MCC Announces Major Cricket Law Changes Effective from October 2026
The MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), which has governed the rules of cricket since 1787, has released a new edition of the game's laws and will make changes to the game's laws ahead of commencement on October 1, 2026. The fourth edition of the Code of Laws will ensure that the laws remain relevant to cricket and are also more inclusive, affordable, and easier to apply across all levels of cricket. While the 2019 edition primarily clarified existing law, and the 2022 edition was a significant update, the 2026 edition will represent a number of the most significant changes in recent cricket history.
In total, 73 significant changes were approved as part of the new edition, in addition to revisions on wording throughout the document. The new edition has been made available in advance to allow players, umpires, and cricket organisations sufficient time to understand the new laws of cricket. Some of the laws have already been implemented by the ICC and some other cricket governing bodies. The drafting of the changes was completed by MCC's Laws Sub-Committee and then ratified by the Main Committee and Cricket Committee.
MCC Introduces Major Law Changes to Modernise Cricket from 2026
“It is important that we announce these changes now as part of the Club’s global commitment to the game, giving officials from all over the world the chance to learn under the new Laws ahead of them coming into force in October. Cricket is a fast-evolving sport and this edition is drafted with the modern game in mind, as we are constantly looking to ensure that the Laws, which the Club has administered since being founded in 1787, are fit for all levels of cricket across the globe. The Laws sub-committee meets several times each year to shape the Laws and debate what changes are required to every area of the edition. The changes announced today represent the way the game continues to evolve," MCC Laws Manager, Fraser Stewart said in a statement.
The regulations have changed regarding laminated bats being permitted to be used in open age cricket. Previously, laminated bats were restricted to being used as junior bats. Type D Bats consist of up to three pieces of wood used and have been approved as a way to help promote the availability of bats at lower prices because the price of 'English Willow' bats has increased due to a shortage of wood in England.
New rules set limits on bat size
| Area | New Update |
|---|---|
| Bat Dimensions | Maximum width: 108mm, depth: 67mm, edge: 40mm |
| Bat Materials | Non-willow materials allowed behind the bat face (elite cricket still expected to use full willow bats) |
| Multi-day Matches | The final over of the day must be completed even if a wicket falls after scheduled close |
| Overthrows Law | Rewritten with clearer definitions to reduce confusion |
| Players’ Conduct | Umpires can give penalty runs, temporarily suspend, or permanently remove players |
| Captain Refusal of Sanctions | Match can be awarded to opposition or abandoned in extreme cases |
| Substitutes | Substitutes now allowed to keep wicket |
| Bails | Tethered bails permitted to reduce injury risk |
| Cricket Balls | Junior and women’s balls standardized into three size categories |
| Short Runs & Dead Ball | Rules clarified for better understanding |
| Language in Laws | Gendered terms removed to make laws more inclusive |
