ICC Overhauls Cricket Rules: Stop Clock in Tests, Boundary Catches Redefined, and More

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a series of significant changes to the playing conditions across Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats. These adjustments address issues such as over rates, ball usage, boundary catches, concussion substitutes, and the adjudication of wide balls.

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Crackdown on Slow Over Rates

To combat slow over rates, the stop clock rule, previously tested in white-ball cricket, will be permanently implemented in Test matches. The fielding team must commence the next over within 60 seconds of the completion of the previous one. Teams will be issued two warnings per innings, with subsequent breaches resulting in a five-run penalty. These warnings will reset every 80 overs, coinciding with the availability of a new ball.

Modified ODI Ball Usage

In ODIs, the use of two balls will now be restricted to the initial 34 overs. For the remaining 16 overs, the fielding side will have the option to choose one of the two balls to continue play. This modification aims to manage the wear and tear of the ball more efficiently.

Redefining Boundary Catches

A new regulation has been introduced concerning boundary catches. Fielders making airborne contact with the ball beyond the boundary must ensure their initial point of contact with the ground is within the field of play to constitute a legal catch. If a fielder steps outside the boundary and jumps again, they are allowed only one additional touch before landing inside the boundary.

Concussion Protocols Strengthened

Teams are now obligated to pre-nominate concussion substitutes. Any player diagnosed with a concussion will be required to undergo a mandatory seven-day rest period before being permitted to return to competitive play.

Wide Ball Rule Adjustment

A trial of a revised wide ball rule is set to take place in white-ball cricket. The batter's position at the point of delivery—rather than any subsequent movement—will serve as the point of reference for determining wides. Deliveries passing between the leg stump and the extended protected area marker at the popping crease will no longer be called wide. However, deliveries passing behind the batter's legs may still be considered wide. To aid umpires, the protected area marker will be extended to the popping crease, providing a clear visual guide.

DRS Enhancements

The Decision Review System (DRS) will now utilize the actual physical outline of the stumps and bails to define the wicket zone, thereby improving the accuracy of LBW decisions.

Increased Penalties for Deliberate Short Runs

In addition to the existing five-run penalty for a deliberate short run, the fielding team will now have the right to choose which batter takes strike for the subsequent delivery.

Domestic First-Class Injury Substitution Rule

In domestic first-class cricket, a player who sustains a serious on-field injury at any stage after the match has commenced (including during warm-ups) can be replaced by a like-for-like player for the duration of the game.

The new Test playing conditions came into effect on June 17, with the Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh Test. The revised ODI and T20I rules were implemented from the same series, beginning with the first ODI on July 2 and the T20Is from July 10. All international matches scheduled beyond these dates will be played under the updated regulations.