MUMBAI: Following the recent proposed rule changes by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the Lord-based club, BCCI The playing conditions for the 2026-27 domestic season have been changed, according to which the last over of the day must be completed even if a wicket falls during the match.According to the instructions circulated by the BCCI to the state associations on the playing conditions for the next season (TOI has a copy), the BCCI said that as per MCC rules, the last over of the day must be completed regardless of whether the wicket falls or not. According to Article 12.5.2, “The last innings of the day’s match will now be completed even if the wicket falls during it.”The reason for the change in the MCC mentioned, “This is a significant change for multi-day cricket. Prevent the batting side from fielding new batsmen later in the day. “Of course, this playing condition involves a multi-day (red ball) format.A 15-page note titled “Summary of Changes in Conditions of Play 2026-27” submitted by the BCCI to the state associations said, “The 2026 edition (4th Edition of the 2017 Laws and Regulations) has made changes to what is applicable in all gender language (he/she, he/she, etc.) and other relevant changes discussed by the BCCI are being incorporated in drafting this year’s conditions of play.” Other relevant changes.One of the major changes brought about by the MCC rule changes is that bowlers who intentionally miss the ball and deliberately do not land the ball will now be prohibited from bowling for the remainder of the game (not just the innings).The proposed playing conditions rule change (41.8) is: “A bowler who is intentionally stopped on the front foot cannot bowl the entire match without the ball.” According to an explanation from the MCC: “The penalty for intentionally not having the ball now applies to the entire match, not just one frame.”Under the changed rules, declarations and forfeits are no longer allowed at the end of the game. The MCC’s reasoning was that “this was used solely for artificial results and was considered detrimental to the game.”Other rule changes:– During one-day matches, the head coach will be allowed to enter the ground during the drinks interval during ODIs.– Abandoning a run without intending to deceive is not an intentional short run. Even after crossing over, a batsman can turn around and give up a run.– If an obstruction prevents a catch, the fielding captain decides which batsman to face next.– The ball is “finally settled” if it is in the hands of any fielder or is at rest on the ground. The ball no longer has to be near the pitcher or goalie to “die.” This gives the referee more reasonable leeway.– For clarity, guidelines for leg side width in one-day and T20 matches.– All fielders must be in bounds when the ball is passed. It embodies the idea that play takes place within the boundaries and closes the loopholes in leg-side restrictions.– The wicketkeeper must be behind the wicket at the “moment of delivery” and not “moment of the ball in play”. Goalkeepers are no longer penalized for wearing gloves during their run-up.– Referees must prevent further use of illegal equipment and report it. The revised rules clarify the responsibility of referees to prevent the reuse of illegal equipment.
