MCC Laws of Cricket 2026: New Law Changes Explained, From Final-Over Wickets to Boundary Catches

Cricket is set for a significant update to its playing laws from October 1, with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) introducing 73 material changes in the 2026 edition of the Laws of Cricket.

The changes, which were discussed by MCC Head of Cricket Fraser Stewart at the Laws of Cricket 2026 Umpire's Workshop organised by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), are aimed at keeping the Laws relevant to the modern game while simplifying their interpretation.

Stewart also stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between bat and ball, particularly as modern cricket has increasingly favoured aggressive batting.

"Absolutely, the balance of the game is crucial to cricket and in 2017 we reduced the sizes of bats to try to limit the power of the bat, the dominance of the bat over ball," Stewart told PTI.

"That's helped to have an effect but we still see, balls flying a long way. We can't stop batters getting stronger, working out in the gym and they're playing a very different brand of attacking cricket than perhaps was the day years ago," he added.

Final over of the day will continue after a wicket

One of the most significant changes concerns multi-day cricket.

Under the new Law 12.5.2, if a wicket falls during the final over of the day's play, the over will not end immediately. The incoming batter must come out and the remaining deliveries will be bowled, provided playing conditions remain suitable.

Previously, play would end following the dismissal and the remaining balls would be completed the next day.

"The fielding side have taken a wicket, they will be rewarded with having a new batter coming out. The batting side will have to decide are we going to send in a night watchman," Stewart said.

"We felt that's again another thing that we're giving back to the bowlers to try to make sure that there is an even balance between bat and ball," he added.

The MCC said the change prevents the batting side from avoiding the immediate arrival of a new batter at a point when conditions can often favour the bowling side.

'Bunny hop' boundary catches removed

The new Laws also formalise restrictions on boundary catches.

A fielder who jumps from outside the boundary will now have only one opportunity to touch the ball while airborne. After that, the fielder must be completely grounded inside the boundary for the remainder of the delivery.

This effectively removes the spectacular but controversial "bunny hop" method of repeatedly jumping from outside the boundary while keeping the ball in play.

Overthrows get a clearer definition

The MCC has substantially rewritten the Law relating to overthrows.

For the first time, the Laws formally define an overthrow and distinguish it from a misfield.

An overthrow is essentially an attempt to direct the ball towards the stumps to prevent runs or attempt a run-out. A misfield, including an attempt to stop the ball or pass it to another fielder near the boundary, will not automatically be classified as an overthrow.

Bouncer above head height to be a Wide

Another notable change affects deliveries that pass above head height.

Under the new Law 22.1.3, such a delivery will be classified as a Wide rather than a No ball under the Laws. The change brings the wording of the Laws into line with what is already used in most professional cricket.

Short running rules clarified

The new Laws also clarify what constitutes deliberate short running.

Batters can change their minds about completing a run and return to their original ends without being penalised, even if they have already crossed.

However, if the umpires determine that the batters deliberately ran short in an attempt to deceive them, penalties will apply. In addition, the fielding side can decide which batter takes strike for the next delivery.

Wicketkeeper's position clarified

A wicketkeeper will no longer be penalised simply for having their gloves in front of the stumps while the bowler is running in.

The keeper must be wholly behind the stumps after the ball has been released. The MCC said the change addresses situations where keepers moved level with or ahead of the stumps during the run-up without gaining an advantage.

New definition of when the ball is 'finally settled'

The definition of when the ball is considered finally settled has also been changed.

The ball no longer needs to be in the bowler's or wicketkeeper's hands. It can be held by any fielder or be stationary on the ground, giving umpires greater discretion when deciding when the ball has become dead.

Hit wicket law clarified

The 2026 edition also provides greater clarity around hit wicket dismissals.

If a batter remains off balance after playing a shot and subsequently falls onto the stumps, the batter can still be dismissed hit wicket because the action is considered part of receiving the delivery.

However, protection is provided if contact with a fielder causes the batter to fall towards the stumps. The Laws also clarify situations involving detached equipment, such as a bat hitting another player before subsequently hitting the stumps.

Laminated bats allowed in adult cricket

The new Laws will permit Type D bats, including laminated bats, in open-age cricket, rather than restricting them to junior cricket.

MCC said the move is partly intended to help address the rising cost of cricket bats. National governing bodies will determine the level at which Type D bats can be used.

New ball specifications for women's and junior cricket

The terminology and specifications for cricket balls have also been changed.

The balls will now be known as Size 1, Size 2 and Size 3, replacing the traditional men's, women's and junior terminology. The MCC has also tightened the permitted size and weight tolerances for Size 2 and Size 3 balls.

Final innings can no longer be declared or forfeited

A team will no longer be allowed to declare or forfeit the final innings of a match under Law 15.1 and 15.2.

MCC said the provision was primarily used for contrived results and was therefore removed from the Laws.

Other important changes

The 73 changes also include:

Greater clarity around when a ball has been delivered or should be called dead.
A new law covering a bowler deliberately intercepting a very high delivery before the batter can play it.
Clarification of when a No ball should or should not stand.
Fielders must be inside the field of play when the ball is released.
New definitions concerning a fielder holding the ball and having complete control, particularly for run-outs and stumpings.
Mechanical blowers and suitable equipment can be used to clear debris from the pitch.
The Laws have removed gendered language as part of MCC's wider effort to make them more inclusive.

MCC said the 2026 edition is designed not only to update the Laws but also to make them easier to understand, particularly as cricket continues to expand globally.

"The Laws of Cricket form the foundation of how the game is played and officiated. As the new changes come into effect on October 1, it is important for our umpires to have a clear understanding of the changes and their practical application."

The new Laws will come into effect on October 1, 2026. The ICC Board has also approved the adoption of the remaining MCC Law changes from that date for international cricket's playing conditions.