BCCI brings in match-long bowling ban for deliberate no-balls in domestic cricket

The BCCI has announced a series of rule changes for the 2026–27 domestic cricket season, headlined by a match-long bowling suspension for bowlers who deliberately deliver a front-foot no-ball.

Under the revised Playing Condition 41.8, any bowler deemed by the on-field umpires to have intentionally bowled a front-foot no-ball or a delivery that does not pitch on the wicket will be barred from bowling for the remainder of the match. Earlier, the restriction applied only to the ongoing innings.

The board has also introduced several other key changes:

• Final over must be completed: If a wicket falls in the scheduled last over of the day, play will continue until the over is finished, preventing teams from avoiding sending in a new batter.
• No declarations in final innings: Teams will no longer be allowed to declare or forfeit the final innings of a match, a move aimed at preventing manipulation of results.
• Coaches allowed on field during drinks: Head coaches can now enter the field during drinks breaks in domestic one-day matches.
• Relaxed wicketkeeping rule: Wicketkeepers now only need to keep their gloves fully behind the stumps at the moment the ball is delivered, rather than throughout the bowler’s run-up.

The new regulations will come into effect with the 2026–27 domestic season, which begins with the Duleep Trophy next month. State associations have begun briefing umpires and match officials on the revised playing conditions ahead of the season’s start.