Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Cricket Law Changes Seek Better Balance Between Bat and Ball
Cricket officials want batting and bowling to be more evenly matched.
Fraser Stewart of the Marylebone Cricket Club said recent rules are designed to give fielders and bowlers more help.
One new rule applies when a wicket falls during the last over of a day in a multi-day match.
The next batter must come out and play the remaining balls.
The batting team may choose to send a night watchman instead.
Stewart said bat sizes were reduced in 2017, but batters have become stronger and play more attacking cricket.
The latest edition has 73 law changes.
A new app and translations are intended to help people understand the rules.
MCC Head of Cricket Fraser Stewart said maintaining balance between bat and ball remains crucial.
The latest Laws of Cricket edition introduces 73 changes, including measures intended to benefit fielding sides.
From October 1, a new batter must face remaining deliveries if a wicket falls in the final over of a multi-day match day.
MCC reduced bat sizes in 2017, but Stewart said stronger batters continue to hit the ball long distances.
A new Laws of Cricket app launched in English, Hindi and Urdu, with Bangla and Kannada versions planned.
- Who
- Fraser Stewart, the Marylebone Cricket Club’s Head of Cricket, discussed the changes; the International Cricket Council and Delhi and District Cricket Association are also involved in related efforts.
- What
- The Marylebone Cricket Club has introduced 73 changes to the Laws of Cricket, including a multi-day cricket rule that benefits the fielding side.
- When
- The new edition takes effect on October 1; the comments and app launch were reported on September 30.
- Where
- The remarks were made in New Delhi during the Laws of Cricket 2026 Umpire’s Workshop organized by the Delhi and District Cricket Association.
- Why
- The changes aim to improve the balance between bat and ball, reward fielding sides and make cricket’s laws easier to understand.
- Law changes
- The latest edition contains 73 changes.
- Effective date
- The new edition comes into effect on October 1.
- Final-over rule
- If a wicket falls in the final over of a multi-day day’s play, the incoming batter must face the remaining deliveries.
- Bat-size change
- The Marylebone Cricket Club reduced bat sizes in 2017 to limit the dominance of batting.
- New app languages
- The Laws of Cricket app launched in English, Hindi and Urdu.
- Planned languages
- Bangla and Kannada versions are scheduled to launch later in the week.
- Governing relationship
- The Marylebone Cricket Club works with the International Cricket Council on cricket regulations.