The TCL Committee reserves the right to modify, add, or remove rules as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the tournament. Teams will be notified of any changes in a timely manner.
10. The TCL Organising Committee (OC) expects the team captain or designated contact person to share this document or its link with all team members.

B Parking

The parking should be avoided in the below spots as shown in the picture below:

• The vehicle parked in the "NO-PARKING" spots will be towed by Gemeente / Police and organisers should not be responsible for this.
• The above zones are meant for entry of emergency vehicles and should always be kept free of vehicles.

For the reference, below are the parking spots around the ground in the near vicinity(2 to 4 min walk) — please refer the map location to find a parking spot:

• Parking Spot 1
• Parking Spot 2
• Parking Spot 3
• Parking Spot 4
• Parking Spot 5

C General Rules

1. Location: All matches will be conducted at Johann Sebastiaan Bachweg 3, 1323 BA Almere.
2. All standard ICC rules will apply unless explicitly stated otherwise in this document. The rules and regulations for this tournament are established by the Organising Committee (OC) of the TCL Tournament. Only the OC is authorised to amend these rules and regulations. This document is deemed final unless a revised version is released by the OC and officially communicated to the team captains. For reference, the official ICC rules can be found at: Rules & Regulations.
3. Match Format: All matches will be 10-over per side unless specified otherwise by the TCL Committee.
4. Ball: A red tennis ball will be used for all matches. The tournament will be played with Nivea, Guru, Vicky, SG Spark, or similar red/green/double-colored hard tennis balls. In case of bad weather if we have to play under lights we will switch to a heavy green ball for that match.
5. Toss: A coin toss will determine which team bats or bowls first.
6. Minimum Players: A minimum of 9 players must be present for a match to begin. If a team cannot field 9 players at the scheduled start time, the match may be awarded to the opposing team at the discretion of the TCL Committee.
7. Substitute Players: Substitutes are allowed only for fielding. A substitute cannot bat or bowl. The replaced player may return to the field at any time.
8. Wide/No-Ball Rule: The wides/no-balls are treated as per normal ICC rules
9. Boundary: A ball reaching or crossing the boundary on the full scores 6 runs. A ball rolling to or across the boundary scores 4 runs.
10. Bouncers: Only one bouncer is allowed per over , the next bouncer will be Wide (if it does not touch the bat) or a No-Ball (if it touches the bat)
11. Run Out: Standard ICC run-out rules apply. Both batters must make their ground to avoid being run out.
12. Leg Before Wicket (LBW): LBW rules do not apply.
13. Caught Out: A batter is out if the ball is caught by a fielder before it bounces.
14. DRS (Decision Review System): DRS is not available in TCL matches. All umpire decisions are final.
15. Tied Match: In the event of a tied match during group stages, the result will be recorded as a tie with both teams receiving 1 point each. In knockout stages, a Super Over will be played to determine the winner.
16. Expected Support: Participating teams and players are expected to adhere to the following:
    • Maintain cleanliness of the premises throughout the tournament.
    • Ensure the security of personal belongings. TCL organisers will not be held liable for any loss or damage.
17. BYOG: Each team must bring their own cricket "Gear". Apart from the ball and wickets, no other playing equipment will be provided by the organisers.
18. Fair Play: Players are required to demonstrate good conduct and uphold the principles of fair play at all times. In cases of unruly behaviour, verbal intimidation, or physical assault, the organisers reserve the right—after consulting with the respective captains—to ban the offending player from both the tournament and the field.
19. Discretion: None of the on-site house facilities are available for use. Participants are advised to be discreet and considerate while attending to natural calls.
20. On-Field Presence: During game time, only the eleven fielding players, the umpires, and the batsmen are permitted within the field of play or its limits, including dugouts. All others must remain outside.
21. Ball Lost or Damaged: Should a ball become damaged or unsuitable for play during an innings, the umpires will select a replacement ball of similar brand and condition (matching wear and tear).
22. Bad Weather interruption:

    In the event of unplayable weather conditions in between a match, the umpires will make an appropriate decision in consultation with both team captains.

    • If play is stopped during the first innings, the total number of overs may be reduced to 6 or 8, as deemed necessary.
    • Subsequent group matches may also be shortened to ensure the tournament schedule can be maintained.
    • If the match is interrupted during the second innings and at least 4 overs have been completed, the winner will be determined using the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method, calculated via the CricHeroes App.

23. Extreme weather & Rain: If an extreme weather forecast makes it impossible to conduct the tournament, the organizers reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the event. In such cases, 50% entry fees will be refunded only if the cancellation is announced before the start of working hours on Friday, 29th May,2026. Any updates or changes will be promptly communicated by the organizers to the respective teams.

24. If a reserve day is required to complete the tournament, it will be discussed with the team captains and arranged based on ground availability. Fixtures for the reserve day will be determined according to the availability of the venue.

25. Teams will not be eligible for a refund in the event they are unable to field the minimum required number of players, fail to attend, or choose to withdraw or boycott the tournament.

D Tournament Format

TCL 2026 features 24 Teams competing across multiple stages, from Pool play all the way to the Grand Final.

Group Stage

The 24 Teams are divided into 4 pools. Each team plays 3 other teams in their pool once (round-robin format). Points are awarded as follows:

🏆 Top team from each pool advances to Quarter Finals

🥈🥉 2nd & 3rd place teams advance to Pre-Quarters

Pre-Quarter Finals

The 8 qualified teams compete in 4 knockout matches. The 4 winners advance to the Quarter Finals, the losing teams are eliminated. In the event of a tie, a Super Over will decide the winner.

Quarter Finals

The 8 remaining teams compete in 4 knockout matches. The 4 winners advance to the Semi-Finals, the losing teams are eliminated. In the event of a tie, a Super Over will decide the winner.

Semi-Finals

The 4 semi-finalists compete in 2 matches. Winners advance to the Grand Final; losing teams compete in the Third Place Decider. In the event of a tie, a Super Over will decide the winner.

Third Place Decider

The two losing semi-finalists play for the third-place (bronze) position. In the event of a tie, a Super Over will decide the winner.

The Final

The two winning semi-finalists compete for the TCL 2026 championship title. In the event of a tie, a Super Over will decide the winner.

E Team Setup / Formation

1. Squad Submission:
   Each captain must submit a list of up to 15 players in writing to the TCL Organising Committee. The list should include each player's first name and surname. A team would not be allowed to participate in case they do not submit the squads in time.
2. Naming Format:
   Failure to adhere to the specified naming format may result in individual players being ineligible for personal awards, as discrepancies in names can impact stats, which are maintained through the CricHeroes app.
3. Squad Changes:
   Once the player list has been submitted, no changes will be permitted during the course of the tournament, regardless of the number of players nominated.
4. Player Eligibility:
   If a team fields different players under the same name or exceeds the maximum limit of 15 players, the team will be disqualified from the tournament.
5. Playing XI Submission:
   The Playing XI must be submitted to the scorer or umpire at the time of the toss. No changes to the Playing XI may be made after submission without the consent of the opposing captain.
6. Toss Procedures:
   Immediately following the toss, the winning captain must declare the team's decision to bat or field. Failure to make an immediate decision will result in the opposing captain being awarded the choice.
7. CricHeroes App Compliance:
   All matches will be scored using the CricHeroes app. The squad nominated by each captain must be added to the respective teams in the CricHeroes app prior to arrival at the ground. Any delays due to incomplete squads on the app may result in penalties, including deduction of overs or forfeiture by walkover.
8. Playing XI Nomination in App:
   Prior to the toss, captains are required to nominate their Playing XI to the match officials via the CricHeroes app. Ensuring the accuracy and finalizing of the team squad in CricHeroes is the sole responsibility of the team captain.
9. Late Arrival and Field Departure:
   Umpires must be notified if a player in the Playing XI fails to take the field at the start of the match or leaves the field during play. Any such player will not be permitted to bowl in that innings until they have spent a period of time on the field equal to the duration of their absence.
10. Substitution Consultation:
    All substitution requests must be communicated to the opposition captain and umpires. Final discretion, however, rests with the umpires.
11. Player Verification:
    Each player should carry a valid ID which can be used to verify the player's identity. It is an individual player's responsibility to ensure that. In case no proof could be shown, the player would not be allowed to play in the tournament and the team could be disqualified from participating further in the tournament.
12. No refund for Disqualification:
    In case a team is disqualified for not adhering to the rules mentioned in this rulebook, they will not be allowed to play further in the tournament and no refund of entry fee will be granted.

F Impact Player

1. Introduction of the Impact Player:
   An Impact Player may be introduced at any point during the match, including at the start of an innings, after the fall of a wicket, or at the end of an over. Once substituted, the replaced player shall take no further part in the match.
2. Eligibility for Impact Player:
   Each team is required to name four substitutes in addition to the Playing XI at the toss. The Impact Player must be selected from this list of substitutes.
3. Replacement Guidelines:
   The Impact Player may replace any member of the Playing XI, regardless of whether the replaced player has already batted, bowled, or fielded. If a bowler is substituted, the Impact Player is permitted to bowl their full quota of overs (two in T10 cricket), even if the original bowler has already bowled.
4. Strategic Usage:
   Teams may utilize the Impact Player rule to introduce a specialist bowler or batsman as needed, allowing for greater tactical flexibility during the match.

G Timings

1. Match Start Time: All matches must begin at the scheduled time. Teams should be ready at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start.
2. Grace Period: A grace period of 5 minutes will be given after the scheduled start time. If a team cannot field the minimum required players within this period, they forfeit the match.
3. Over Rate: Teams must maintain an acceptable over rate of bowling 10 over within 35 mins. Failure to complete the required overs within the allocated time may result in fielding restrictions imposed by the umpire.
4. Innings Break: A 2-3 minute break will be allowed between innings.
5. Match Duration: An 10-over match is expected to be completed within approximately 60-65 minutes including the innings break and toss.
6. Umpire's Authority: The umpire has full authority to manage the pace of the game and may penalise teams for time-wasting.

H Powerplay & Field Restrictions

Mandatory Powerplay (Over 1 & 2)

1. The mandatory powerplay shall be enforced during the match, for the 1st and the 2nd over of each innings.
2. Only 2 Fielders are allowed outside the circle during the 1st powerplay

Field Restrictions (Over 3 - Over 5)

1. The field restrictions shall be enforced during the match, for the 3rd, 4th and 5th over of each innings.
2. Only 4 Fielders are allowed outside the inner circle during the 2nd powerplay.

End of The field restrictions (Over 6 - Over 10)

1. The fielding restriction ends and 5 fielders are allowed outside 30 yards circle.
2. From overs 6 to 10, a maximum of five fielders are permitted outside the inner circle.

General Fielding Rules

1. 30-Yard Circle:
   The 30-yard circle will be clearly marked to enforce fielding restrictions.
2. Fielders Outside the Circle:
   After the first 5 overs, a maximum of five fielders are permitted outside the 30-yard circle at any point.
3. ⚠️ A minimum of four fielders must be positioned on the off-side by the fielding team at all times during an innings.
4. Penalty for Violation:
   Any infringement of the above fielding restrictions will result in the umpire calling and signaling a 'No Ball'.

⚠️ Any violation of powerplay or fielding restrictions will result in the delivery being called a 'No Ball' without warning ⚠️
⚠️ In any point of time, no more than 5 fielders can be placed on the leg side ⚠️

I Bowling

1. • Appeals:
     A batsman may appeal to the leg umpire if they suspect an inappropriate bowling action.
   • Warnings and Penalties:
     Umpires will monitor bowling actions and issue one warning if a bowler’s action is found inappropriate. A 'No Ball' will be called for any further deliveries with an illegal action after the warning.
   Over Limitation:
   Each bowler is permitted to bowl a maximum of 2 overs per match.
2. Bowling Action:
   Only bowling actions deemed appropriate according to ICC guidelines will be allowed.
3. Declaration of Bowling Style:
   Before the commencement of each over, the umpire shall confirm with the bowler whether they intend to bowl right-handed or left-handed, and whether they will bowl over or around the wicket. The umpire shall communicate this information to the striker.
   • Failure to Notify Before First Delivery:
     If a bowler fails to declare their mode of delivery before bowling the first ball of the over, the delivery shall not be called a no-ball. The umpire might confirm the bowler’s style, and issue a warning to the bowler.
   • Change of Mode During the Over:
     If, during an over, the bowler changes their mode of delivery without notifying the umpire in advance, the umpire shall call and signal no-ball for that delivery.
4. Incomplete Overs:
   In the event a bowler is unable to complete an over, another bowler shall deliver the remaining balls. For the purpose of counting overs, both bowlers will be considered to have bowled a full over.
5. Umpire’s Authority:
   The umpire’s decision is final and must not be contested. Only the captains may engage in discussion with the umpires to maintain clarity and decorum in case of disputes.
6. ⚠️ Illegal bowling actions, including chucking, are strictly prohibited, regardless of the bowler's pace. Any such action must be reported to the umpires, whose decision will be final and dependent on the situation. No exceptions will be made for illegal actions.

J Ground Rules

1. LBW and Leg Byes:
   The LBW rule is not applicable in this tournament; therefore, leg byes will not be permitted. Deliveries that would otherwise qualify as leg byes will be counted as legal balls.
2. Byes:
   Byes are allowed , and players can attempt runs on byes.
3. End Change:
   Only the batsmen will change ends at the completion of each over. Batting will occur from one designated end on each ground throughout the match.
4. Run Out on Leg-Byes:
   A batsman cannot be run out while attempting a run off a leg-bye. Any such appeal will be rejected by the umpires, as the ball is considered “no longer in play” in such a case.
   
   ⚠️ Stumpings shall still remain a valid mode of dismissal on deliveries resulting in byes. If, during the course of a bye the striker is out of his/her crease and not attempting a run, and the wicketkeeper puts down the wicket in accordance with the Laws of Cricket, the striker shall be given out stumped. ⚠️

Special Rules for Playing on the Hockey Ground

1. Ground Adaptations:
   As the matches are being played on a hockey ground, the following special rules will apply to suit its unique dimensions.
2. Boundaries:
   The boundary will be defined by the Steel/Iron fence of the hockey field in all areas, except directly behind the batsman’s end.
3. 30-Yard Circle:
   The 30-yard restriction will be marked as a square, based on the quarter line box of the hockey field.
4. Special Rules Behind the Wickets (Batsman’s End):
   • If the ball goes over the fence behind the batsman’s end off the bat, one run is awarded and the batsmen must change ends.
   • If the ball remains inside the fence or bounces within the field (including the hockey bench), it is considered in play and all normal rules apply.
   • If the ball hits the Iron pole (near the boundary) behind the batsman It would result in a boundary(4 or 6). 4 in case is hits the surface (inside the ground) and then hits pole . 6 in case it directly hits the pole.
   • Any catch taken while in contact with or leaning against the fence behind the stumps will be considered out.
   • Any catch taken while in contact with or leaning against the fence elsewhere on the ground will be considered a Six.
   • If the ball crosses over the fence due to an overthrow, automatic one run is awarded, and batsman much change ends. But in case the ball stays inside the fence and "in play" , players would have to run and no automatic runs would be awarded.
5. Balls Intruding from Adjacent Grounds:
   Since matches may be played on adjacent grounds, a ball from one match might enter another playing area. Play should not be stopped for this reason unless directed by the umpire. Players are requested to continue play and clear the intruding ball to the appropriate ground only when the ball is dead.
5. All other rules apply:
   All other rules apply i.e. Over throws, Short run etc.

K Other Guidelines or Rules

1. Switch Hits and Reverse Stance:
   If a batsman switches stance or plays a reverse hit, the stance at the moment of ball delivery will be used to determine off and leg side for the purposes of wide calls. This only applies if the stance change occurs before the bowler releases the ball.
2. Batsman Moving While Playing a Shot:
   If a batsman changes his stance or position sideways while playing a shot, the wide line will also be adjusted accordingly. The decision regarding wides in such situations will be made at the discretion of the umpires.
3. Handling the Ball:
   Any instance of a batsman handling the ball before the ball is declared dead will result in the batsman being given out.
4. Obstructing the Field:
   If, in the umpire’s opinion, a batsman running between wickets changes direction without reasonable cause and thereby obstructs a fielder’s attempt to effect a run out, the batsman shall, upon appeal, be given out for obstructing the field. This ruling applies regardless of whether a run out would have occurred.
5. Mankading:
   The bowler may, prior to releasing the ball and before completing the delivery swing, attempt to run out the non-striker (“Mankading”) without any warning. It is the responsibility of the non-striker to remain within the crease until the ball has been released.
6. Scoring Runs:
   Runs may be scored by all standard methods except byes and leg byes. For byes and leg byes, running or changing strike is not permitted.
7. Penalty for Field Obstruction:
   Five penalty runs will be awarded to the batting side if the ball hits any object (such as a jacket, water bottle, or cap) within the boundary ropes.Any such object should be given to the umpire or left out of the boundary by the fielding team.
8. Balls Crossed Behind the Batsman:
   ⚠️If the ball goes over the fence behind the batsman after making contact with the bat, it will be counted as one run, regardless of where it crosses the back fence. Six runs will be awarded only if the ball hits or clears the iron/steel fence (within the ground) ⚠️
9. Conflict Resolution:
   In the event of a dispute, the matter shall be resolved jointly by both umpires. If necessary, the umpires may consult the captains of both teams before making a final decision.
10. Unless specified otherwise in this document, all ICC cricket rules shall be followed. The rules and guidelines established by the TCL committee are considered final.
11. The decisions made by the umpire(s) shall be considered final. Only the captain may approach the umpire for clarifications.
12. Any disputes or conflicts that arise between teams must be reported to the TCL Committee within 24 hours of the incident.
13. All participants are required to maintain respectful conduct towards fellow players, umpires, spectators, and TCL organisers. Any form of harassment, discrimination, or unsporting behaviour will result in penalties, including possible disqualification.
14. Anti-Doping & Fair Play: The use of performance-enhancing substances is strictly prohibited. Any player found in violation will be immediately disqualified.
15. Equipment: Players are responsible for bringing their own cricket equipment (bat, pads, gloves, etc.). TCL will provide the match balls.
16. Prizes & Awards: The TCL Committee will announce prize details closer to the tournament.