ICC Implements Significant Rule Changes Across All Formats of Cricket

Major Rule Updates by the ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a series of important rule modifications that will affect all formats of cricket. While some of these changes are already in effect, the new regulations for white-ball cricket will officially take effect starting July 2.

Here’s a summary of the key changes:

Introduction of Stop Clock in Test Matches

After successfully trialing the stop clock in white-ball formats, the ICC has decided to implement it in Test matches as well. According to this rule, the fielding team is required to start a new over within 60 seconds of the previous over concluding.

Penalties: Teams will receive two warnings for any delays. A third delay will incur a five-run penalty against the fielding team.

Umpires Have Exclusive Authority on Ball Changes

Teams will no longer be permitted to request a change of ball due to saliva, which has been prohibited since the COVID-19 pandemic. Match officials will now have the sole responsibility to evaluate the ball's condition and decide if a replacement is necessary.

Revisions to DRS for Secondary Reviews

Under the updated DRS protocol:

If a batter is initially ruled out caught behind, but it is later revealed that the ball only grazed the pad, the LBW ball-tracking will be reviewed. Even if HawkEye indicates 'umpire's call', the batter will still be declared out in such scenarios.

This adjustment aims to enhance consistency in the outcomes of secondary reviews.

Order of Appeals in Combined Reviews

In cases where multiple appeals arise from a single delivery (for instance, an LBW followed by a run-out), the TV umpire will evaluate the appeals in the sequence they were made. This ensures clarity in the review process.

Catches Reviewed for Fairness on No-Balls

If a delivery is ruled a no-ball and the on-field umpires are uncertain about the legality of a catch, the third umpire must still assess the fairness of the catch.

Clean Catch: Only 1 run is awarded (for the no-ball).

Not a Clean Catch: The batting team receives all runs scored.

This rule ensures fair outcomes even when the delivery is deemed illegal.

Stricter Penalties for Intentional Short Runs

If a batter deliberately runs short to gain an unfair advantage:

The fielding team will have the option to choose who will take the next strike.

The batting team will also incur a penalty of 5 runs.

This change is designed to maintain the integrity of the game and prevent manipulation of the strike.

Like-for-Like Replacements in First-Class Matches

For the first time, the ICC has allowed like-for-like substitutions in first-class cricket, including Tests, in cases of external injuries (such as head injuries or other serious conditions).

Replacements will only be permitted following a formal evaluation by match officials.