Marylebone Cricket Club Committee approved amendments to the laws of gender equality with immediate effect. On Wednesday, they announced that the gender-neutral term “batter” will be replacing “batsman” with immediate effect.
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It is a great move towards gender equality in the world of cricket. This decision In replacing the term batsman will help in reinforcing cricket as an inclusive sport. Initially, the club’s specialist Laws Sub-committee discussed this and later MCC Committee approved it.
MCC, the custodians of the game, said their views in a statement. “MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all.”
They further added, “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.”
Women’s cricket is growing extraordinarily worldwide at all levels. And gender equality is a step towards encouraging the young girls and coming generations to play and enjoy the sport. Even before announcing the term “batter” officially, many governing bodies and media organizations are already using the term.
This is what MCC said on this decision:
MCC is the one behind this huge change and they also share their thoughts. “At the time of the last redraft in 2017 it was agreed, following consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and key figures within women’s cricket, that the terminology would remain as ‘batsman’ and ‘batsmen’ within the Laws of the game.”
They also added, “The changes announced today reflect the wider usage of the terms ‘batter’ and ‘batters’ which has occurred in cricketing circles in the intervening period. The move to ‘batter’ is a natural progression, aligning with the terms of bowlers and fielders that already sit within the Laws.”
Jamie Cox, the Assistant Secretary (Cricket and Operations) of MCC also shared her opinion. “MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognizes the changing landscape of the game in modern times. 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.”
