MCC impose new laws; use of saliva banned, ‘Mankad’ legalized

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) introduced some new laws pertaining to the game of cricket. According to the new law, a new batter will be on strike for the next ball, even if the dismissed batter crosses the middle of the pitch while the catch is taken. 

This change was first seen in ‘The Hundred’ and now has been introduced by the MCC), which is known as the guardian of cricket’s laws and spirits. This law will be implemented after October 1, 2022.

As per the existing rule, if the batters cross during the completion of a catch, the new batter starts from the non-striker’s end. 

However, with the new rule, bowlers will be able to bowl at the new batter straightaway in this case, which is an advantage to the bowler’s favour. If the wicket falls in the last delivery, i.e. at the end of the over, then the new batter will not face the next delivery. 

Apart from this, the controversial 'Mankad' dismissal is set to be removed from the 'unfair play' section (law 41) and included in the set of runouts (law 38). In this dismissal, the bowler runs out the non-striker in case the latter backs off too much before the ball is delivered. 

It has ignited the 'spirit of cricket' debate from time to time because of its controversial nature. Therefore, this decision by the MCC is highly applaudable as it will permanently end the 'spirit of the game' debate. 

Added to these two, there is another set of visionary reforms set to be brought into the game. These include banning the use of saliva permanently, which is a significant step towards boosting hygiene in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Also, it will be called a 'dead ball’ if either side is distracted by a person, animal or object on the field of play and more leeway will be given for wides when the batters move in their crease.