Cricket interruptus: fairness and incentive in limited overs cricket matches

Abstract

We present an adjustment rule for interrupted cricket matches that equalizes the probability of winning before and after the interruption, which we claim is both fair and free of incentive effects. We give several examples of how our rule could have been applied in past matches, including some in which the ultimate result might have been different.

Keywords:

• sports
• probability
• econometrics

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the helpful comments of Glenn Boyle. Sanghamitra Das, Frank Duckworth, John Howells, Tony Lewis, Paul Walker and two anonymous referees, and the research assistance of Gareth Stiven and Steen Videbeck.