The 42 Laws of Cricket: Overview, Key Changes 2017/2022 and Playing Conditions

Cricket is one of few major sports whose governing rules are maintained not by its international governing body (the ICC) but by a private club — the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), based at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. The MCC has maintained the Laws of Cricket since 1788, and the current edition contains 42 Laws that govern every aspect of the game from the size of the pitch to the conditions under which a batsman can be given out. Understanding the Laws — and the difference between Laws and Playing Conditions — is essential for any serious student of the game.

What Are the 42 Laws and What Do They Cover?

The 42 Laws of Cricket cover the players (Law 1), the umpires (Law 2), scorers (Law 3), the ball (Law 4), the bat (Law 5), the pitch (Law 7), the wickets (Law 8), the crease (Law 9), the follow-on (Law 14), the over (Law 17), fielding positions (Law 28), and ten different ways a batsman can be dismissed (Laws 31-39). The ten modes of dismissal are: bowled, timed out, caught, handled the ball (now merged into obstructing the field in the 2017 code), hit the ball twice, hit wicket, leg before wicket, obstructing the field, run out, and stumped. The most recent comprehensive revision was the 2017 Code, with amendments issued in 2019 and 2022.

Key Changes in the 2017 Code

The 2017 MCC Code of Laws introduced several significant changes. Law 41 (Unfair Play) was expanded to include guidance on deliberate distraction of the batsman, running on the pitch, and new guidance on ball-tampering. The saliva and sweat allowance for ball maintenance was codified more clearly. The mode of dismissal 'handled the ball' was merged into 'obstructing the field' to simplify the Laws and reflect modern interpretations. DRS (Decision Review System) principles were also harmonised with Law guidance. Penalties for deliberate time-wasting and player conduct issues were tightened.

The 2022 Amendment: Saliva Ban and Running Out Non-Strikers

Two notable changes were incorporated in 2022. First, the use of saliva to polish the ball — a traditional practice used to maintain shine on one side for swing — was permanently banned following its temporary suspension during the Covid-19 pandemic. Players may still use sweat to maintain the ball. Second, Law 38 (Run Out) was amended to clarify that running out a non-striking batsman who leaves the crease before the bowler releases the ball — known as a Mankad or Non-Striker Runout — is a legitimate mode of dismissal and should no longer be considered unsportsmanlike. This change ended years of debate about whether the practice was against the spirit of cricket.

Laws vs Playing Conditions: The Critical Distinction

• Laws are universal rules that apply to all cricket worldwide, maintained by the MCC
• Playing Conditions are competition-specific rules set by the ICC, national boards, or competition organisers
• Playing Conditions can modify how Laws apply — for example, the number of balls in a Test over is a Playing Condition, not a Law
• The ICC sets Playing Conditions for all international cricket; domestic boards set them for domestic competitions
• An example: DRS (Decision Review System) is not in the Laws but is in ICC Playing Conditions for international matches

Who Enforces the Laws: Umpires, Match Referees, and Captains

On the field, Laws are enforced by the two on-field umpires. Off the field, an ICC Match Referee oversees conduct under the ICC Code of Conduct (a separate document that works alongside the Laws). Captains are jointly responsible for ensuring the game is played within the Laws; Law 42 (The Spirit of Cricket) specifically addresses captain responsibility for player conduct. Third umpires (TV umpires) are used in all major international cricket to review decisions via DRS; their role is a Playing Condition rather than a Law, which is why DRS protocols vary between competitions.