MCC makes a significant amendment in the Laws of Cricket to establish gender-neutrality.
The Marylebone Cricket Club is the most esteemed club in cricket, established in 1787 and based in Lord’s. This club has the sole authority over the Laws of Cricket and can make changes or amendments to the laws. On 22nd September, the MCC brought into effect a very significant change in the law.
The change stated to use gender-neutral terms like “batter” and “batters” instead of “batsman” or “batsmen”. This salient change means a lot to the women’s cricket fraternity. The growing popularity of female cricketers and the matches they play are the sole reason for this evolution in the cricket world and changing of such biased laws. This change in the law further reinforced that cricket is an inclusive sport.
A turnover in female cricket was noticed at the 2017 Women’s World Cup final match when a large crowd witnessed England defeat India at the Lord’s. Another record-breaking international crowd saw Australia defeating India at the 2020 Women’s World Cup and even the inaugural edition of the Hundred Women’s tournament received a crazy amount of viewership, exceeding expectations.
After discussion by their Club’s specialist Law sub-committee, the MCC Committee approved this change. They have updated the Laws of Cricket on their website and the changes will also be seen in the upcoming printed editions and Laws of Cricket App. The amendment has already taken effect since it was approved and the MCC encourages all organizations to update and adapt to this new terminology if they haven’t already done it.
The club officially stated, “MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all. The amendments are a natural evolution from work already undertaken in this area as well as an essential part of MCC’s global responsibility to the sport. A number of governing bodies and media organizations are already using the term “batter” in their playing conditions and reporting. We expect and encourage others to adopt the updated terminology following today’s announcement of the change to the Laws.”
Assistant Secretary at MCC, Jamie Coxx expressed his support, “MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognizes the changing landscape of the game in modern times. Use of the term “batter” is a natural evolution in our shared cricketing language and the terminology has already been adopted by many of those involved in the sport. It is the right time for this adjustment to be recognized formally and we are delighted, as the Guardians of the Laws, to announce these changes today.”
MCC also put up a post regarding this announcement on their Twitter handle, “MCC has today announced amendments to the Laws of Cricket to use the gender-neutral terms “batter” and “batters”, rather than “batsman” or “batsmen”.”
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