The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced a new set of Laws of Cricket that will come into effect from October 1, 2026, with several updates aimed at making the game clearer, fairer and more consistent across levels. While many of the changes apply to cricket as a whole, one of the most important updates directly impacts women’s and girls’ cricket, particularly around the size and weight of the cricket ball.
For the first time, the MCC has clearly separated ball specifications for men’s, women’s and junior cricket, removing long-standing confusion around which ball should be used in different competitions. Until now, women’s cricket often operated within a broad range of ball sizes and weights, sometimes overlapping with junior or even men’s cricket. This lack of clarity affected everything from swing and bounce to how the game was played across different levels.
Under the new laws, the MCC has introduced three clearly defined ball sizes — Size 1, Size 2 and Size 3. While Size 1 will continue to be used for men’s cricket, women’s and girls’ cricket will now have specific ball categories assigned to them, with tighter limits on size and weight. This ensures that matches are played with a ball designed specifically for the women’s game, rather than one that simply fits within a wide tolerance range.
The change is especially significant as women’s cricket continues to grow rapidly around the world. With more international matches, professional leagues like the Women’s Premier League, and increased participation at grassroots level, consistency in playing equipment has become increasingly important. A standardised ball helps maintain balance between bat and ball and allows players to develop skills under uniform conditions.
For batters, a correctly sized ball influences timing, shot selection and power hitting. For bowlers, it affects grip, seam movement and swing. Fielders also benefit from better predictability when catching and throwing. By clearly defining ball specifications, the MCC aims to ensure that women’s matches are played under conditions best suited to the women’s game, rather than adapting equipment originally designed for men.
Another important aspect of the update is how it helps at the junior and pathway level. Girls moving from age-group cricket into senior women’s cricket will now experience a smoother transition, as the change in ball size will be more gradual and clearly regulated. This supports long-term player development and reduces unnecessary adjustments as players progress through the system.
While the MCC’s 2026 law changes include other updates, the clarity around ball size stands out as a meaningful step for women’s and girls’ cricket. It reflects a broader shift towards recognising that the women’s game deserves its own tailored standards, rather than operating as a modified version of the men’s game.
As women’s cricket continues to gain visibility and professionalism, these changes signal progress towards greater fairness and equality in how the sport is governed. From international stadiums to local grounds, the new laws aim to ensure that women and girls play cricket with equipment designed specifically for their game making it clearer, more consistent and better suited to modern cricket.
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