'Batter' replaces 'batsman' as MCC amend Laws of Cricket

Kit Shepard: The amendment, approved by the MCC committee after being proposed by its specialist laws sub-committee, seeks to promote cricket as a game without discrimination

The gender-neutral term 'batter' will replace 'batsman' in the Laws of Cricket with immediate effect, the MCC announced on Wednesday, September 22.

The amendment, approved by the MCC committee after being proposed by its specialist laws sub-committee, seeks to promote cricket as a game without discrimination.

"MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all," the club said. "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."

Assistant secretary Jamie Cox added: "This move recognises the changing landscape of the game in modern times. It is the right time for this adjustment to be recognised formally and we are delighted, as the guardians of the Laws, to announce these changes today."

Though a similar proposal was rejected in 2017, rule-makers believe the "unprecedented growth [of women’s cricket] at all levels around the world" in the years since necessitates the change.

^{The 2020 T20 World Cup final was played in front of over 86,000 fans}

The 2017 World Cup Final was watched by a capacity crowd at Lord’s, while last year’s T20 World Cup Final was played in front of over 86,000 spectators in Melbourne – a record for a women’s cricket match.

This summer, the inaugural edition of The Hundred provided women’s domestic cricket with unprecedented exposure in England, and the competition had already adopted the terms 'batter' and 'batters.'

"A number of governing bodies and media organisations are already using the term 'batter' in their playing conditions and reporting,” the MCC acknowledged. "We expect and encourage others to adopt the updated terminology following today’s announcement of the change to the Laws."

The terminology has already been updated on the Laws of Cricket website and app, and will be included in the next printed edition.

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