The BCCI has introduced new playing conditions for the 2026-27 domestic season in line with the recent recommendations made by the MCC. Under the revised rules, the last over of the day must be finished, even if a batter is dismissed during the over.
According to a note on the playing conditions for the upcoming domestic season, circulated by the BCCI to all state associations, the board has confirmed that, in line with the MCC’s revised rules, the final over of the day’s play must be completed even if a wicket falls during the over. 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:
- In ODI matches, the head coach can come onto the field during the drinks break to speak with the players.
- A batter can cancel a run even after crossing each other, as long as there is no intention to trick the fielding team. It will not be called a deliberate short run.
- If a catch is stopped because of obstruction, the fielding captain can choose which batter will face the next ball.
- The ball will be considered dead once it is safely in a fielder’s hands or comes to rest on the ground. It does not have to be with the bowler or wicketkeeper.
- A clearer guideline has been introduced for judging leg-side wides in ODIs and T20Is.
- All fielders must be inside the boundary line when the ball is delivered. This removes any loopholes about fielders being outside the boundary.
- The wicketkeeper only needs to be fully behind the stumps at the moment the ball is delivered, not during the bowler’s run-up.
- Umpires must stop players from using illegal equipment again and report the matter if it happens.