Overview:
A batter will now be considered 'hit wicket' if they lose their balance while playing a shot and hit the stumps, even if the ball is already out of play.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has rolled out the fourth edition of the 2017 Code of Laws, bringing with it 73 key revisions. This marks the first update since 2022, with the governing body unveiling several substantial modifications to the existing rules, implementing 73 amendments to enhance the game.
Starting October 1st, 2026, the updated rules will be implemented, ushering in significant changes to the way cricket is played. According to the MCC, these revisions have been designed to keep the Laws relevant to the modern game and ensure they are inclusive for all players and teams.
Law 12.3 And 12.5.2 – In Test cricket, there’s long been a tradition where if a wicket falls in the final over of a session or day, play immediately halts. However, this will change under the new rules, as the incoming batter will now need to walk out and face the full over. The MCC stated that the previous rule was unfair to the bowling team and detracted from the excitement of the game. Additionally, umpires will no longer be required to remove the bails at the start of a drinks break.
Law 19.8 For the first time, the Overthrow rule has been clearly defined. According to the new guidelines, an overthrow occurs when the ball is thrown towards the stumps in an effort to prevent runs or make a run-out. However, a misfield whether it’s an attempt to stop the ball or pass it to a nearby fielder near the boundary should not be considered an overthrow.
Law 18.5.1 and 18.5.2 – This regulation, which was introduced last year concerning short running, has been updated. Under the new rule, if a player deliberately performs a short run, they will lose the run, and the fielding captain will have the discretion to choose which batter will remain on strike for the next delivery.
Law 19.5.2 – This regulation, which has been in effect since last year, addresses boundary catches. It now specifies that a fielder is prohibited from performing a “bunny hop” while catching the ball. In other words, a fielder must land inside the boundary after jumping for the catch. Any part of the body landing outside the boundary line will result in a boundary being awarded, even if the ball is later passed to another fielder.
Law 20.1.1.1 – The rule governing when the ball is considered ‘dead’ has been modified. According to the new provision, the ball can be deemed “dead” even if it is not in the bowler’s or wicketkeeper’s hands. A fielder or the ball itself can be stationary on the ground, and the umpire can decide to call the ball dead, even if a batter or fielder continues to attempt play.
Law 27.3.1 – The latest update allows the wicketkeeper to have their gloves ahead of the stumps during the bowler’s run-up without it being considered a no-ball. The only requirement is that the wicketkeeper must be fully behind the stumps when the ball is released.
Law 35.1.1 and 35.2 – A batter will now be considered ‘hit wicket’ if they lose their balance while playing a shot and hit the stumps, even if the ball is already out of play. Another clarification within the rule states that a batter will not be given out if they accidentally contact a fielder while regaining their balance.
Law 41.17.2 – In cases where a team commits a disciplinary offense after winning the match, but the umpires are still on the field, they may be penalized, even if it changes the result. If the penalty results in the match not having a definitive outcome, play will continue. For instance, if a batter celebrates the final hit by punching the bowler, they will lose the match. Furthermore, if penalty runs are awarded after the result is determined, the result may be reversed, and play should resume. Umpires will administer penalty runs in the order the offenses occurred.
Law 31.1.2 – A batter will not be considered ‘bowled’ if their shot hits the non-striker’s wicket and deflects onto the striker’s wicket.
Law 37.1.3 and 37.5.2 – A batter who deliberately drops or throws their bat in an attempt to avoid being dismissed can now be declared ‘obstructing the wicket.’ Additionally, similar to short running, the fielding captain will choose which batter will take the strike if such a dismissal occurs.
Law 5.8 – The new regulation now allows laminated bats, which are more affordable, to be used in all adult cricket matches. Previously, these bats were only allowed for junior cricket.