Cricket will see a fresh set of rule updates when the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) introduces the new Laws of Cricket from October 1, 2026. While the revised lawbook contains several technical tweaks, a few changes will have a noticeable impact on players, umpires and fans.
Why were the laws updated?
According to the MCC, the goal is to make the laws clearer, fairer and more aligned with modern cricket. With technology playing a bigger role and the game expanding rapidly across formats, genders and age groups, the updates aim to remove confusion and address grey areas that have caused debate in recent years.
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Clearer rules for balls and bats
One important change concerns the cricket ball used in women’s and junior cricket. The new laws introduce three clearly defined ball sizes, replacing earlier overlapping ranges and ensuring better consistency across competitions.
Another significant update allows laminated (Type D) bats, made from more than one piece of wood, to be used in most adult cricket. Earlier limited largely to junior levels, these bats are expected to lower costs and improve accessibility without offering any unfair advantage.
End-of-day wickets rule amended
In multi-day matches, play previously ended immediately if a wicket fell in the final over of the day. From 2026, that safety net disappears. The final over must be completed, conditions permitting, meaning the incoming batter may have to face the remaining balls. The change is aimed at restoring balance between batters and bowlers.
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Boundary catches, short runs, and overthrows clarified
Boundary catching laws have been tightened to prevent dramatic “bunny-hop” efforts. Fielders are now allowed only one airborne touch from outside the boundary before completing a legal catch. The laws on short runs and overthrows have also been clarified, clearly separating deliberate attempts to gain an advantage from genuine mistakes or misfields.
The big picture
Overall, the 2026 MCC updates focus on refining the game rather than reshaping it, ensuring cricket’s laws remain simple, fair and relevant in a fast-evolving era.
