Cricket’s New Laws for 2026: Shot Clock, No More Mankad, Safety Rules

Key Takeaways

• New ‘shot clock’ will enforce over rates in international cricket with run penalties.
• The controversial ‘Mankad’ dismissal is officially renamed a ‘run out’ and requires no prior warning.
• Mandatory helmet rules for batters and stricter spike regulations aim to improve safety and protect pitches.
• Ten major law changes, including increased penalties for fake fielding, will take effect from October 2026.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has unveiled a sweeping update to cricket’s rulebook, with ten significant law changes scheduled for implementation on October 1, 2026. This marks the first major revision since 2022 and aims to modernise the sport, improve clarity for players and officials, and adapt to contemporary playing styles.

Shot Clock Introduced to Speed Up Play

The most headline-grabbing change is the formal introduction of a ‘shot clock’ for international cricket. Fielding sides will have a strict time limit to start a new over: 85 seconds in ODIs and T20Is, and 60 seconds in Test matches. After two warnings, a failure to comply will result in a five-run penalty against the fielding team, a move designed to tackle slow over rates.

End of the ‘Mankad’ Controversy

In a major shift, the MCC has officially removed the term ‘Mankad’ from the Laws of Cricket. The act of running out the non-striker will now be simply referred to as a ‘run out’. Crucially, bowlers will no longer be required to warn the batter before attempting this dismissal, aligning the process with all other forms of run out and potentially reducing on-field disputes.

Enhanced Safety and Pitch Protection Rules

Player safety takes centre stage with new mandatory helmet rules. Batters must now wear helmets when facing fast bowlers or when standing up to the stumps against spin bowling, barring a formal exemption. Furthermore, the use of spikes on cricket shoes will face stricter regulation to minimise damage to the pitch, a key concern for ground staff worldwide.

Other Crucial Law Amendments

The 2026 update introduces several other important clarifications and penalties:

• Dead Ball for Injury: If a striker is injured by the ball while playing a shot, it will be declared dead immediately, preventing any runs or dismissals.
• Batter Change on Catches: After a catch is taken, the new batter must always take strike at the end where the dismissed batter left, regardless of whether the batters had crossed.
• Fake Fielding Penalty Doubled: The penalty for deliberate deception of batters (fake fielding) has been increased from 5 to 10 runs.
• Protected Area Enforcement: Bowlers running on the protected area after delivery will receive an immediate final warning, followed by a 5-run penalty for any repeat offence.
• Dismissal Consolidation: The ‘Handled the Ball’ dismissal has been removed and is now incorporated under the broader ‘Obstructing the Field’ law.
• Batter Pitch Intrusion: Batters who step onto the danger area of the pitch to gain an advantage in judging a run will be penalised 5 runs for a first offence.