BCCI’s big announcement, if a no-ball is bowled intentionally, the bowler will be out of the entire match, many rules changed in domestic cricket

Now in Indian domestic cricket, making deliberate mistakes can cost the players heavily. BCCI has made several important changes in the rules of the game ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season. The biggest decision has been taken against bowlers who deliberately bowl front foot no-balls or balls that reach the batsman without falling on the pitch. Now such bowlers will be banned not just from that innings but from the entire match.

Under the rules applicable till now, in such cases the bowler was prevented from bowling only in the relevant innings. However, following the recommendations of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), BCCI has made this rule more strict. The board has sent the circular of these changes to all the state cricket associations. It has also been clarified that the final decision on whether a ball intentionally bowled on the front foot will be considered a front foot no-ball or not will be taken by the umpire present on the field.

The last over will be completed at any cost

BCCI has also changed the rules related to the conclusion of the day’s play. Earlier, if a wicket fell in the middle of the last over of the day, stumps were declared at that time. Under the new rule, now the last over will be completed under any circumstances, even if a wicket falls during it. The purpose of this change is to give the new batting pair an opportunity to play at the end of the day.

Another important amendment is related to declaring the innings. Now, in the last innings of a match, no team will be able to take the option of declaring an innings or giving up the innings (forfeit). This change to Rule 15.2 was made because the governing bodies believed that this provision was being used to achieve artificial results, which was against the spirit of the game.

Head coach will be able to go on the field during drinks break

In domestic ODI matches, now the head coach of the team has also been allowed to go on the field and talk to the players during the drinks break. ICC is also considering implementing similar changes in international cricket. Relaxation has been given in the rules for wicketkeepers also. The wicketkeeper’s gloves were required to be behind the stumps as soon as the bowler started his run-up. Now according to the new rule, it will be sufficient to have the gloves behind the stumps only at the time the ball is delivered. Due to the old rule, many times the ball was declared a no-ball or the stumping became invalid.

BCCI has directed state associations to provide complete information about these changes to umpires and match referees before the new domestic season. Before the domestic season begins with the Duleep Trophy next month, awareness programs will also be organized for the officials so that the new rules can be implemented properly.

(PTI Inputs)

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