What happens in extreme heat?
Rule- New South Wales
- Cricket NSW
- Cricket Australia
- Junior cricket
- Under 10-Under 18
- 2026/27
- Parents
Cricket NSW's Heat Policy uses the Heat Stress Risk Index (HSRI), a number from 0 to 11+ calculated from air temperature, wind speed, humidity and black globe temperature. Umpires calculate it one hour before play and then hourly. The policy is strongly recommended for community cricket and binds Cricket NSW's own competitions, including the junior carnivals, and any association that formally adopts it.
| HSRI | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0 to 3 | Normal heat management: drinks, hats, sunscreen |
| 4 to 7 | Captains consider more and longer drinks breaks, and players may leave the field at breaks. Be extra vigilant for cramping, dizziness or fatigue once the index passes 5 |
| 8 to 10 | Longer breaks (for example 10 to 20 minutes instead of 5), with umpires free to add more |
| 11 or more | Play stops immediately and resumes only once the index falls to 10 |
Once a day's play is abandoned at 11 or above, it cannot be resumed that day. Cricket NSW can also cancel a day's play if the forecast index for the next day is 11 or more, or move the start time earlier. Umpires always have the final say if conditions are dangerous.
Source: CNSW Heat Policy (last updated 23 January 2026).
Added 24 Oct 2026