Cricket bats beforehand deemed unlawful for grownup beginner gamers are to be permitted after a change within the legislation led to by the rising price of English willow.
The Marylebone Cricket Membership (MCC), custodian of the legal guidelines of cricket since 1787, introduced the transfer on Tuesday as one in all 73 modifications that may come into impact this yr.
Laminated bats—often known as Sort D bats—had solely been permitted in junior cricket.
Sort A, B and C bats are constituted of one piece of high-grade willow, whereas laminated bats are constituted of three items of wooden, not essentially willow, which means much less prime willow is required.
“That is a part of an try and sluggish the rising prices of bats around the globe,” the MCC stated in an announcement.
“Laminated bats can use as much as three items of wooden, permitting for extra of the very best high quality willow timber for use, and for lower-quality willow to be glued to a high-quality face.”
Issues that laminated bats might give a efficiency benefit are unfounded, in accordance with the MCC.
“MCC has spent appreciable time testing these bats, and it’s not felt that laminated bats will give a major efficiency benefit,” it stated.
“Nonetheless, it’s anticipated that, on the prime stage of the sport, bats will stay a single piece of willow.”
The finest cricket bats are constituted of a particular sort of willow grown in England, which is light-weight and difficult however takes years to mature.
Prices of elite bats have spiralled lately with value tags usually approaching £1,000 ($1,365).
Printed on Feb 03, 2026