Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition introduces slow over rate player penalty

Slow over rates are a scourge of the game at all levels but NT Cricket is introducing a unique rule which aims to instantly hit clubs where it hurts.

Noah McFadyen playing for Waratah against Southern Districts in the 2024 Darwin and District Cricket Competition. Picture: Cricket NT / Patch Clapp

Northern Territory cricket hopes its introduction of a harsh new rule to combat slow over rates could set a template for other competitions across the country.

Among a raft of new rule changes being introduced for the upcoming Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition (DDCC) season, clubs will be forced to remove a fielder when they fall short of the required over rate.

An issue that’s plagued world cricket for years, commonly combatted by fines and match-point penalties, the DDCC has decided it will remove a player from the fielding side ‘for any remaining overs if they exceed their scheduled finish time after allowances’.

Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition has introduced a first of its kind rule for the upcoming 2025 season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Head of clubs and competitions, Karl Mayne, said the rule was intended to create an ‘immediate disadvantage’ for the offenders.

“The penalty for slow over rates is often felt weeks later, rather than in the moment,” Mayne said.

“This rule ensures that teams behind the rate are at an immediate disadvantage, which should incentivise quicker play and better game management.”

Elsewhere the DDCC is introducing changes to the overall points system in the two-day competition.

A new bonus points system is being implemented with the intent to keep sides engaged deep into matches.

Batting and bowling bonus points will be awarded for certain milestones, with no partial points up for grabs:

Batting Bonus Points – 1 point awarded for every 100 runs scored in the second innings. (e.g., 100 runs = 1 point, 200 runs = 2 points, etc.).

Bowling Bonus Points – 1 point awarded for every 5 wickets taken in the second innings, with a maximum of 2 points available.

Palmerston Cricket Club celebrating their Two-Day DDCC A-grade grand final victory over Waratah at DXC Arena, 15 September, 2024. Picture: Cricket NT.

The competition has also introduced a change to its import player rules.

In the past, first and second grade players as well as subdistrict first grade players were classified as imports.

Now a player will be deemed an import if they do not primarily reside in Darwin (and surrounds).

Men’s A-grade sides will be allowed a maximum of six import players while the women’s division one will be allowed a maximum of three.

Originally published as Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition introduces slow over rate player penalty