Overview
- The new edition, announced on February 3, introduces 73 material amendments that take effect globally from October 1, 2026.
- In multi-day matches the final over of the day must now be completed even if a wicket falls, requiring a new batter to face remaining deliveries.
- Laminated Type D bats are legal for open-age recreational cricket to curb rising costs, with elite players still expected to use single-piece willow and manufacturers allowed non-willow backing behind the face.
- Ball categories are standardized into Size 1, Size 2 and Size 3 with uniform tolerances, improving consistency across men’s, women’s and junior cricket.
- Umpiring and play definitions are tightened, including a formal definition of overthrows, stricter boundary-catching limits, relaxed wicket-keeper positioning until release, a broader standard for when the ball is finally settled, and stronger player-conduct sanctions.