Umpires are on-field match officials employed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to conduct the match lawfully and sportingly. They are supposed to be neutral, that is, the decisions they make must be unbiased. Their only allegiance is to the game of Cricket and not to any individual or any country. An umpire has the authority to take decisions such as adjudicating a batsman 'out' or 'not out'; declaring a delivery as 'wide' or 'no ball'; counting the number of balls bowled in an over and so on. Players cannot question any decision made by the umpires. Normally there are two umpires on a Cricket field – one at the non-striking end behind the stumps and another at square leg position.

There is also a third umpire positioned outside the playing arena. The third umpire has access to slow motion video replays. There is also a fourth umpire or standby umpire for test matches. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has framed a set of laws pertaining to umpiring. This is known as the ICC Code of Conduct for Umpires. This ICC Code of Conduct is adhered to by all associated with the game.

The Match Referee ensures that the Code of Conduct for Umpires as well for the players are enforced properly for the game to be played in a sporting manner. Glean through the following points to know about Umpires' Code of Conduct as laid down by ICC.

ICC Code of Conduct for Umpires

ICC Code of Conduct for Umpires clearly states that umpires cannot make any media comment or public declaration against the spirit and reputation of the game of Cricket.

Umpires must not engage in any kind of betting activities.

ICC Code of Conduct for Umpires do not permit umpires to take or get involved in illegal drugs.

Umpires must always abide by the Cricket Regulations framed by ICC.

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Cricket Regulations

ICC Code of Conduct for Umpires	Duckworth Lewis Method
Playing Conditions for Men’s Test Matches	Playing Conditions for Men’s One day International

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