Marylebone Cricket Club aka MCC has announced several changes to the laws of cricket. The implementation of the same will take place from October 1, 2022. The new or amended laws are likely to change the dynamics of the game. The infamous Mankad will be transferred from the ‘unfair play’ category to the ‘run out’ section, and the ‘no saliva’ rule will become a permanent fixture in world cricket.
What are the changes made in the laws of cricket?
1. No Saliva
During the time of the pandemic, a law was implemented temporarily that would prohibit players from using saliva on the ball to make it shine. This rule has now been made a permanent fixture, and it will henceforth apply to all ICC-approved matches. The MCC has stated that using saliva to shine the ball will be handled the same as any other unethical practice of altering the ball’s condition. The regulation will also put an end to fielders using sugary substances to change their saliva and shine the ball.
2. ‘Mankad’ rule
The infamous and controversial rule will now be considered a type of runout. Mankad is now an official mode of dismissal. It will no longer be deemed ‘unfair play. The law has been transferred from the ‘unfair play’ area to the ‘run out’ section, according to the MCC. This is intended to remove the negative connotations associated with the term ‘Mankad,’ which is frequently used to blame the bowler rather than an over-stepped non-striker.
3. New batter to come on strike
One of the new rules is that fresh batters will take the strike for the next pitch even if the previous pair had crossed the plate when the catch was being made. Last year, at the request of the MCC, the law was first implemented in The Hundred event. The law has been changed to provide bowlers with the opportunity to take a wicket. “Law 18.11 has now been changed so that, when a batter is out Caught, the new batter shall come in at the end the striker was at, i.e. to face the next ball (unless it is the end of an over),” reads the new law.
Apart from bringing these 3 major changes in the laws of cricket, there are several other changes suggested by MCC.
The suggested changes include:
- Law 1.3 explains replacement players are to be treated as if they were the player they replaced.
- Law 2.4.0 suggests that the ball will be considered no ball; if either side is disadvantaged by a person, animal or another object within the field of play.
- As per law 21.4 if a bowler throws the ball in an attempt to run out the striker before entering their delivery stride. It will now be Dead ball.
- Amendment of the law Law 22.1 explains that a ‘Wide’ will refer to where the batter is standing; where the striker has stood since the bowler began their run-up; and where the striker would have passed wide of the striker in a typical batting posture.
- New law 25.8 permits the striker to play the ball if any part of their bat or body stays within the pitch.
- Changes in the laws 27.4 and 28.6 will also reward the batting side 5 runs. This will happen if any member of the fielding side moves unfairly.