An amendment has been declared by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The club based at Lord’s Cricket Ground has asked to use the gender-neutral term ‘batter’ and ‘batters’ rather than ‘batsman’ or ‘batsmen’.
The decision comes in after this initiation got approved by the MCC Committee, following initial discussion by the club’s specialist laws sub-committee.
In an official statement by the MCC, it read, “MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all. 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.”
Jamie Cox, Assistant Secretary of Cricket and Operations at MCC said, “MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognises the changing landscape of the game in modern times.”
He further added, “Use of the term “batter” is a natural evolution in our shared cricketing language and the terminology has already been adopted by many of those involved in the sport. 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.”
All these amendments are effective immediately, all the cricket governing bodies and media organizations are expected to use the term ‘batter’ in their playing conditions and reporting from now on.
The changes that have been announced reflect the wider usage of the terms “batter” and “batters”. The reason behind this amendment was to align ‘batter’ with the terms of bowlers and fielders that already sit within the Laws.
With this amendment in place, MCC asserts its belief to be gender-neutral in all of its workings.