ICC Proposes Changes to ODI Ball Regulations to Enhance Game Balance

Proposed Changes to ODI Playing Conditions

New Delhi [India] - April 15: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating modifications to the current two-ball regulations in One Day Internationals (ODIs) to better balance the competition between batters and bowlers, as reported by a sports news outlet.

Led by Sourav Ganguly, the ICC men's cricket committee has put forth a proposal to the board of chief executives. The suggestion entails that while each inning will commence with two new balls, the fielding team will have the option to choose which ball to use after the 34th over, at which point both balls will have been in play for 17 overs. The unused ball will be kept as a backup for any necessary situations.

As per the report, cricket boards are anticipated to provide their input on this proposed adjustment by the end of the month. Should there be a consensus, the changes will likely be incorporated into the playing conditions during the ICC's annual general meeting scheduled for July.

The existing playing conditions were established in October 2011. Prior to the 2011 World Cup held in India, the ODI rules mandated a ball change after the 34th over, replacing it with a cleaner and more visible ball.

Additionally, the boards will evaluate the implementation of a 60-second stop clock in Test cricket to address slow over rates. This regulation has already been applied in T20Is and ODIs since last year.

Teams that exceed the allotted time for completing their overs face penalties, which include the requirement to bring an additional fielder inside the 30-yard circle. The committee also deliberated on the bonus-point rewards system for the World Test Championship, but it was deemed too complex for practical application.