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Cricket over the years have changed, and so have the rules. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who are the rule-maker for the game have proposed a new rule in the Test format or multi-day format of the game, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have accepted the proposal as well.
MCC proposed that the final over of the day will have to be completed even if a wicket falls during that particular over. It is one of the proposed changes to the playing conditions made by the rule makers of the game. As per the reports from Cricbuzz, MCC wrote a letter that mentioned the rule change of bowling the entire final over if the wicket falls.
MCC proposes new change in rule for Test cricket
Previously, during the final over of the multi-day format or in Test cricket, if a wicket fell, stumps were called immediately, and the day's play ended regardless of how many balls were left. The batting team had an advantage so as not to send in a new batter.
With the new rule implemented it won't happan as per 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 statement also read, "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.
BCCI accepts MCC's proposal
The BCCI is yet to share their views on the statement proposed change to the playing conditions, but they have sent a note entitled Summary of Changes to the Playing Conditions 2026-27 to all state cricket associations.
It states, "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."
New rule changes in Cricket
As reported by Cricbuzz, it has been noted that there are other changes; if a bowler deliberately bowls a front-foot no-ball or intentionally delivers a ball that does not land properly, they will be banned from bowling for the rest of the match and not 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."
Another change which has been proposed is that if the fielder intentionally stops the ball before it reaches the batter, the umpire will call it a No Ball and a Dead Ball. Another possible change that a team would be allowed to declare or forfeit even in the final innings of a 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."
