BCCI implements strict new rules: Bowlers facing match suspension for intentional no-balls

Bengaluru: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced substantial adjustments to playing conditions ahead of the 2026-27 domestic campaign, most notably ruling that any bowler delivering intentional front-foot no-balls or non-landing deliveries will face suspension for the remainder of the fixture.

Under previous regulations, such infractions resulted in a bowler being barred only for the duration of the ongoing innings.

The governing body has communicated these revisions, recently proposed by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), to all affiliated state associations.

"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 stated in an official circular reviewed by the Press Trust of India.

Another prominent amendment addresses the conclusion of a day’s play, dictating that the final over must now be bowled to completion even if a dismissal occurs midway through it. Previously, stumps were drawn immediately if a wicket fell during the closing over of the day. The MCC and BCCI concluded that the former regulation—Law 12.5.2—needed alteration because it frequently "prevented teams from sending a new batter out late in the day."

Additionally, sides will no longer be permitted to declare or forfeit the final innings of a match under Rule 15.2, with authorities determining that the tactic was previously "used for contrived results and bad for the game."

In limited-overs fixtures, team head coaches will now be permitted onto the playing field during scheduled drinks breaks in domestic one-day matches, aligning with proposed International Cricket Council (ICC) adaptations for the international game.

Wicketkeepers have also been granted greater flexibility under Law 27.3, requiring their gloves to be positioned behind the stumps strictly at the moment of delivery. Previously, keepers were obliged to keep their gloves behind the wickets throughout the bowler’s entire run-up, a technicality that on several occasions resulted in no-balls being called or legitimate stumpings being invalidated.

State associations have commenced briefings for umpires and match officials regarding the updated protocols ahead of the domestic calendar, which commences next month with the Duleep Trophy.

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

PTI