MCC Members vote for re-written Law of Cricket

Date released: 7 May 2008

MCC Members have today voted to re-write a key Law of Cricket. At a Special General Meeting held this afternoon at Lord’s, Members overwhelmingly voted in favour of re-writing Law 6 (The bat). A two-thirds majority was needed to pass the Law, and the final result saw 98.6% vote in favour.

Stephenson: MCC wants to maintain balance between bat and ball In recognition of the importance of the Law, MCC conducted a full consultation: discussions were held with the International Cricket Council and governing bodies of Test playing nations; nine different bat manufacturers from across the world gave their views; technical advice was sought from material scientists; and postal voting forms were sent out to all 18,000 Full and Senior Members. Additionally MCC investigated future supplies of willow - for the blades - and cane - for the bat handles - to ensure they could meet demand.

John Stephenson, MCC’s Head of Cricket explained that the Law aims to maintain the equilibrium between bat and ball:

“In cricket, the battle between bat and ball is key. If one comes to dominate the other, the game will become predictable and less enjoyable to play and watch. While cricket pitches, balls and boundaries have changed little in centuries, modern bats have developed to the extent that mis-hits are now sometimes clearing the boundary rope for six. By ensuring that bats are made in the traditional manner, MCC hopes to safeguard the traditional balance of the game.

“We have seen the impact of new technology and materials on other sports. Golfers drive the ball enormous distances, tennis players serve at greater speeds, footballers can dip and swerve the ball extravagantly: if the development of cricket bats is left unchecked the balance could be tipped too far towards batsmen.

“Modern training methods have allowed many batsmen to become stronger and fitter than their predecessors, thus hitting the ball harder and further. MCC is not trying to legislate against those players, but rather the new materials that could give them an unfair advantage.”

The new Law protects traditional bat-manufacturing methods
The new Law stipulates that 90% of the volume of bat handles should consist of cane, wood and/or twine, with the other 10% for the purpose of reducing vibration, for example rubber. It states bat handles (including the splice) must not exceed 52% of the overall length of the bat, and restricts the thickness of materials that can be used to protect and repair bats.

It also introduces a grading system for bats - from Grade A to C - which allows for more leeway on the materials used, enabling bats to still be produced cheaply for use in lower levels of the game. All bat manufacturers will be asked to submit their designs to MCC for grading.

MCC will also carry out random tests on bats all over the world to ensure they comply with the new Law.

The new Law will come into effect from 1st October 2008. It will not apply retrospectively in amateur cricket so anyone using a bat after October that will be illegal under the new Law will be able to use the bat for its natural lifespan.