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New Cricket Laws: 73 Changes Take Effect October 1, Impacting Final Over, Boundary Catches
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News18•01-10-2026, 15:33
New Cricket Laws: 73 Changes Take Effect October 1, Impacting Final Over, Boundary Catches
- •The Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) latest edition of the Laws of Cricket, with 73 material changes, comes into effect on October 1.
- •Significant changes include completing the final over of a day's play even after a wicket falls in multi-day cricket, and revised rules for boundary catches.
- •Overthrows now have a clearer definition, distinguishing them from misfields, and the ball can be 'finally settled' without being with the bowler or wicketkeeper.
- •Wicketkeeper position requirements during delivery have been amended, and the hit wicket law clarified, especially regarding balance and equipment.
- •Laminated bats are now permitted in adult recreational cricket, and ball control for dismissals like run-outs and stumpings has been tightened.
Key Questions Answered
Under revised Law 12.5.2, the final over of a day's play in multi-day cricket like Tests must be completed even if a wicket falls. Instead of play ending immediately, the incoming batter must face the remaining deliveries.
Revised Law 19.5.2 allows a fielder jumping from beyond the boundary to have only one airborne touch of the ball. Every subsequent landing before the ball becomes dead must occur strictly inside the field of play.
Yes, laminated bats are now permitted in adult recreational cricket under the updated Laws. This change aims to help address rising equipment costs using up to three pieces of wood without offering performance advantages.
