BCCI intends to implement MCC's new rule on completing final over of the day
The final over of the day will have to be completed even if a wicket falls during the over. This is one of the changes to the playing conditions proposed by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intends to adopt for the upcoming domestic season.
According to a note on the playing conditions for the upcoming season, circulated by the BCCI to the state associations, the MCC has suggested that the final over of the day must be completed in its entirety. Says the relevant 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 also explains and gives reasons for the change stating, "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 did not comment on the proposed change to the playing conditions but in the note - called Summary of Changes to the Playing Conditions - 2026-27 - to the state associations, it says, "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."
Cricbuzz has accessed the 15-page note.
Among the other proposed changes, another significant amendment is that deliberate front-foot no-balls and deliberate non-landing deliveries will now result in the bowler being suspended from bowling for the remainder 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." Explanation by the MCC: "Penalties for deliberate front foot no ball now apply to the whole match, not just an innings." Much of it is subjective, as whether a no-ball is deliberate or unintentional will depend on the umpire's discretion.
Another change of note is that if a fielder deliberately intercepts a delivery before it reaches the striker, it is a No Ball and Dead Ball.
One more proposal is the rare possibility of a declaration and forfeiture in the final innings of the match. MCC says it is no longer permitted, stating, "This was only used for contrived results and was felt to be bad for the game."
Other rule changes are listed below:
- The head coach will be permitted to enter the field during drinks intervals during ODIs.
- Abandoning a run without intent to deceive is not a deliberate short run. The batters can turn back and abandon a run even after crossing.
- For deliberate short running, the fielding captain determines which batter faces the next delivery.
- The ball is 'finally settled' if it is in the hands of any fielder or stationary on the ground. The ball no longer needs to be with the bowler or keeper to be 'Dead'.
- There will be a guideline for the leg side wide in One-day and T20 games.
- All fielders must be within the boundary at the moment the ball is delivered. It is to enshrine the idea that play happens within the boundary and closes a loophole for leg-side restrictions.
- The wicket-keeper must be behind the wicket from 'instant of delivery' instead of 'moment ball in play'. The keeper is no longer punished for having gloves in front during the run-up.
- Umpires must prevent further use of illegal equipment and report it. It is the responsibility of the umpires to prevent repeated use of illegal equipment.
