Laws of Cricket: Who Makes the Rules and How They Evolve
The MCC's role in writing cricket's Laws, how the Laws differ from ICC regulations, key historical changes, and how the game's rules are updated.
Cricket is governed by 42 Laws, written and maintained by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) — an institution that has held this responsibility since 1788. Understanding the difference between cricket's Laws (written by MCC) and the ICC's Playing Conditions (which adapt those Laws for international cricket) is fundamental to understanding how the game is governed.
The MCC's Role
The MCC, based at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, owns and maintains the Laws of Cricket. They are the sole authority on the Laws themselves. The MCC reviews and updates the Laws periodically — major revisions occurred in 1980, 2000, 2010, and 2017. The 2017 update was particularly significant, standardising playing conditions globally and clarifying several contentious areas.
Laws vs Playing Conditions
The 42 Laws provide the foundational rules of cricket. The ICC's Playing Conditions layer on top of these Laws for international matches — specifying things like ball specifications, DRS protocols, over-rate penalties, and code of conduct. Individual cricket boards can further adapt Playing Conditions for domestic competitions within the ICC's framework.
Key Laws Every Fan Should Know
- Law 2 — Substitutes and runners are permitted in specific circumstances
- Law 24 — No-ball: bowled from wrong position, waist-high full toss, etc.
- Law 27 — Appeals: umpires only act on an appeal; teams must ask 'How's that?'
- Law 33 — Handled the ball (now absorbed into obstructing the field)
- Law 36 — LBW: the most complex dismissal Law with multiple conditions
- Law 41 — Unfair play: ball tampering, deliberate time-wasting, Mankad
Major Law Changes in Recent History
The 2017 revision made boundary catches the fielder's responsibility even after contact with the boundary cushion — formerly disputed. It also codified the Mankad dismissal under Law 41 (Unfair Play) but the 2022 update moved it to Law 38 (Run Out), legitimising it further. Handled the Ball and Obstructing the Field were merged into a single Law to simplify enforcement.
Frequently asked questions
Who writes the Laws of Cricket?
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), based at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, writes and maintains the 42 Laws of Cricket.
What is the difference between cricket Laws and ICC Playing Conditions?
The Laws (written by MCC) are the foundational rules of cricket. ICC Playing Conditions adapt those Laws for international matches, covering things like DRS, over-rate penalties, and code of conduct.
How often are the Laws of Cricket updated?
The MCC reviews the Laws periodically, with major updates occurring in 1980, 2000, 2010, 2017, and 2022. Minor clarifications can be issued between major revisions.