BCCI adopts MCC rule changes for 2026-27 domestic season; end to continue even if the wicket falls | Cricket News

Mumbai: In line with the rule changes recommended by the Lords-based Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) recently, the BCCI made changes to its playing conditions for the 2026-27 domestic season, where the last over of the day must 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 stated that as per MCC rules, the final over of the day must be completed regardless of the fall of the wicket. According to clause 12.5.2, “The last over of a one-day match is completed even if a wicket falls during it.”The MCC’s reason for the change states, “Significant change for multi-day cricket. Batting sides are prevented from sending in a new batter in the afternoon.” This playing condition, of course, pertains to 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 (fourth edition of the 2017 Code of Laws) changes where applicable, all gendered language (he, she, she, etc.). playing conditions of the year.”A significant change, brought about by the revised MCC rules, is that a bowler who deliberately misses the ball on the front foot and deliberately does not land deliveries is now banned from bowling for the rest of the game, rather than just the innings.The proposed rule change in the conditions of play (41.8) is: “Bowler suspended for intentional front foot no ball cannot bowl the entire match.” According to an MCC clarification: “Penalties for intentional front foot no-ball will now apply to the entire match, not just an innings.”According to the revised rule, declaration and forfeiture will no longer be allowed in the last innings of the match. The reasoning of the MCC is that, “It is only used for artificial results and feels bad for the game.”Other rule changes:– During One-dayers, the head coach will be allowed to enter the field during drinking intervals during ODIs.– Leaving a run without intent to cheat is not an intentional short run. Batters can return and leave a run even after crossing.– The Fielding captain decides which batter to face next if an obstruction prevents a catch.– The ball is ‘finally settled’ when it is in the hands of any fielder or stationary on the ground. The ball need not be with the bowler or keeper to be ‘Dead’. This gives the umpires more reasonable leeway.– A guide for leg side wides in One day and T20 games, for clarity.– All fielders must be inside the boundary once the ball is delivered. This puts the idea that the game takes place inside the boundary and closes a loophole for leg side restrictions.– The wicket-keeper must be behind the wicket from the ‘instant of delivery’ instead of the ‘moment ball in play’. The keeper will no longer be penalized for having a glove in front during the run-up.– Umpires should prevent further use of illegal equipment and report it. The revised rule makes it clear that it is the responsibility of the umpires to prevent the repeated use of illegal equipment.