When Marylebone Cricket Club updates the Laws of Cricket, the implications reach far beyond the pavilion at Lord’s Cricket Ground. From international cricket to weekend club matches, laws determine how the game is played, judged and understood.
The 2026 edition, which comes into effect in October, is the first revision since 2022 and was designed with two clear goals in mind. The laws must reflect the reality of the modern game, increasingly shaped by technology and a global audience, and must be more open and accessible. This inclusivity goes beyond removing gendered language and extends to simplifying wording so the laws are clearer for players and officials around the world.
There are 73 material changes in total, but ten stand out for their direct impact on how cricket will be played. Some correct long-standing irregularities, others close loopholes that have begun to undermine fairness, and some restore lost elements of tension and balance.
CLEARER STANDARDS FOR WOMEN’S AND JUNIOR CRICKET BALLS
Previously, the permitted size and weight tolerances for women’s and junior balls were much wider than for men’s cricket. This created an overlap where the women’s ball could be smaller and lighter than the junior ball, allowing manufacturers to make one ball for both categories.
From 2026, balls will be classified as size 1, size 2 and size 3 with uniform tolerances in all categories. While the men’s ball remains unchanged, women’s and junior cricket will now use clearly defined equipment, a change driven by player feedback and a growing emphasis on fairness and accuracy.
LAMINATED BATS ALLOWED
Laminated bats or D-type bats were previously restricted to junior cricket. Under the new laws, they will be allowed in most adult cricket in accordance with regulations set by national governing bodies.
The goal is to address rising costs rather than changing performance. Laminated bats made from up to three pieces of wood allow more efficient use of willow and reduce waste. After extensive testing, MCC believes they offer no significant playing advantage, although elite professionals are still expected to favor traditional one-piece bats.
MUST COMPLETE FINAL PASS
One of the most significant changes is to multi-day cricket. Until now, the fall of a wicket in the final over of the day brought play to an immediate end, allowing the incoming batsman to avoid the remaining deliveries.
From October 2026, the final crossing will be completed in full, conditions permitting. The change removes a result that often felt unfair to the fielders and restores the pressure from the final days when the bowlers traditionally hold the edge.
SHORT OPERATION CLARIFIED
The law on short-term trading has been clarified to separate deception from real decision-making. Batsmen will be allowed to leave the run-up without penalty provided there is no deliberate attempt to mislead the umpire.
If the short duration is deemed to be intentional, the existing penalties remain, but with an additional consequence. The fielding side now decides which batsman hits the next ball, directly defying the tactical manipulation that deliberate short runs are often designed to do.
SPEED LIMIT
The so-called “bunny hop” catches at the border were imprisoned. A fielder who jumps from out of bounds may only touch the ball once in the air. After this touch, they must be completely grounded inside the court for the remainder of the serve.
If the fielder lands outside or steps outside again after making contact with the ball, a boundary will be awarded. The revision simplifies decision-making and brings the law closer to the public perception of justice near the rope.
TOPPING FINALLY DEFINED
For the first time, the laws clearly define what overthrow means. Overthrow is now specifically an attempt to direct the ball onto the stumps to prevent a run or attempted run out.
Foul fields, including unsuccessful attempts to stop or return the ball near the boundary, will not be considered a pitch. This change brings clarity to a previously vague area of law and brings it in line with the conventional understanding of cricket.
DEFINITION OF WHEN THE BALL IS DEAD
Updated the definition of when the ball is “finally settled”. Previously, it was commonly assumed that the ball had to be in the hands of the bowler or the keeper.
Under the new law, the ball can be considered tied if it is held by any player in the field or standing on the ground. This gives referees more discretion, especially at tight end, where players can still move even if they don’t have a realistic chance to make another play.
GOAL LOCATION RELEASED
Keepers will no longer be penalized for having their gloves in front of the stumps during a bowler’s run. The restriction now only applies after the ball is released.
The change reflects the realities of modern cricket and officiating, particularly in the DRS era, where such fringe moves were technically illegal but offered no competitive advantage.
MORE CLARITY TO HIT THE WICKET
Two important clarifications have been introduced in the Hit Wicket Act. First, the batsman is still considered the receiver of the ball until he regains his balance after playing the shot. If they fall on the stumps as a result of this action, they will be out of reach of the wicket, even if the ball has long since missed.
Secondly, if the fielder hits the stumps while he is falling away from them, they will be protected. However, casual contact offers no such protection. Detached gear that hits another player before it hits the stumps will also result in a miss.
WHAT IS KNOWN AS BALL CONTROL
The new definitions clarify what it means for the ball to be “held” and under “full control”, especially for run-outs and stumbles. Merely touching the ball while breaking the stumps will no longer be enough.
Handling now requires the same standard as catching. A fielder must be able to safely hold the ball and handle it at will, a refinement that is especially important in an era of slow-motion footage and forensics.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Taken together, the 2026 laws are more about refinement than revolution. It seeks to remove ambiguity, align the written law with how cricket is actually played and make the game fairer and easier to control at all levels.
Cricket’s strength lies in its traditions, but these changes underscore a clear message from its lawmakers. The spirit of the game is best preserved through laws that are precise, comprehensive and firmly rooted in the realities of modern cricket.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 3, 2026
