Village Cricket Co: Bats, MCC Rules & 2027 Plans

If you geek out on cricket bats, you’re going to love this. Village Cricket Co Founder Freddie Chatt shares how this cheeky upstart brand has won over players and parents seeking simple and affordable equipment.

We’ve partnered for a number of years as the popular choice for village cricket sloggers and prodders continues to champion cricket gear that doesn’t break the bank.

In this interview with Freddie, we reflect on a record-breaking year, discuss MCC law changes, dive behind the scenes of running a boutique cricket bat business and learn what’s coming up in 2027.

🏏 Note to readers: If you click through some links on this page and buy from Village Cricket Co, we may earn a commission (no cost to you) which helps towards running this website – so you’ll be supporting grassroots cricket journalism too.

Village Cricket Co in 2026

Any way you cut it (over the slip cordon or past point) this has been a bumper year for Village Cricket Co. Their biggest stock order flew off the shelves, ambassador partnerships sprouted and opportunities with retailers are opening up.

Catching up on a Zoom video call, Freddie told me: “We’ve had a really good season. We might be small in the scheme of things but it’s been a fun year.”

MCC laws change – good for the game?

As guardians of the laws of cricket, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have announced that from 1 October 2026, Type D cricket bats are permitted in open-age recreational cricket.

Law 5.8 has been amended to allow this category of cricket equipment for adults where previously, Type D cricket bats were only allowed in junior cricket.

What are Type D bats? These laminated bats are made of three pieces of wood – rather than constructed from a single piece of willow.

That’s significant because it will allow a blend of English and Kashmir willow (or other wood) to reduce prices of bats – something the MCC is advocating for.

Freddie said: “I welcome these rule changes and if it enables more people to be able to play cricket then I only see it as a good thing.”

That tracks with their village cricket origin story where Freddie’s broken bat and absence of affordable alternatives led to a new company, with co-founder George Simmons, to make the game more accessible.

By sourcing Grade 1 Kashmir willow, Village Cricket Co are ahead of the MCC announcement that recognised relative parity in performance. To be frank, most cricketers just won’t notice any difference.

Ironically, the MCC was even quoted as saying: “MCC has spent considerable time testing these bats, and it is not felt that laminated bats will give a significant performance advantage.”

Can you get quality at a lower price?

A cynic might ask: Which is it? Is Kashmir willow inferior or does it give an advantage as part of a laminated bat? Surely it can’t be both simultaneously.

Freddie does acknowledge that technically English willow deserves its status as the raw materials for the absolute best bat in terms of ping. However, his proof-of-concept research didn’t reveal the chasm that the UK industry typically drives home:

“When I got my first samples, we were practically testing them and we couldn’t tell the difference. We were half expecting the Kashmir willow to feel really heavy or be really thin because it’s denser. But, they looked and felt like every bat we’ve ever had!”

Village cricket: New products

The product range has gradually expanded without baffling shoppers with endless choice.

Looking for a cricket bat under £200?

The Village Cricket bat remains a bestseller at £117 full price – lightweight, low-middle, balanced pickup with free bat case, toe guard and anti-scuff sheet.

Freddie and George have introduced blank cricket bats for those who prefer a no-sticker blade (slight premium) while junior pads and gloves then a wicketkeeping range that sold out fast have followed.

Riding the bouncer of global politics

I can’t help asking about how global politics impacts the realities of running a cricket bat business with willow sourced from the other side of the world in India.

Some things – such as when cricket equipment arrives – may be thrown into turmoil by events entirely out of their hands.

“Over the last few years we’ve had pirates around some parts of the world, so they’ve had to redevelop the container ship route for the products. Prices of the freight go up and down quite significantly depending on what certain leaders at the time choose to do with their budgets.”

Freddie added: “So it’s a bit of a waiting game… we’ve had delays in getting the products in but we pretty much sell out most years on almost everything. We do open up pre-orders and have to try and set a level of expectation.”

Looking ahead to 2027

Village Cricket Co are not standing still. They plan to introduce a women’s range, embark on more club visits and aim to appeal to more international customers for winter orders.

Their background in club cricket and deliberate focus on affordability makes the brand stand out.

Celebrating six years in 2026 after beginning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Village Cricket Co have now assessed the bowling and conditions, while digging in for a long innings.

Freddie said: “It’s such a fun environment to be in when you can go and chat to local clubs. It’s a great community and friendly feel. I’m fortunate that my son did his first All Stars session this year at my club which gives me even more of an excuse to go and watch cricket!”

Already raved about from clubbies across friendlies and leagues (see village cricket bat reviews), expect this dynamic duo to continue putting the village into village cricket.

End of season sale

Don’t scroll, don’t nip off for a cuppa. If you want an end-of-season bargain then it will be hard to find better deals than this.

Prices have been slashed to clear warehouse space so that means cricketers can snap up bats, pads, gloves and cricket bags for even less.

👋 Plus, there is an extra 10% off (on top of any sales) with this Village Cricket Co Discount Code – CY10.

Happy shopping – and may the fours – or dot balls – be with you.

This is a Partner Content for Village Cricket Co – if the mood takes you, click to read Cricket Yorkshire’s policy on Partner Content.