MCC change Laws of Cricket to permit previously ‘illegal’ bats

Changes are to be made to the Laws of Cricket to permit bats previously deemed illegal in an effort to make the game affordable for amateur players amid the rising cost of English willow.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced an amendment to Law 5.8 entitled ‘categories of bat’ as one of 73 changes which will come into effect on 1 October 2026 as part of a new edition of Laws being published.

From that date the MCC will allow laminated bats – known as Type D bats – made with up to three wooden pieces to be used in open age recreational cricket.

Type D bats were only previously allowed in junior cricket but the MCC said it has taken the step in an attempt to slow the rising costs of bats around the world.

Lamination is typically where the English willow face is backed by cheaper and lesser-performing willow, such as Kashmir.

Types A, B, and C bats are solid single-piece blades made from one piece of willow and it is expected that, at the top level of the game, bats will remain thus.

Bat manufacturers will also be allowed to use woods other than willow behind the face of the bat as part of the law change.

MCC Laws manager Fraser Stewart said the move comes following considerable time testing the bats in conjunction with manufacturers and any performance advantage from Type D bats will be “marginal at best”.

“We felt if anything can be done for the lower levels of the game that will help make the sport more affordable without changing the dynamics of the game then it’s a sensible move to make,” Stewart told BBC Sport.

Last year the MCC held a conference at Lord’s which brought together key stakeholders to debate the future of bat making.

Central to discussions has been the reliance on English willow and the scarcity in availability of it, which has led to price rises in recent years.

Bat prices are said to have trebled following increased demand from countries in South Asia, with some top-end models costing close to £1,000.

“There’s not really enough willow to go round,” added Stewart.

“So it’s about being as sustainable as we can, too. Let’s try and use as much of the tree as possible. Let’s try and be as sustainable as we can.

“Manufacturers have been very supportive of this. They don’t want to be charging huge amounts for the bats.”

BBC Sport understands the MCC are exploring bats made from alternative materials but are conscious of upsetting the balance of the game along with the possibility of increased risk of injury.

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have previously suggested bamboo could be used instead of willow to make bats.

The MCC said the “removal of gendered language” will be “concluded” in the latest edition of the Laws along with “simplification” where possible given many readers will not speak English as a first language.

One interesting change which will become noticeable in multi-day matches is to Law 12.5.2 which is altered so that the final over of a day’s play will not end if there is a wicket but will continue until the last over has been completed.

“This doesn’t save time, which is the case at lunch and tea, as the remaining balls need to be made up the next day, and it takes the drama out of the game,” the MCC said.

Under Law 4.1 junior and women’s cricket balls now have tighter, standardized size and weight limits with three overall categories for the sport – sizes 1, 2, and 3 – ensuring consistency across all levels.

Other changes to the Laws include: