Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has rejected the idea of using bamboo to manufacture bats, saying it would be "illegal" under the current set of rules governing the game.

The custodian of cricket’s laws, however, is open to discuss the matter during its laws sub-committee meeting.

According to the Cambridge University study, bamboo bat is cheaper to produce, more sustainable and stronger than willow blades and could expand the game worldwide.

"Currently, law 5.3.2 states that the blade of the bat must consist solely of wood, so for bamboo (which is a grass) to be considered as a realistic alternative to willow would require a law change," MCC said in a statement on Monday (May 10).

"Importantly, the law would need to be altered to allow bamboo specifically, as even if it were to be recognised as a wood, this would still be illegal under the current law, which bans lamination of the blade, except in junior bats," the statement further stated.

The study also suggests that the laminated bamboo bat has a larger sweet spot, which is a dream for any batter.

But MCC said it is important to ensure that the balance of bat and ball remains intact.

"MCC's role as Guardian of the Laws includes maintaining the balance between bat and ball, and any potential amendments to the Law would need to carefully take this into consideration, particularly the concept of the bat producing greater power," the apex body said in a statement.

MCC further said it will discuss the matter as finding alternatives to willow is a relevant subject.

"Sustainability is a relevant topic for MCC and indeed cricket, and this angle of willow alternatives should also be considered," MCC said.

"This could provide a pertinent angle for further research and the possibility of reducing the cost of producing bats in different areas of the world. The Club will discuss the topic at the next laws sub-committee meeting," it added.

(With MCC inputs)