Cricket has a rich sporting history. Right from the equipment used, the dimensions of play, the regulations of the game, and the technological advances, the sport has constantly seen dynamic changes in its law. The Marylebone Cricket Club’s Laws of Cricket are endorsed by the International Cricket Council. The latest notable rule changes of the sport are described in brief.
Change of ends after a caught out does not count
Earlier, if before the ball being caught by the fielder saw the batters change ends, the new batter would be placed at the non-striker’s end. This law is now modified such that irrespective of whether the batters change ends or not, the new batter will be placed at the striker’s end.
Non-striker run out
If the batter at the non-striker’s end tries to take an unfair advantage by treading beyond the crease even before the bowler released the ball, then the bowler can run-out the non-striker even before releasing the ball. This ensures that the spirit of the game is maintained. This style of dismissal is infamously known as Mankad.
Discontinuation of saliva for shining the ball
To prolong the ability of the ball to swing in the earlier overs, players tend to keep one half of the ball shining and smooth. They do so by rubbing the ball on the trousers, cleaning the half with handkerchief, or using the sweat to shine it. Before 2022, it was common to see players use their saliva for this purpose. However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has disallowed the players from using their saliva for this purpose.
Striker within pitch
The striker batter is no longer allowed to face the ball such that he or she takes guard outside the pitch. If the batter has to move outside the pitch to hit a shot, then the ball would be deemed illegal and a no ball is signaled.
Bowler throw at striker end
At times the strike batter would take guard outside the crease to face the delivery. If the bowler noticed this, then they could inflict a throw to run the batter out. However, this practice is now discontinued. If such a scenario takes place, then the umpire would signal a dead ball.
Fake fielding
Fake fielding is the counterpart of a trickster or prankster in action in cricket. Fielders can verbally or non-verbally misguide the batter about the ball’s position, leading the batter to be confused and bamboozled. This is no longer allowed in cricket. Additionally, should the bowling side resort to such tactics, the batting side will be awarded five runs. Moreover, the ball on which this incident took place will be deemed dead.
Slow over-rate penalty
If an over starts after 85 minutes of the start of the innings, then an in-match penalty is enforced on the fielding side. According to this penalty the fielding side will be allowed only four fielders (instead of five) outside the 30-yard circle.
