BCCI accepts MCC rule changes for 2026-27 domestic season; the final over to continue even if the wicket falls

Mumbai: In line with rule changes recently recommended by Lord’s-based Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the BCCI has made changes to its playing conditions for the 2026-27 home season, which will require the day’s final to be completed even if a wicket falls during the over.According to a note (TOI has a copy) on the playing conditions for the upcoming season circulated by the BCCI to state associations, the BCCI said that as per MCC rules, the final of the day must be completed regardless of the fall of a wicket. According to Clause 12.5.2, “A matchday final will now be completed even if a goal is scored during it.”The reason for the change by the MCC states: “Significant change for multi-day cricket. Prevents batting sides from avoiding sending in a new batter late in the day.” Of course, this playing condition applies to the multi-day (red-ball) format.The BCCI’s 15-page note titled Summary of Changes to Playing Conditions – 2026-27 – addressed to state associations, mentions: “In the 2026 edition (4th edition of the 2017 Code of Laws), all gender language (he/she, he/she etc.) is changed as applicable, other relevant changes discussed this year are incorporated into the proposals BCCI.”A significant change, brought about by the amended MCC rules, is that a bowler who deliberately does not bowl on the front foot and deliberately does not deliver balls without landing will now be banned from bowling for the rest of the match, not just the innings.The proposed change to the conditions of play rule (41.8) reads: “A player suspended for intentional front footing, no ball may play the ball throughout the match.” According to the MCC’s explanation: “Penalties for intentional leg no-ball now apply to the entire match, not just the innings.”Under the amended rule, declarations and forfeits are no longer allowed in the final innings of a match. The MCC’s reasoning is that “this was only used for contrived results and was bad for the game.”Other rule changes:– During one-day events, the head coach will be allowed to enter the field during the drinks break during ODIs.– Leaving a run without the intention of deceiving is not a deliberate short run. Batsmen can turn back and leave the run even after an over.– The fielding captain will decide which batsman will face next if an obstruction prevents a catch.– The ball is “finally settled” if it is in the hands of any player in the field or standing on the ground. The ball no longer needs to be with the bowler or keeper to be “dead”. This gives the referees more reasonable latitude.– Guide for wide leg side in One-day and T20 games for clarity.– All players in the field must be inside the boundary at the moment the ball is served. It anchors the idea that the game takes place within the boundaries and closes the gap for leg-side limitations.– The goalkeeper must be behind the goal from “immediate serve” instead of “moment in play”. The goalkeeper is no longer penalized for having gloves on in front.– The referee must prevent further use of illegal equipment and report it. The amended rule clarifies that it is the referees’ responsibility to prevent the repeated use of illegal equipment.