MCC to use ‘batter’ instead of batsmen

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced amendments to the Laws of Cricket to use the gender-neutral terms “batter” and “batters”, rather than “batsman” or “batsmen”.

These changes have been approved by the MCC Committee, following initial discussion by the Club’s specialist Laws sub-committee, said a press release on Wednesday.

MCC has been recognised as the sole authority on the game’s Laws since its foundation in 1787.

“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”.

The change, which is effective immediately, was approved by the MCC Committee following initial discussion by the Club’s Laws sub-committee.

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,” he added.