The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in London, the body that upholds the laws of cricket, have officially introduced a change in cricket terminology. Effective immediately, according to a statement published by the MCC on Wednesday, the term ‘batsman’ and/or ‘batsmen’ will officially be replaced by the gender-neutral term ‘batter.’
The only reason behind such a decision is the advancement of women in cricket. Earlier, the MCC had made it a rule to say ‘batsman’ to women cricketers, but the word ‘batsman’ has been used in their case.
The terms ‘batsman/batsmen’ has been in use since 1744 according to The Times. However, the change has been implemented to make the sport gender-inclusive and more welcoming to women players.
In a statement on its website, the MCC said: “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. 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.”
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 (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.”
“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.”
In the last five years, women’s cricket has seen an incredible rise in popularity all over the world. From the T20 World Cup in 2017 between India and England at the Lord’s cricket ground to the 2020 T20 World Cup in Melbourne between India and Australia, all the big matches took place in front of capacity crowds.
With more and more media houses, publications and commentators beginning to use gender-neutral terms while talking cricket, it was about time that the official copy of cricket laws changed their view on the issue as well.
