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MCC backs gender-neutral terminology, changes 'batsman' to 'batter' in Laws of Cricket

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 9/23/2021 6:57:35 AM

London, Sep 22 The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has decided to amend the Laws of Cricket and change the term 'batsman' to a more gender-neutral term 'batter' to reflect the "changing landscape of the game in modern times". “MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognises the changing landscape of the game in modern times,” said Jamie Cox of Marylebone Cricket Club, the Lord’s-based organisation regarded as the guardian of the laws of the game. The last redraft of the laws, in 2017, kept the terminology “batsman” and “batsmen” after consultation with key figures in women’s cricket. The MCC said an amendment, effective immediately, was now needed as it “helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all.” "MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket's status as an inclusive game for all," the club said in a statement. "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 organisations 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." The MCC also pointed to the women’s World Cup final between England and India in 2017 taking place in front of a capacity crowd at Lord’s and a record international crowd for a women's game — 86,174 — seeing Australia beat India in the T20 World Cup Final in Melbourne in 2020.