The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced that it will permit bats previously deemed illegal to be used in open age recreational cricket. The move is an effort to make the game more affordable for amateur players, who are facing rising costs of English willow.
The new law change allows laminated bats, known as Type D bats, which are made with up to three wooden pieces, to be used in senior cricket. Type D bats were only previously allowed in junior cricket but were deemed too expensive and heavy for open age recreational games.
Lamination is a process where the English willow face is backed by cheaper and lesser-performing willow, such as Kashmir. The change aims to reduce costs while maintaining performance levels. Bat manufacturers have been supportive of the move, stating that they do not want to charge high prices for bats.
The MCC has also introduced other changes to the Laws of Cricket, including the removal of gendered language, simplification where possible, and modifications to Laws 12.5.2, 18.5.1, and 18.5.2. These changes aim to improve consistency and clarity in the game.
Bat prices have trebled following increased demand from countries in South Asia, with some top-end models costing close to £1,000. The scarcity of English willow has led to price rises, prompting the MCC to explore alternative materials, such as bamboo or graphite-backed bats.
The changes come into effect on 1 October 2026, and the MCC aims to make cricket more accessible to amateur players while maintaining its competitiveness.
The new law change allows laminated bats, known as Type D bats, which are made with up to three wooden pieces, to be used in senior cricket. Type D bats were only previously allowed in junior cricket but were deemed too expensive and heavy for open age recreational games.
Lamination is a process where the English willow face is backed by cheaper and lesser-performing willow, such as Kashmir. The change aims to reduce costs while maintaining performance levels. Bat manufacturers have been supportive of the move, stating that they do not want to charge high prices for bats.
The MCC has also introduced other changes to the Laws of Cricket, including the removal of gendered language, simplification where possible, and modifications to Laws 12.5.2, 18.5.1, and 18.5.2. These changes aim to improve consistency and clarity in the game.
Bat prices have trebled following increased demand from countries in South Asia, with some top-end models costing close to £1,000. The scarcity of English willow has led to price rises, prompting the MCC to explore alternative materials, such as bamboo or graphite-backed bats.
The changes come into effect on 1 October 2026, and the MCC aims to make cricket more accessible to amateur players while maintaining its competitiveness.
. Reducing costs for amateur players will definitely help increase participation rates in open age recreational cricket. It's interesting to see the MCC exploring alternative materials, like bamboo or graphite-backed bats, which could potentially make cricket more affordable and sustainable 
. I'm also pleased to hear that bat manufacturers are on board with these changes - it shows a commitment to innovation and accessibility. The removal of gendered language is a nice touch too, making the game more inclusive for everyone involved 
️. Overall, these changes seem like a positive step forward for cricket 
.
! It's about time someone shook up the bat game, especially with all these rich kids splurging on top-end bats. I mean, £1k for a bat? That's just not cricket 
. The MCC's trying to make it more affordable and inclusive, which is awesome. Can you imagine if they made it so everyone could play without breaking the bank? That'd be something, fam! 
The fact that lamination allows for cheaper materials like Kashmir willow is genius too. It's all about innovation and finding ways to make cricket more accessible. I'm rooting for this change, hope it brings a fresh wave of players to the game 
I'm kinda surprised they're letting Type D bats into senior cricket... I mean, it's all about making the game more affordable for amateur players, but at what cost? Those old bats were already getting pricey, and now we gotta worry about performance levels dropping off? 
I mean, come on £1000 is just crazy, only top pros can even afford that 
and it's not like they're getting a better bat or anything. Laminated bats might not be as nice but at least they're more affordable and the game will still be fun 
it's about time we had a more level playing field for everyone. simplifying the laws also makes sense, who likes reading through 500 pages of rules every year? 
not me, defo not me.
! Finally, bats that are not made of pure English willow can be used in open age games, which is gonna make the game way more affordable for everyone 
. The lamination process is still dope tho 
. It's all about making the game fun for everyone, you feel? 
Can't wait to see these new bats in action! 
. Less expensive and lighter, they'll make the game more accessible to people who can't afford those super pricey English willow bats 
. Can't wait for October 2026 when these new rules come into effect 
! #CricketForAll #MoreAffordableBats #LawChanges