Why are laminated cricket bats now legal for adults?

Laminated cricket bats are now legal for adult amateur players because the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is responding to the rising costs of English willow.

Do laminated cricket bats offer a performance advantage?

According to the MCC, extensive testing indicates that laminated bats do not provide a significant performance advantage compared to traditional single-piece willow bats.

What is the cost benefit of allowing laminated bats?

Allowing laminated bats, which use multiple pieces of wood, helps reduce the overall cost of cricket bats, making the sport more accessible.

Home / Sports / Cricket Law Change: Cheaper Bats Now Legal

Cricket Law Change: Cheaper Bats Now Legal

3 Feb

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Summary

Laminated cricket bats are now permitted for adult players.
Rising costs of English willow have prompted the rule change.
MCC confirms laminated bats do not offer a significant advantage.

Cricket Law Change: Cheaper Bats Now Legal

Cricket's governing body, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has updated the game's laws to permit laminated bats for adult amateur players. This change, announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, stems from the sharply increasing prices of English willow, a prime material for cricket bats. Laminated bats, known as Type D, can now be used by adults, having previously been confined to junior competitions. These bats utilize three pieces of wood, reducing the reliance on scarce, high-grade willow. The MCC has conducted extensive testing and concluded that laminated bats do not offer a discernible performance edge over traditional single-piece willow bats. This legislative adjustment is designed to mitigate the rising global cost of cricket bats, with elite models previously nearing £1,000. While laminated bats offer a more affordable alternative, top-level professional play is expected to maintain the use of single-piece willow bats.

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