Cricket bats, previously deemed illegal for adult amateur players, will be permitted under major changes to the Laws of Cricket, approved by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), starting in October.
In one of the most significant changes to the Laws of the Game in decades and days out from the T20 World Cup in India, the MCC will legalise laminated multi-piece bats, a decision they said is in direct response to the tightening supply of English willow and the rapid rising cost of cricket bats.
The decision is one of 73 made by the MCC, custodian of the laws of cricket since 1877 and will see the approval of a special Type D laminated bat, which had only been permitted in junior cricket for adult amateur use.
Type A, B and C bats are made from one piece of high-grade willow while laminated bats are made from three pieces of wood, not necessarily willow, meaning less prime willow is required.
The best cricket bats are made from a specific type of willow grown in England, which is light-weight and tough but takes years to mature.