Significant Updates to ICC Playing Conditions: Key Changes Explained
Overview of New ICC Playing Conditions
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced several notable changes to its Playing Conditions, including a return to one ball per innings during the final 16 overs of One Day Internationals (ODIs), new rules regarding boundary catches, and the implementation of stop clocks in Test matches.
Details of the Changes
These updates also encompass modifications to concussion replacement protocols, adjustments to the Decision Review System (DRS) wicket zone, and rules concerning deliberate short runs, as outlined by the ICC.
The recommendations for these changes came from the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, which is chaired by Sourav Ganguly and includes members with experience from over 2000 international matches.
Key Changes in Playing Conditions
Stop Clock Implementation
Following a successful trial in white-ball formats, Test cricket will now adopt a stop clock. The bowling team must be prepared to bowl the first ball of their next over within 60 seconds after the previous over concludes. If they fail to do so three times in an innings (after two warnings), a five-run penalty will be imposed for each infraction. The warning count resets after every 80 overs, coinciding with the introduction of a new ball.
ODI Innings Ball Usage
In ODIs, two new balls will be utilized for the first 34 overs, after which the fielding team will select one ball for the remaining overs.
Boundary Catch Regulations
New regulations stipulate that a fielder who makes contact with the ball while airborne beyond the boundary must land and remain inside the boundary. If they leave the field after the initial contact, they can only touch the ball again while airborne beyond the boundary, and must land entirely within the boundary.
Deliberate Short Runs
In addition to the existing five-run penalty for deliberate short runs, the fielding team will now decide which of the two batters will take strike for the next delivery.
DRS Wicket Zone
The wicket zone will now be defined by the actual outline of the stumps and bails.
Concussion Protocol Updates
Changes to concussion protocols require teams to designate their concussion replacements before the match, addressing the previous advantage held by home teams. Players diagnosed with a concussion must observe a minimum stand-down period of seven days before returning to play, a measure recommended by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee to enhance player safety.
Future Trials and Additional Changes
Starting in October 2025, additional playing conditions will be trialed for an initial six-month period.
Replacement Players in Domestic Cricket
Players suffering serious injuries during a match can be replaced by a like-for-like player for the remainder of the game.
Wide Ball Trial in ODIs and T20Is
A new wide ball rule will be trialed to provide leniency for bowlers when batters move around before or during a delivery. The batter's leg position at the point of delivery will now serve as the reference for calling a wide, even if they subsequently shift to the off side. The protected area marker will be extended to the popping crease to assist umpires in making these calls.
Implementation Dates for New Conditions
The new playing conditions took effect with the first match of the World Test Championship on June 17, featuring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The updated rules for ODIs and T20Is will be applied during the same series, starting with three ODIs from July 2 and a T20I series from July 10. All matches following these dates will adhere to the new conditions.