In a sweeping move to modernise the game and tackle the escalating costs of equipment, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the sole custodian of the Laws of Cricket, has announced a series of significant amendments. The governing body has confirmed that the latest revision includes 73 changes across 42 laws, with a primary focus on making the sport more accessible and environmentally sustainable. These updates are scheduled to come into full effect globally on 1 October 2026.
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The Rise of the Laminated Bat
Perhaps the most transformative change concerns the primary tool of the trade: the bat. For decades, the MCC strictly prohibited the use of laminated bats (Type-D)—bats constructed from multiple layers of wood—in senior cricket, reserving them only for junior levels. However, with the price of premium English Willow skyrocketing to nearly £1,000 in some markets, the MCC has now legalised these bats for recreational and amateur senior cricket.
The decision stems from a global shortage of high-grade willow. Laminated bats often utilise a “face” of high-quality wood bonded to more affordable timber, such as Kashmir Willow. Fraser Stewart, the MCC’s Laws Manager, explained:
“We must ensure the maximum possible usage of every tree. If we can keep the game within reach of the general public without compromising performance, that is the sensible path forward.”
Summary of Key Rule Amendments
| Rule Category | Previous Protocol | New Law (Effective Oct 2026) |
| Bat Construction | Laminated bats restricted to juniors. | Type-D laminated bats legal for senior recreational play. |
| Close of Play | Play often ended if a wicket fell in the final over. | Remaining balls of the over must be completed after a wicket. |
| Boundary Catches | Repeated “bunny hops” from outside ropes were easier. | Only one touch allowed while airborne from outside the rope. |
| Gendered Terms | Terms like ‘batsman’ persisted in formal code. | Full transition to gender-neutral terms like ‘batter’. |
| Innings Closure | Captains could declare at any time. | Declarations are prohibited during the final innings of a match. |
Technical Refinements on the Field
The update also clarifies several contentious “on-field” scenarios. Regarding Hit Wicket dismissals, the MCC has specified that if a batter falls onto the stumps due to a collision with a fielder, they are not out. Furthermore, if a piece of equipment (such as a glove or bat fragment) is deflected onto the stumps by a fielder or wicketkeeper, it remains “Not Out.”
In the bowling department, Wicketkeeper Positioning has been refined. While keepers may now have their gloves in front of the stumps as the bowler begins their run-up, the gloves must be retracted behind the stumps at the exact moment the ball is released.
Deterring Intentional Infringements
To discourage the practice of deliberate short runs, the MCC has granted the fielding side the authority to decide which batter will be on strike for the subsequent delivery, in addition to the existing five-run penalty. However, no such penalty will apply to accidental short runs.
The laws regarding Overthrows have also been tightened. A run will only be classified as an “overthrow” if the ball is intentionally thrown at the stumps; general misfields will no longer carry this designation in the official records.
By embracing sustainable manufacturing and clarifying technical ambiguities, the MCC aims to ensure that cricket remains a sport for everyone, balancing the traditions of the 18th century with the economic and social realities of 2026.