ICC to replace batsman with gender neutral term ‘batter’ from T20 WC 2021

The ICC is all set to replace the term ‘batsman’ with batter in order to maintain gender neutrality in all their playing scenarios and the new move is all set to be in place with the upcoming T20 World Cup. The T20 WC is all set to begin on October 19 in Oman and the UAE.

It has to be noted that it was only the last month when Marylebone Cricket Club announced that they will replace ‘batsman’ with ‘batter’ in the laws of cricket. MCC added in a statement that the game is for all and therefore it calls up for terms that are gender-neutral.

“MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognizes the changing landscape of the game in modern times. The 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,” said Jamie Cox of Marylebone Cricket Club in a statement.

ICC using the gender-neutral term for four years

In the same light of events, ICC added that they have been regularly using the term batter in place of the batsman for four years now and it is reflected in their commentary panel and media websites. Acting CEO of ICC Geoff Allardice added that they welcome this move. However, it will be a new change for all to see from the T20 WC 2021 only.

“The ICC has been utilizing the term batter for some time now across our channels and in commentary and we welcome the MCC’s decision to implement it into the Laws of cricket and will follow suit with our playing conditions that are derived from the Laws. This is a natural and perhaps overdue evolution of our sport and now our batters are gender-neutral in the same way as bowlers, fielders, and wicket keepers,” said Geoff Allardice in a statement.