The MCC said the revisions were aimed at keeping the laws “up-to-date and suitable for the modern game”. NEW DELHI: In one of the most significant updates to the rules of cricket in recent years, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced 73 changes to the Laws of Cricket, with the changes – the first new edition since 2022 – coming into effect from October this year. The governing body said the revisions were aimed at keeping the laws “up-to-date and suitable for the modern game” while ensuring greater clarity and inclusivity across formats and levels.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Among the major changes is a new rule mandating that the final of the day in multi-day matches must be completed even if a wicket is taken, which the MCC believes will preserve the drama and competitive balance of the game.The MCC explained that it was “unfair” for a fielder to take a late wicket, but the batting team avoided sending in a new batting order, adding that unused deliveries only had to be replaced the following day and often reduced the spectacle. Under the revised law, more full-scale play will now take place, provided playing conditions remain suitable.
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Key Act Changes Announced by MCC
Mandatory completion of the final over
- In multi-day cricket, if a wicket falls during the last over of the day, the over must be completed.
- The MCC said the change restores drama and prevents incoming Tests from escaping the Test period late in the day.
Clarification of the position of the goalkeeper
- Keepers will no longer be penalized for having their gloves just in front of the stumps during a bowler’s run.
- The law now stipulates that the wicketkeeper must be completely behind the stumps only after the ball has been released, in accordance with the fielding rules.
‘Bunny hop catch’ removed
- Fielders who go out of bounds can only touch the ball once in the air and must then land completely inside the boundary for the rest of the game.
- If a fielder bounces the ball outside to a teammate inside and then steps out again, it will be considered a boundary.
Laminated bats legalized in open age cricket
- Layered bats – made by joining several pieces of wood – are now allowed behind the lower levels.
- The MCC believes the move could help tackle the rising cost of bats, although elite players are still expected to use traditional single-wicket bats.
New sizes of cricket balls for women and juniors
- The governing body has introduced size 1, size 2 and size 3 balls.
- While size 1 (traditionally used in men’s cricket) remains unchanged, uniform edges now create clearer categories tailored to different levels of play.
Overthrown defined for the first time
- The toss is now officially described as a throw to the stumps to prevent a run or attempted run out.
- Misfields near the boundary will no longer be considered a knockdown.
The captain’s role in the field at deliberate short runs
- The fielding side gains additional power to decide which batsman faces the next ball in cases of deliberate short run, extending the existing provision.
The ball was considered “finally settled” earlier
- The ball will be considered in play when it is held by any player in the field or standing on the ground.
- It no longer has to be in the hands of the bowler or the keeper.
The MCC said the extensive revisions were shaped through consultation on the World Cricket Connects forum, including input from current and former women’s players and equipment manufacturers.(With inputs from PTI)
