19 BOUNDARIES

19.1 Determining the boundary of the field of play

19.1.1 Before the toss, the umpires shall determine the boundary of the field of play, whichshall be fixed for the duration of the match. See clause 2.3.4 (Consultation withrelevant Ground Authority).

19.1.2 The boundary shall be determined such that no part of any sight-screen, will, at anystage of the match, be within the field of play.

The aim shall be to maximize the size of the playing area at each venue. The playing area shall be a minimum of 150 yards (137.16 metres) from boundary to boundary square of the pitch, with the shorter of the two square boundaries being a minimum 65 yards (59.43 metres). The straight boundary at both ends of the pitch shall be a minimum of 70 yards (64.00 metres). Distances shall be measured from the centre of the pitch to be used.In all cases the aim shall be to provide the largest playing area, subject to no boundary exceeding 85 yards (77.71 metres) from the centre of the pitch to be used.

19.1.3 BCCI shall determine the dimensions for any ground which is unable to conform to the above minimum dimensions.

19.2 Identifying and marking the boundary

19.2.1 All boundaries must be designated by a rope, or similar object of a minimum standard as authorised by the BCCI from time to time. The rope should be positioned a required minimum distance (3 yards (2.74 metres) minimum) inside the perimeter fencing or advertising signs, or from any solid object located between the rope and the fence/signs. For grounds with a large playing area, the maximum length of boundary should be used before applying the minimum 3 yards (2.74 metres) between the boundary and the fence.19.2.2 If the boundary is marked by means of an object that is in contact with the groundthe boundary will be the edge of the grounded part of the object which is nearest thepitch.

19.2.3 If an unauthorized person enters the playing arena and handles the ball, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall be the sole judge of whether the boundary allowance should be scored or the ball be treated as still in play or called dead ball if a batsman is liable to be out as a result of the unauthorized person handling the ball.19.3 Restoring the boundaryIf a solid object used to mark the boundary is disturbed for any reason, then:

19.3.1 the boundary shall be considered to be in its original position.

19.3.2 the object shall be returned to its original position as soon as is practicable; if play istaking place, this shall be as soon as the ball is dead.

19.3.3 if some part of a fence or other marker has come within the field of play, that partshall be removed from the field of play as soon as is practicable; if play is takingplace, this shall be as soon as the ball is dead.

19.4 Ball grounded beyond the boundary

19.4.1 The ball in play is grounded beyond the boundary if it touches

- the boundary or any part of an object used to mark the boundary;

- the ground beyond the boundary;

- any object that is grounded beyond the boundary.

19.4.2 The ball in play is to be regarded as being grounded beyond the boundary if

- a fielder, grounded beyond the boundary as in clause 19.5, touches the ball;

- a fielder, after catching the ball within the boundary, becomes grounded beyondthe boundary while in contact with the ball, before completing the catch.

19.5 Fielder grounded beyond the boundary

19.5.1 A fielder is grounded beyond the boundary if some part of his person is incontact with any of the following:

- the boundary or any part of an object used to mark the boundary;

- the ground beyond the boundary;

- any object that is in contact with the ground beyond the boundary;

- another fielder who is grounded beyond the boundary.

19.5.2 A fielder who is not in contact with the ground is considered to be grounded beyondthe boundary if his final contact with the ground, before his first contact withthe ball after it has been delivered by the bowler, was not entirely within the boundary.19.6 Boundary allowances

19.6.1 6 runs shall be allowed for a boundary 6; and4 runs for a boundary 4. See also clause 19.7.

19.7 Runs scored from boundaries

19.7.1 A boundary 6 will be scored if and only if the ball has been struck by the bat and isfirst grounded beyond the boundary without having been in contact with the groundwithin the field of play. This shall apply even if the ball has previously touched afielder.19.7.2 A boundary 4 will be scored when a ball that is grounded beyond the boundary

- whether struck by the bat or not, was first grounded within the boundary, or

- has not been struck by the bat.

19.7.3 When a boundary is scored, the batting side, except in the circumstances of clause19.8,shall be awarded whichever is the greater of

19.7.3.1 the allowance for the boundary

19.7.3.2 the runs completed by the batsmen together with the run in progress if theyhad already crossed at the instant the boundary is scored.

19.7.4 When the runs in clause 19.7.3.2 exceed the boundary allowance they shall replace theboundary allowance for the purposes of clause18.12.

19.7.5 The scoring of Penalty runs by either side is not affected by the scoring of aboundary.

19.8 Overthrow or wilful act of fielder

If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scoredshall be any runs for penalties awarded to either side and the allowance for the boundaryand the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they hadalready crossed at the instant of the throw or act.
Clause18.12.2 (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the instant ofthe throw or act.