BCCI adopts MCC rule changes for 2026-27 domestic season

Mumbai: In line with the rule changes recommended by the Lord's-based Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) recently, the BCCI has made changes to its playing conditions for the 2026-27 domestic season, as per which the final over of the day will have to be completed even if a wicket falls during the over. According to a note (TOI has a copy) on the playing conditions for the upcoming season, circulated by the BCCI to the state associations, the BCCI has stated that as per the MCC rules, the final over of the day must be completed regardless of a wicket fall. As per clause 12.5.2, "The final over of a day's play will now be completed even if a wicket falls during it." The MCC's reason for the change mentions, "Significant change for multi-day cricket. Prevents batting sides from avoiding sending a new batter out late in the day." This playing condition, of course, concerns the multi-day (red-ball) format.

The BCCI's 15-page note called Summary of Changes to the Playing Conditions - 2026-27 - to the state associations, mentions, "The 2026 edition (4th edition of the 2017 Code of Laws) changes whichever are applicable, all gendered language (he/she, him/her, etc.), other relevant changes as discussed in BCCI are being incorporated while drafting this year's playing conditions."

A significant change, triggered by the MCC's changed rules, is that a bowler deliberate front-foot no-balls and deliberate non-landing deliveries will now be barred from bowling for the rest of the match, rather than just the innings. The proposed rule change to the playing conditions (41.8) is: "Bowler suspended for deliberate front foot no ball cannot bowl in the whole match." As per an explanation by the MCC: "Penalties for deliberate front foot no ball now apply to the whole match, not just an innings."

As per the changed rule, declaration and forfeiture is no longer permitted in the final innings of the match. The MCC's reasoning is that, "This was only used for contrived results and was felt to be bad for the game."

Other rule changes: - During One-dayers, the head coach will be permitted to enter the field during drinks intervals during ODIs. - Abandoning a run without intent to deceive is not a deliberate short run. The batters can turn back and abandon a run even after crossing. - Fielding captain decides which batter faces next if obstruction prevents a catch. - The ball is 'finally settled' if it is in the hands of any fielder or stationary on the ground. The ball no longer needs to be with the bowler or keeper to be 'Dead'. It gives umpires more reasonable leeway. - A guideline for the leg side wide in One-day and T20 games, for clarity. - All fielders must be within the boundary at the moment the ball is delivered. It enshrines the idea that play happens within the boundary and closes a loophole for leg-side restrictions. - The wicket-keeper must be behind the wicket from 'instant of delivery' instead of 'moment ball in play'. The keeper is no longer punished for having gloves in front during the run-up. - Umpires must prevent further use of illegal equipment and report it. The changed rule clarifies It is the responsibility of the umpires to prevent repeated use of illegal equipment.