ICC Overhauls Cricket Rules: Stop Clock, Boundary Catches, and Concussion Protocols Highlight Sweeping Changes

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a series of significant alterations to the playing conditions across Test, ODI, and T20I formats. These changes target areas such as over rates, ball usage, boundary catches, concussion protocols, and wide ball rulings, aiming to refine and improve the overall experience of the game.

Stop Clock Introduced to Expedite Test Matches

To combat slow over rates and reduce match delays, a stop clock mechanism, previously tested in white-ball cricket, will now be permanently implemented in Test matches. The fielding team must commence a new over within 60 seconds of completing the previous one. Teams will be given two warnings per innings, with subsequent violations resulting in a five-run penalty. These warnings will reset every 80 overs, aligning with the availability of a new ball.

ODI Ball Usage Rule Modified

In One Day Internationals (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 select one of the two balls to continue play. This adjustment is designed to more effectively manage the wear and tear of the ball.

Revisions to Boundary Catch Regulations

The rules governing boundary catches have also been updated. Fielders making airborne contact with the ball beyond the boundary must ensure their final contact point with the ground is within the field of play to complete a legal catch. If a fielder steps outside the boundary and jumps again, they are permitted only one additional touch before landing inside the boundary.

Concussion Substitutes and Mandatory Rest Periods

The ICC is reinforcing player safety with stricter concussion protocols. Teams are now required to pre-nominate concussion substitutes. Furthermore, any player diagnosed with a concussion must undergo a mandatory seven-day rest period before being cleared to return to competitive play.

Wide Ball Rule Trialed in White-Ball Formats

A trial of a new 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 be the determining factor in judging wides. Deliveries passing between the leg stump and the extended protected area marker at the popping crease will no longer be classified as wide. However, deliveries passing behind the batter's legs may still be called wide. To aid umpires, the protected area marker will be extended to the popping crease to serve as a visual reference.

DRS Enhancements

The Decision Review System (DRS) will now incorporate the actual physical dimensions of the stumps and bails to define the wicket zone, which is expected to improve the precision of LBW decisions.

Increased Penalties for Deliberate Short Runs

In cases of a deliberate short run, in addition to the existing five-run penalty, the fielding team will now have the authority to choose which batter takes strike for the next delivery.

Domestic First-Class Injury Rule

For domestic first-class cricket, a significant change allows for a player who suffers a serious on-field injury at any point after the match has commenced (including during warm-ups) to be replaced by a like-for-like player for the duration of the game.

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