Laws of Cricket vs Playing Conditions (Who Makes the Rules)
Also known as: who makes the laws of cricket, laws of cricket, mcc laws, icc playing conditions, playing conditions in cricket, who writes the rules of cricket, laws vs playing conditions
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) writes the Laws of Cricket and is recognised as their sole authority. Leagues and governing bodies then add their own playing conditions on top. The ICC's playing conditions run international cricket, so Tests, ODIs and T20Is can differ from the Laws in places.
MCC has been the recognised authority for the Code of Laws since its formation in 1787. It also holds the world copyright. The current code is the 2017 Code, and its fourth edition took effect in October 2026. MCC consults widely when it changes the Laws, including with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Laws are the framework for every match. Each league or governing body can then add playing regulations to suit its cricket. Junior matches, T20 games and Tests all use different regulations. The ICC's playing conditions say the Laws are built into them, then change or add to particular clauses.
So when a rule question comes up, check two things. First, what do the Laws say? Second, has your league or competition changed it? Bowling limits, fielding restrictions and DRS are common examples of competition rules.
Tips by skill level
Ask your club for a copy of the league's playing regulations. Read them alongside the Laws before the season starts.
When the Laws change, the ICC and leagues may adopt the change at different times. Check the effective date of each document.
Example
A club captain asks whether a bowler can bowl 10 overs. The Laws set no limit, but the league's playing regulations cap each bowler at 8 overs.
Why it matters
Many arguments in club cricket come from mixing up the Laws and local rules. Knowing who sets which rule helps you check the right document.
Common mistakes
- Assuming international rules apply in club cricket
- Quoting an old edition of the Laws
- Forgetting that leagues can change the Laws for their own matches
- Thinking the ICC writes the Laws
Frequently asked questions
Who makes the laws of cricket?
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) does. It has been recognised as the sole authority for the Code of Laws since 1787 and consults the ICC and others on changes.
What is the difference between the Laws and playing conditions?
The Laws are the base rules for all cricket. Playing conditions are a competition's own changes and additions, such as the ICC's rules for international matches.
Does the ICC make the rules of cricket?
Not the Laws. The ICC writes playing conditions for international cricket, which include the Laws and then amend some clauses.
Sources
- MCC Laws of Cricket, 2017 Code 4th Edition (2026), The Preface: MCC 'the sole authority for drawing up the Code' since 1787; leagues and governing bodies add their own playing regulations, pp. 2-3; history of editions, p. 5
- ICC Men's ODI Playing Conditions (effective Oct 2026), Preamble: the Laws 'are incorporated within these Playing Conditions', p. 2
Related terms
- DRS (Decision Review System)DRS lets players ask the third umpire to review an on-field decision on whether a batter is out. Only the batter given out can review an out, and only the fielding captain can review a not out. The request is a 'T' sign within 15 seconds. DRS comes from ICC playing conditions, not the Laws of Cricket.
- PowerplayA powerplay is a set of overs in limited-overs cricket when the fielding side may have only a few fielders outside the 30-yard circle. In T20 internationals the first six overs allow two fielders outside it. In one-day internationals, overs 1 to 10 allow two, overs 11 to 40 allow four and overs 41 to 50 allow five. Other competitions can set their own versions, so check your playing conditions.
- One-Day International (ODI)A one-day international is an international match where each team bats once, for up to 50 overs. Each bowler can bowl no more than 10 overs. The fielding side is limited to two fielders outside the 30-yard circle in overs 1 to 10, four in overs 11 to 40 and five in overs 41 to 50. A tie is settled by a Super Over.
- T20 FormatT20 (Twenty20) cricket is the shortest mainstream format of the game — each side bats for a maximum of 20 overs — producing fast-paced, high-scoring matches usually completed in under three hours.
- Test CricketTest cricket is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious format of the sport — played over up to five days between two national teams, with each side receiving two innings and ten wickets to be dismissed.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.