The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced several important changes to the playing conditions for the 2026-27 domestic cricket season, with new rules set to come into effect before the campaign begins next month with the Duleep Trophy.

Among the most notable updates is a stricter penalty for bowlers who deliver deliberate front-foot no-balls or non-landing deliveries. The revised regulations, based on recommendations from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), have already been shared with state associations.

Bowler suspension rule gets tougher

The biggest change relates to deliberate front-foot no-balls and non-landing deliveries. Previously, a bowler found guilty of such an offence could only be suspended from bowling for the remainder of that innings. Under the revised playing conditions, the suspension will now apply for the rest of the match.

“Bowler suspended for deliberate front-foot no-ball cannot bowl in the whole match. …But the change to the playing conditions (41.8) will be decided by the on-field umpires,” the BCCI said in its circular.

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Final over must be completed before stumps

The BCCI has also updated the rule governing the end of a day’s play. Under the revised playing conditions, the last over must always be completed, even if a wicket falls during that over.

Earlier, play would end immediately if a wicket was taken in the middle of the scheduled final over of the day.

According to the MCC, Rule 12.5.2 required modification because it “prevented teams from sending a new batter out late in the day.”

Teams cannot declare or forfeit final innings

Another key amendment affects declarations and forfeitures. Teams will no longer be allowed to declare or forfeit the final innings of a match under Rule 15.2.

The governing bodies concluded that the provision “used for contrived results and was bad for the game.”

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Coach access and wicketkeeper relief

The BCCI has also approved changes affecting coaches and wicketkeepers.

In domestic one-day matches, head coaches will now be permitted to enter the field during drinks breaks, in line with a similar proposal put forward by the ICC for international cricket.

Wicketkeepers have also been given greater flexibility. Their gloves now only need to remain behind the stumps at the moment of delivery. Previously, keepers had to keep their gloves behind the wicket from the instant the bowler began the run-up, a rule that had occasionally resulted in no-balls being called or stumpings being overturned.

Awareness programmes planned before domestic season

State associations have already started informing umpires and match referees about the updated regulations before the domestic calendar begins.

An official told PTI, “there will be some awareness programmes for officials, besides making the relevant parts of the circular available to them. We have enough time to do all this, as the domestic season is almost a month away.”

The revised playing conditions will be in place when India’s domestic season opens with the Duleep Trophy, marking a significant update to several long-standing cricket laws.

FAQs

What is the new BCCI rule for deliberate front-foot no-balls?

A bowler guilty of a deliberate front-foot no-ball or non-landing delivery can now be suspended from bowling for the remainder of the match, subject to the on-field umpires’ decision.

When will the new BCCI domestic cricket rules come into effect?

The revised playing conditions will be implemented from the start of the 2026-27 domestic season, beginning with the Duleep Trophy.