For the third time, the MCC’s Laws sub-committee has edited the laws since the 2017 code came into the effect in 2019 and later in 2022. The latest changes, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, will be in effective from October 01 this year as these will also be discussed by the ICC cricket committee. One of the biggest changes in the rule was that the final over of the day’s play in multi-day cricket, including the Tests, will not end if there is a wicket. 

As per the new edition of the Laws of cricket, which was announced on February 03, the over will be completed, and a new batter will need to walk in during that moment. They feel that the previous law was unfair for the batters.

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“The final over of a day's play will not end if there is a wicket. This is a significant change that will impact multi-day cricket. It was felt unfair that, if a fielding side takes a wicket in the final over of the day, the batting side does not have to send out a new batter. This doesn't save time (which is the case at lunch and tea) as the remaining balls need to be made up the next day.” The MCC expressed.

MCC changes vital rules to be activated from October in 2026

One of the most significant rule changes of the MCC was the team getting penalty runs at the end of the game if a side offends after a result had been reached but before the umpires leave the field. For example, if a batter were to celebrate the winning hit from the last ball by punching the bowler in the face, they would subsequently lose the contest.

“If, however, the contact with the fielder is purely incidental - perhaps they are falling onto the stumps - and in doing so their bat brushes the wicketkeeper, that will not protect them. If a part of the batter's equipment becomes detached and makes any contact with another player before hitting the stumps, then they cannot be out Hit wicket.” The MCC addressed.

“The ball no longer has to be in the bowler or wicketkeeper's hands to be finally settled. It can be in the hands of any fielder, or stationary on the ground. This allows umpires the freedom to make reasonable decisions on when the ball is Dead, even if one fielder, or one batter, is still attempting to play on.” The MCC concluded.