The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardians of the Laws of Cricket, have announced a comprehensive overhaul of the game's regulations, featuring 73 amendments set to take effect on October 1, 2026. This marks the first major update since 2022, with the aim of modernizing the sport, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the Laws are relevant for all levels of cricket.

Redefining Overthrows and Misfields

One of the most significant changes addresses the complexities surrounding overthrows. The new laws clearly define an overthrow as a deliberate attempt to throw the ball at the stumps to prevent runs or attempt a run-out. Misfields while stopping the ball or throws intended for another fielder, even near the boundary, will no longer be treated as overthrows. This aims to remove ambiguity and provide greater clarity in these situations.

Dead Ball Declarations

The updated regulations also offer greater clarity on when a ball is considered "dead". Previously, a ball was deemed settled only when held by the bowler or wicketkeeper. The new law states that the ball is settled when held by any fielder or is stationary on the ground. This change grants umpires more discretion, especially in close finishes where players might still be moving despite having no realistic chance of altering the play.

Mandatory Completion of Final Overs

In a move set to add late-day drama to multi-day matches, the MCC has mandated the completion of the final over, even if a wicket falls. Previously, the fall of a wicket in the last over would result in stumps being drawn for the day. The MCC felt this unfairly eased pressure on the new batter and robbed the bowling side of an advantage when bowlers traditionally hold the upper hand. From October 2026, the final over must be bowled in full, provided conditions allow.

Relaxing Wicketkeeper Positioning

The MCC has also revised the rules regarding wicketkeeper positioning. Previously, keepers were required to remain entirely behind the stumps from the moment the bowler began their run-up, with any movement in front potentially resulting in a no-ball. The new law stipulates that the wicketkeeper only needs to be completely behind the stumps after the ball is released. This adjustment acknowledges that keepers were sometimes unfairly penalized despite gaining no real advantage, aligning their positioning with that of other fielders.

Laminated Bats Legalized

In an effort to combat rising equipment costs and promote inclusivity, the MCC has legalized the use of laminated bats in open-age cricket. These bats, made from up to three pieces of wood, were previously restricted to junior cricket. Extensive testing by the MCC has shown that laminated bats offer no significant performance advantage and allow for more efficient use of willow. While elite players are expected to continue using traditional single-piece bats, this change aims to make the sport more accessible to a wider range of players.

Standardizing Ball Sizes

The new regulations introduce clearly defined categories for cricket balls used in women's and junior cricket: Size 1, Size 2, and Size 3. While Size 1 (traditionally used in men's cricket) remains unchanged, the tolerances for Sizes 2 and 3 have been standardized to improve consistency and inclusivity across age groups and women's cricket. Previously, the permitted size and weight tolerances for women's and junior balls were wider than those for men's, sometimes even allowing a women’s ball to be smaller and lighter than a junior ball.

Clarifying Run-Out and Stumping Rules

The MCC has introduced clearer definitions of what it means for a ball to be "held" and under "complete control", particularly for run-outs and stumpings. Merely touching the ball while breaking the stumps will no longer suffice. Control now requires the same standard as taking a catch: the fielder must be able to hold the ball securely and dispose of it at will.

These are just some of the key changes coming to cricket in October 2026. The MCC's commitment to updating the Laws reflects the sport's continuous evolution and its dedication to ensuring cricket remains a fair, engaging, and inclusive game for all.