The laws of cricket are set to be revised to allow bats that were previously considered illegal, aiming to make the game more affordable for amateur players in light of rising costs for English willow.
This adjustment will affect Law 5.8, which pertains to ‘categories of bat,’ as part of the 73 amendments that will take effect on October 1, 2026, with a new edition of the laws being published.
Starting on that date, the MCC will permit the use of laminated bats, referred to as Type D bats, crafted from up to three pieces of wood in open-age recreational cricket.
Previously, Type D bats were only permitted in junior cricket, but the MCC has decided to make this change to help mitigate the increasing costs of bats globally.
Laminated bats typically feature an English willow face supported by less expensive and lower-performing willow, such as Kashmir.
Types A, B, and C bats are solid, single-piece blades made from one piece of willow, and it is anticipated that these will remain the standard at the highest levels of the sport.
Additionally, bat manufacturers will be allowed to use woods other than willow behind the bat’s face due to this law change.
Fraser Stewart, the MCC’s Laws manager, stated that this decision follows extensive testing of the bats in collaboration with manufacturers, noting that any performance advantage from Type D bats will be “marginal at best.”
He explained that “we felt that if we could do something for the lower levels of the game to help make the sport more affordable without altering its dynamics, it was a sensible decision.”
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Last year, the MCC hosted a conference at Lord’s that gathered key stakeholders to discuss the future of bat manufacturing.
A significant topic of discussion was the reliance on English willow and its dwindling availability, which has led to price increases in recent years.
Reports indicate that bat prices have tripled due to heightened demand from South Asian countries, with some premium models nearing £1,000.
Stewart remarked that “there’s simply not enough willow to meet demand,” emphasizing the need for sustainability.
“We should aim to utilize as much of the tree as possible.”
Manufacturers have expressed strong support for these changes, as they do not wish to charge exorbitant prices for bats.
The MCC is also investigating the use of alternative materials for bats while being mindful of maintaining the balance of the game and the potential for increased injury risk.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have previously suggested that bamboo could replace willow in bat production.
Graphite-backed bats, which were banned in 2006, have also been mentioned as a possible alternative.
The MCC announced that the latest edition of the Laws will feature the “removal of gendered language” and “simplification” to accommodate readers who may not be native English speakers.
A notable change in multi-day matches pertains to Law 12.5.2, which has been revised so that the final over of a day’s play will continue even if a wicket falls, concluding only after the last over is completed.
The MCC explained that this does not save time, as any remaining balls must be bowled the following day, and it diminishes the game’s excitement.
In junior and women’s cricket, Law 4.1 now establishes stricter, standardized size and weight limits for cricket balls, categorizing them into three sizes (1, 2, and 3) to ensure uniformity across all levels.
Other amendments to the laws include:
The revision of Law 19.5.2, which prohibits ‘bunny hop’ catches by allowing a fielder only one airborne touch after crossing the boundary; they must remain entirely within the boundary for the rest of the delivery to avoid conceding a boundary.
Law 27.3.1 now permits the wicketkeeper’s gloves to be positioned in front of the stumps during the bowler’s run-up, but they must be fully behind the stumps once the ball is bowled.
An addition to Laws 15.1 and 15.2 states that a captain cannot declare the final innings of a match.
Clarifications in Laws 18.5.1 and 18.5.2 indicate that batters can abandon a run without penalty if they change their minds, with penalties applying only for deliberately deceptive short runs.
If a short run is intentional, the fielding team can choose which batter faces the next ball, negating any advantage.
Law 19.8 now explicitly defines overthrows as intentional throws at the stumps, differentiating them from regular misfields, which do not count as overthrows.
Law 20.1.1.1 allows the umpire to determine if a ball is considered dead when it is stationary or in the hands of any fielder, not just the bowler or wicketkeeper, providing greater flexibility in making this call.
