In a series of new events, the BCCI has introduced a big change to the playing conditions for the 2026-27 domestic season. Under the new guidelines, any bowler found intentionally bowling front-foot no-balls or non-landing deliveries will be suspended for the rest of the game.
BCCI makes big change
As per the existing framework, a bowler guilty of such deliveries would only be suspended for the rest of that innings. However, after the latest recommendations from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the BCCI has adopted the change rule and circulated the updated playing conditions to all state associations ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season.
"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.
Another major amendment concerns the end of the day's play. As per the revised guidelines, the final over of the day must be completed even if a wicket falls during that over. Whereas, as per the old guidelines play would come to an end if a wicket was taken in the middle of the scheduled last over.
However, after changes suggest by the MCC, the BCCI has adopted the change after it was decided that the old rule prevented teams from sending a new batter to the crease late in the day.
Another big change introduced by the BCCI relates to declarations and forfeitures in the final innings of a game. Under the new rule 15.2, teams won't be able to declare their final innings. The amendment, adopted on the recommendation of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), aims to restrict teams from engineering contrived results, with the bodies believing the provision was detrimental to the spirit of the sport.
Now, the head coaches will be permitted to enter the ground during drink breaks in domestic one-day games, in line with a similar amendment being considered by the ICC for international cricket.
The revised structure also provides big relief to the wicketkeepers. As per the rule 27.3, their gloves will only need to stay behind the wickets at the moment the ball is delivered. Previously, wicketkeepers were required to keep their gloves behind the wicket from the time the bowler started their run-up.
State associations have started informing umpires and match referees on the updated guidelines ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season, which will start from next month with the Duleep Trophy.