Exciting Changes in Cricket: ICC Unveils New Playing Conditions for 2025-2027
New Playing Conditions Announced
Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced new playing conditions for all formats, including a mandatory seven-day stand-down period for players diagnosed with a concussion. Additionally, a new wide-ball rule will be trialed in limited-overs formats, along with modifications regarding boundary catches.
These updated playing conditions for Test matches coincide with the commencement of the new World Test Championship cycle for 2025-2027, starting with the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle from June 17-21.
The new regulations for One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals will take effect during the upcoming limited-overs series between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are set to compete in a three-match ODI series beginning July 2, followed by a three-match T20I series starting July 10.
Regarding concussion protocols, the ICC has implemented two significant changes. Teams are now required to designate concussion replacements for each match, addressing the advantage of home teams selecting from a larger pool of players.
Furthermore, any player diagnosed with a concussion must adhere to a minimum stand-down period of seven days before returning to play. This recommendation comes from the ICC Medical Advisory Committee to prioritize player safety and well-being.
The ICC will also trial two new rules for a six-month period starting in October 2025. One of these is a revised wide-ball rule for ODIs and T20Is, designed to provide bowlers with more leniency when batters move around prior to or during a delivery.
The batter's leg position at the moment of delivery will now serve as the reference for determining a wide ball, even if the batter shifts to the off side afterward.
Additionally, a delivery that passes the popping crease between the leg stump and the protected area marker will not be called a wide. To assist umpires, the protected area marker line will be extended to the popping crease.
Former South African captain Shaun Pollock, representing the ICC's cricket committee, mentioned earlier this year that the governing body is exploring ways to give bowlers more flexibility regarding wides.
Any leg-side delivery that travels behind the batter's legs and outside the line when reaching the popping crease may still be ruled a wide. Previously, a wide was called for deliveries that would not have been deemed wide had the batter maintained their standard batting stance.
Another rule under consideration for domestic First-Class cricket allows teams to name replacements for players who sustain a serious injury after being selected in the playing XI.
A player who suffers a serious injury during the match, including during warm-ups, may be substituted for the remainder of the game by a fully participating like-for-like player.
In terms of Decision Review System (DRS) dismissals, the ICC has clarified that the wicket zone will now reflect the actual outline of the stumps and bails.
Additional significant changes include the introduction of a stop-clock in Test matches, alterations to boundary catch rules, and a return to using a single ball after the 34th over in ODIs.