The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has introduced the fourth edition of the 2017 Code of Laws, which includes 73 significant updates. This is the first major update since 2022, aimed at improving the game’s rules.
These updated rules will take effect on October 1st, 2026. The MCC states these changes are meant to keep the Laws relevant and inclusive for today’s cricket.
Law 12.3 and 12.5.2 – Traditionally, if a wicket falls at the end of a session or day, play stops. Under the new rules, the incoming batter must now come out and face the full over. The MCC explained that the old rule was unfair to the bowling team and lessened the game’s excitement. Umpires will also no longer need to remove bails during drinks breaks.
Law 19.8 – The Overthrow rule is now better defined. An overthrow occurs when the ball is thrown at the stumps to prevent runs. However, a misfield will not count as an overthrow.
Law 18.5.1 and 18.5.2 – The short running rule has been updated. If a player deliberately short runs, they will lose that run, and the fielding captain will decide which batter remains on strike.
Law 19.5.2 – This rule, concerning boundary catches, clarifies that a fielder cannot perform a “bunny hop” when catching the ball. A fielder must land inside the boundary; if any part of their body lands outside, a boundary is awarded, even if the ball is passed to another fielder.
Law 20.1.1.1 – The rule about when the ball is considered ‘dead’ has changed. The ball can now be called dead even if not in the bowler’s or wicketkeeper’s hands. An umpire can stop play if a fielder or the ball is stationary, regardless of ongoing attempts to play.
Law 27.3.1 – The wicketkeeper can now position their gloves ahead of the stumps during the bowler’s run-up without it being called a no-ball, as long as they are behind the stumps when the ball is released.
Law 35.1.1 and 35.2 – A batter can be ruled as ‘hit wicket’ if they lose balance while playing a shot and hit the stumps, even if the ball is out of play. They will not be out if they accidentally contact a fielder while trying to regain balance.
Law 41.17.2 – If a team commits a disciplinary offense after winning, they could face penalties, even if it changes the match result. If a batter celebrates improperly, they could lose the match. Penalty runs may occur after the result is determined, potentially reversing that result, with umpires applying penalties in the order offenses happened.
Law 31.1.2 – A batter will not be judged as ‘bowled’ if their shot hits the non-striker’s wicket and bounces onto the striker’s wicket.
Law 37.1.3 and 37.5.2 – A batter who drops or throws their bat to avoid being out may now be declared ‘obstructing the wicket.’ In this case, the fielding captain will choose who takes the next strike.
Law 5.8 – The new rules now permit laminated bats in all adult cricket matches, having previously been limited to junior cricket.
