The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has significantly modified the playing conditions for the 2026-27 domestic cricket season and the most important one is the bowlers who purposefully overstep the front crease or deliver non-landing balls.
Under the new rule, a bowler who is found to have deliberately bowled a front-foot no-ball or a non-landing delivery is suspended for the rest of that match. Under the old rule, the bowler would be suspended for the rest of that innings.
BCCI has circulated the changes to state cricket associations before the new domestic season. The amendments are based on changes recently proposed by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodian of the Laws of Cricket.
The decision to apply the revised provision under Playing Condition 41.8 will rest with the on-field umpires, according to the BCCI circular accessed by PTI.
The change aims at tackling more firmly violations of the bowling laws. A front-foot no-ball is generally associated with a bowler crossing into the popping crease and a non-landing delivery refers to a ball that does not land on the pitch as required under the laws.
Bowler Can Be Ban for Whole Match
a bowler who is found to have deliberately bowled a front-foot no-ball or a non-landing delivery is suspended for the rest of that match. Under the old rule, the bowler would be suspended for the rest of that innings.
Final Over Must Now Be Completed
The other major change is at the end of the day’s play in multi-day matches.
Under the new rule, the final over of the day must be completed if a wicket falls in that over. Under the previous rule, stumps could be drawn right after a wicket fell in the last over of the day’s play.
BCCI and MCC felt that the previous provision might unfairly prevent teams from sending a new batter to the crease late in the day. The amendment to Rule 12.5.2 is designed to ensure that the full over is completed.
No Declaration Or Forfeiture Of Final Innings
The new rules also prohibit teams from declaring or forfeiting the last innings of the game as well.
The governing bodies believe that this provision could be used to create contrived results and was not in the best interests of the game. That would remove teams from the option under Rule 15.2.
Coaches Allowed On Field During Drinks Breaks
In another change, head coaches will be allowed to enter the field during drinks breaks in domestic one-day matches.
The model would be very much in line with that of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for international cricket and there will be more chances for coaches to communicate directly with players during scheduled breaks.
Wicketkeepers Get More Flexibility
Wicketkeepers have also had more flexibility with the changing playing conditions.
Their gloves will have to remain behind the stumps only when the ball is delivered. Wicketkeepers used to be required to keep their gloves behind the wicket from the beginning of the bowler's run-up.
The previous interpretation had sometimes resulted in deliveries being called no-balls or stumping dismissals being disallowed.
BCCI has asked state associations to inform umpires and match referees about the new provisions. Awareness programmes for match officials are also expected to be held before the start of the domestic season.
The 2026-27 domestic season starts next month with the Duleep Trophy to allow officials and teams to get used to the new law before competitive action starts.
