Cricket Laws Changes 2022: MCC's Key Updates and What They Mean
The MCC updated the Laws of Cricket in 2022 with significant changes including ball-tampering rules, handling the ball, timed out, and the Mankad dismissal.
The 2022 MCC Laws Update
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodians of the Laws of Cricket, released a significant update to the Laws in October 2022. The updated Laws came into effect for international cricket in December 2022 and represented the most comprehensive revision in years. Key changes affected dismissal methods, ball use, player behaviour, and gender-neutral language throughout the Laws.
Mankad (Run Out, Non-Striker's End)
The most high-profile change was the reclassification of the 'Mankad' dismissal. Previously listed as a warning offence under 'unfair play' (Law 41), the dismissal was moved to Law 38 (Run Out). This change removed the stigma attached to the dismissal — a bowler running out the non-striker for backing up too far before delivery is now simply a run out, not an unusual or unsportsmanlike act. The reclassification has normalised what was previously controversial.
Handling the Ball Absorbed Into Obstructing the Field
The separate dismissal 'handled the ball' was removed and absorbed into 'obstructing the field' (Law 37). The practical effect is minimal — a batter who touches the ball with their hands is still out, but now under the obstructing the field law rather than a separate one. This simplification reduces the number of dismissal categories while preserving the same outcomes.
Ball Tampering Laws Clarified
The 2022 update clarified ball tampering provisions, particularly around what constitutes illegal ball alteration versus permitted activities (polishing with sweat, drying the ball). The change came in the aftermath of Australia's 2018 sandpaper-gate scandal which had exposed ambiguities in the existing Laws. The updated Laws are more explicit about what is and is not permitted.
Gender-Neutral Language
The 2022 Laws replaced all gendered pronouns ('he', 'his') with gender-neutral equivalents ('the batter', 'they', 'their') throughout the document. This change reflected the growth of women's cricket and the ambition for the Laws to apply equally and inclusively to players of all genders.
Frequently asked questions
What changed in the 2022 cricket laws?
The 2022 MCC Laws update moved the Mankad to a standard run out, absorbed 'handled the ball' into 'obstructing the field', clarified ball tampering, and changed all language to be gender-neutral.
Is Mankading now fully legal?
Yes — since the 2022 Laws update, running out the non-striker backing up too far is classified as a standard run out under Law 38, removing the stigma and controversy that previously surrounded the dismissal.