MCC to introduce revised Laws of Cricket in 2026 with focus on inclusivity and modern play
London: The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced a new edition of the Laws of Cricket, scheduled to come into force in October 2026. The first comprehensive revision of the laws since 2022 has been drafted with an emphasis on keeping pace with the modern game while making cricket’s rulebook more inclusive and easier to understand.
According to the MCC, the revision is guided by the objective of ensuring that the laws align with contemporary playing conditions while simplifying language to make them accessible to a global audience. It introduces extensive linguistic changes aimed at clarity.
The new code includes 73 substantive amendments, posted alongside broader wording revisions. The full text of the Laws and a detailed list of material changes have been made available free of charge on the MCC’s website.
Among the most notable changes is a revision of ball specifications for junior and women’s cricket. To address long-standing inequalities caused by overlap, the MCC has tightened the size and weight ranges of balls. The new framework offers three clearly defined categories — Size 1, 2 and 3 — each with uniform tolerances, to ensure distinct standards across formats.
Laminated bats will now be permitted in most adult cricket. Known as Type D bats, these may be made from up to three pieces of wood and were previously restricted to junior levels. After extensive testing, the MCC concluded that such bats do not offer a significant performance advantage. Decisions on their use at different levels will rest with national governing bodies.
A significant procedural change will affect multi-day matches, where the final over of a day will now be completed even if a wicket falls. The MCC said the previous rule unfairly allowed batting sides to avoid sending in a new batter late in the day, reducing competitive balance and drama.
Clarifications have also been introduced around short runs. Batters will be allowed to abandon a run without penalty, provided there is no intent to deceive umpires. In cases of deliberate short running, the fielding side will now be allowed to decide which batter faces the next delivery, adding a further deterrent.
Boundary catching laws have been tightened to eliminate so-called “bunny hop” catches. Fielders who have crossed the boundary may now touch the ball only once while airborne before landing fully inside the field of play. Any subsequent contact with the ground outside the boundary during that delivery will result in a boundary being awarded.
The laws governing overthrows have been comprehensively redrafted. The MCC has formally defined what constitutes an overthrow, distinguishing it from a misfield.
Umpires will also be given greater discretion in determining when a ball is “finally settled” and therefore dead. Under the revised definition, rather than only when controlled by the bowler or wicketkeeper, the ball may be considered settled even if it is held by any fielder or lying stationary on the ground.
Other amendments include changes to the wicketkeeper’s positioning, which will now be judged from the moment the ball is released rather than during the bowler’s run-up, and refinements to the hit wicket law to clarify situations involving loss of balance or contact with other players.
New definitions have also been added to clarify what constitutes control of the ball in run-outs and stumpings, aligning the standard with that used for judging catches.
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French President Macron concludes Mumbai visit
Mumbai (PTI): French President Emmanuel Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, left Mumbai for New Delhi on Wednesday after concluding his engagements here, including bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They were seen off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
On Tuesday, Macron held discussions with Modi as part of efforts to further strengthen India-France strategic ties.
During the Mumbai visit, the French president and his wife also met some of India's top filmmakers and actors, and had an animated exchange with them about cinema, culture and collaboration.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in the national capital Delhi, besides the bilateral summit in Mumbai.
PM Modi will inaugurate the summit on February 19. As many as 20 heads of states, including French President Macron, will be present at the inaugural session, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said.
