The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced several important changes to the playing conditions before the start of the 2026-27 domestic season. The updated rules, based on recent recommendations by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), will come into effect from the upcoming domestic competitions.
One of the biggest changes is related to deliberate front-foot no-balls and non-landing deliveries. Under the new rule, any bowler found guilty of intentionally bowling such deliveries will be suspended for the rest of the match. Earlier, the suspension applied only for the remainder of that innings.
The BCCI has already shared these revised playing conditions with all state associations.
Last Over Must Be Completed Before Stumps
The BCCI has also changed the rule regarding the end of a day’s play.
Previously, if a wicket fell during the final over of the day, play would end immediately and the remaining deliveries of that over would not be bowled. Under the revised rule, the last over must now be completed even if a batter is dismissed during it.
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According to the MCC, the earlier rule often prevented the incoming batter from taking guard late in the day.
No More Declarations in the Final Innings
Another major change concerns declarations.
Teams will no longer be allowed to declare or forfeit their final innings in a match. The MCC felt the rule was sometimes used to create artificial results, which was not in the spirit of the game.
Head Coaches Can Enter the Field During Drinks
In another update, head coaches will now be allowed to walk onto the field during drinks breaks in domestic one-day matches.
The move follows a similar proposal by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for international cricket and is expected to make communication between coaches and players easier during matches.
Relief for Wicketkeepers
The BCCI has also relaxed a rule for wicketkeepers. Earlier, wicketkeepers had to keep their gloves behind the stumps from the moment the bowler began the run-up. Under the new playing conditions, their gloves only need to be behind the stumps at the moment the ball is delivered.
The earlier rule had led to several instances where deliveries were called no-balls or stumpings were ruled invalid because the wicketkeeper’s gloves had moved too early.
State Associations Begin Preparations
State associations have already started informing umpires and match referees about the revised rules before the domestic season begins next month with the Duleep Trophy.