The BCCI has made a significant change in the playing conditions ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season, and now, the bowler will be suspended for the remainder of the match for intentionally bowling a front-foot no-ball or non-landing delivery.

As per the current rules, for such balls the bowler was suspended only for that particular innings.

The BCCI has recently circulated the changes proposed by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) among all state associations.

“A bowler suspended for intentionally bowling a no ball on the front foot cannot bowl for the entire match,” the BCCI circular, accessed by PTI, read. But the on-field umpire will decide to change the game situation (41.8).

Another important rule change pertains to the conclusion of the day, and now, the last over must be completed even if a wicket falls in that over.

At present, the stumps will be removed if a wicket falls in the middle of the last over of the day.

But the MCC and BCCI felt that rule 12.5.2 needed to be amended as it “prevents teams from sending in a new batsman at the end of the day.”

Similarly, teams would henceforth not be allowed to declare or forfeit the last innings of a match (Rule 15.2), as the governing bodies thought “this was used for hypothetical results and was bad for the game.”

Now, the head coach of a team will be allowed to enter the field during the drinks break during domestic ODI matches, as the ICC has also proposed a rule change regarding international cricket.

The proposed changes also provide some relief to wicketkeepers as their gloves must only be behind the stumps at the time of delivery (Law 27.3).

Earlier, keepers had to ensure that their gloves remained behind the wicket after the bowler started his run-up.

In some earlier instances, the ball was called a no-ball as per the law or the stumping was cancelled.

State associations have started informing umpires and match referees about the new rule changes ahead of the domestic season starting with the Duleep Trophy next month.

“There will be some awareness programs for officials, besides the relevant parts of the circular will be made available to them. We have enough time to do all this as the domestic session is about a month away,” an official told PTI.

– ends