Received today - 17 August 2011.
The latest version of the Laws of Cricket (2000 Code – 4th Edition, 2010,) which came into effect on the 1st
October 2010, maintains the illegal status of laminated bats, as was previously the case in the 3rd Edition in
2008, when Law 6 underwent substantial change. Laminated bats are not permitted in any matches that are
played under the Laws of Cricket.
Law 6.4(b) states: “The blade shall consist solely of wood.” It is the ruling of MCC, in consultation with ICC, that
the use of adhesives in laminated cricket bats contravenes this Law. Adhesives are allowed in the splice area for
joining the handle to the blade and are also allowed, in Type B & C bats, for securing toe and side inserts. Apart
from in those specific areas, or for repairs to damaged bats, no adhesives may be used in the blade. MCC has
conducted research into this area, which concluded that a bat’s performance could be enhanced by lamination.
For clarification, lamination is when at least two pieces of wood are glued together to form the blade. It is the
glue used in this process that means that the blade does not “consist solely of wood.”
For more information on Type A, B and C bats, please consult the other memorandum which has been forwarded
with this document. This memo was originally sent to manufacturers in September 2008. A subsequent
memorandum, expressly clarifying that laminated bats were illegal, was sent in December 2008.
It has come to the attention of MCC that certain manufacturers have laminated bats in the marketplace and
that these might sometimes be used in the professional game. These bats are illegal and should be removed
immediately. MCC has made this point clearly to manufacturers since 2008 and there is no excuse for the Law
being breached. MCC will publicise any breaches and the ICC will take appropriate action with the player under
its Code of Conduct. National Governing Bodies are expected to do the same at domestic level.
This memorandum has also been sent to all national boards and to the ICC, who will be instructing umpires
not to allow the use of any laminated bats. It is expected that the boards will also make this point clear to their
players. At amateur level, umpires will also be encouraged to look out for laminated bats and will stop them
being used.
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Topic: Laminated Bat Memo - Courtesy of the MCC (Read 4081 times)