What's new in the 2026 Laws of Cricket

The MCC, which writes the Laws of Cricket, has published a new edition of the Laws. It takes effect on 1 October 2026. It contains dozens of changes, most of them wording clarifications. The ones most likely to matter in club cricket are below.

Laminated bats in the adult recreational game

Bats made from laminated wood, where several pieces are glued together, were previously allowed mainly in junior cricket. They are now permitted in open-age recreational cricket, helping to keep good bats affordable as quality willow becomes scarcer. Elite cricket still uses traditional single-piece blades.

Boundary catches

The single-touch rule for fielders who are airborne beyond the boundary (the end of the "bunny hop") is now in the Laws, so it applies at every level of the game.

Finishing the last over

The final over of a day or match must now be completed even if a wicket falls in it, so the new batter comes in and faces the remaining balls.

Overthrows clarified

The Laws now separate a deliberate throw that goes astray, which counts as overthrows, from a fielder simply fumbling the ball while fielding, which does not.

Always check the source

This is only an overview. Read the full Laws on the MCC website, and check your league's own playing regulations, which can change some of these for local competitions.