Every manufacturer got this memo in August:
“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.”
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.”