Speaking on the sidelines of the Laws of Cricket 2026 Umpire’s Workshop organised by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), Stewart said Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) continues to monitor the balance of the game, which has increasingly tilted towards the batters. Maintaining a fair balance between bat and ball remains crucial to cricket, MCC Head of Cricket Fraser Stewart said on Wednesday, pointing to changes in the latest laws of the game aimed at rewarding the fielding side more.
Stewart said the latest edition of the Laws, which comes into effect from October 1, has also introduced a change in multi-day cricket that benefits the bowling side. There are 73 changes in the laws. As the new changes come into effect on October 1, it is important for our umpires to have a clear understanding of the changes and their practical application.
“Absolutely, the balance of the game is crucial to cricket and in 2017 we reduced the sizes of bats to try to limit the power of the bat, the dominance of the bat over ball,” Stewart told PTI. The batting side will have to decide are we going to send in a night watchman,” Stewart said. Stewart said MCC also works closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the regulations governing the game, while the number of balls used in an ODI and similar playing conditions are primarily matters for the ICC. He acknowledged that cricket’s laws can be complicated, particularly as the sport continues to expand globally, but said MCC is working to make them easier to understand.
“The fielding side have taken a wicket, they will be rewarded with having a new batter coming out. “The Laws of Cricket form the foundation of how the game is played and officiated.
