MCC announces 73 major rule changes in cricket:End-of-day play rule tweaked in Test matches, laminated bats and hit-wicket update

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodian of cricket laws, has announced 73 major changes to the rules of the game. These updates cover several important aspects of cricket, including Test match playing conditions, boundary catches, hit-wicket laws, dead-ball decisions and equipment standards. All the new rules will come into effect from October 1, 2026. According to MCC, this is the biggest overhaul of cricket laws since 2022 and aims to make the game fairer, clearer, and more exciting for players and fans. One of the most talked-about changes is related to the final over of a day in Test cricket, which MCC believes will add more drama and intensity to the longest format of the game. Test match’s last over of the day rule changed Under the new rule, the final over of the day in a Test match must be completed even if a wicket falls during that over. Earlier, play could end immediately if a wicket fell in the last over. MCC explained that stopping play after a wicket was unfair because the new batter did not have to face the remaining balls. The club also stated that this rule did not save time, as the leftover balls had to be bowled the next day anyway. More importantly, it reduced excitement, as new batters escaped challenging conditions. Now, if conditions favour bowlers, the full over will be bowled regardless of a wicket. Clear definition of overthrow and misfield MCC has clearly defined the difference between an overthrow and a misfield. An overthrow will only be counted when a fielder throws the ball at the stumps and it goes past them. If a fielder is trying to stop the ball near the boundary and it slips from their hand, it will be called a misfield, not an overthrow. This clarification will help umpires and players avoid confusion during matches. More power to Umpires for ‘Dead ball’ decisions Earlier, a ball was considered dead only when it reached the bowler or wicketkeeper. Under the new rules, this is no longer required. If the ball has stopped on the field or reached any fielder, and the umpire feels no further runs can be taken, the ball can be declared dead. Umpires will now have more freedom to judge whether the ball has completely stopped. Hit-wicket rule explained clearly MCC has removed confusion around the hit-wicket law by clearly defining different situations: If a batter loses balance after playing a shot and falls onto the stumps, they will be out, even if the ball has travelled far. If a batter collides with a fielder and then falls onto the stumps, they will not be out. If the bat slips from the batter’s hand and directly hits the stumps, the batter will be out. If the bat touches the wicketkeeper or a fielder first and then hits the stumps, the batter will be not be out. New ball sizes for women’s and junior cricket MCC has introduced three different ball sizes after consulting current and former women players: Size-1: The traditional ball used in men’s senior cricket, unchanged. Size-2: Slightly smaller and lighter, designed for women’s cricket and older juniors. Size-3: The lightest and smallest ball, meant for younger junior players. While size and weight will differ, quality, safety, and durability standards will remain the same for all balls. Laminated bats approved To reduce costs, MCC has approved laminated bats (made by joining pieces of wood) for open-age cricket. However, traditional bats will still be used at the highest level of the game.