"India is heartbeat of cricket": MCC launches Laws of Cricket app in Hindi and Urdu
MCC Head Fraser Stewart announces the Laws of Cricket app launch in Hindi and Urdu to make regulations more accessible to fans and officials in India.
In a landmark move to bridge the language gap in the world's most popular sport, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has launched its Laws of Cricket app in Hindi and Urdu. This initiative aims to ensure that the fundamental rules governing the game are no longer restricted by language barriers, making them accessible to players, officials, and fans across the Indian subcontinent.
The announcement was made during a special MCC Laws of Cricket Workshop hosted by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) in Delhi. The workshop was organized for umpires to prepare for the implementation of the New Laws of Cricket, which are set to take effect from October 1, 2026.
Breaking the Language Barrier
Speaking to the media, MCC Head of Cricket Fraser Stewart emphasized that understanding complex regulations can be incredibly difficult when they are not presented in one's native tongue. He noted that while the laws are intricate in English, they become even more daunting when translated poorly or read in a foreign language.
“This is a really big step to try and make the laws as accessible as possible to as many people,” Stewart remarked. He highlighted that the MCC has collaborated closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to facilitate these translations, marking a first for the organization in terms of digital and physical publication under the MCC banner.
A Multi-Language Rollout Plan
The digital rollout is designed to cover the vast linguistic diversity of India. While the app was initially available only in English, the expansion is moving rapidly:
- Current Status: Available in English, Hindi, and Urdu.
- Immediate Future: Bangla and Kannada versions are expected to launch later this week.
- Long-term Goal: More regional Indian languages and international languages will be added in the coming weeks.
India: The Global Heartbeat of Cricket
Stewart underscored the strategic importance of the Indian market, describing India as the heartbeat of cricket globally. He stated that as the custodians of the game's laws, it is the MCC's responsibility to ensure that the rules are simple and easy to grasp for everyone, regardless of where they live or what language they speak.
To assist this mission, the MCC has also worked on simplifying the actual wording of the laws in the latest edition, making the text less dense and more user-friendly for the average enthusiast and professional alike.
DDCA Supports the Digital Transition
The Delhi & District Cricket Association played a pivotal role in this launch by hosting the event at their premises. DDCA Director Shyam Sharma welcomed the initiative, noting that the timing is crucial as umpires and scorers must stay updated with the evolving rules of the game. The workshop provided a vital platform for officials to engage with the new digital tools ahead of the upcoming regulatory changes.