(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
ICC Introduces New Playing Conditions to Modernize Cricket Across Formats
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a series of updates to the playing conditions for men’s international cricket, aiming to enhance the pace of play, close existing loopholes, and ensure a fairer balance between bat and ball.
Some of the new rules have already taken effect with the start of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, while others—particularly those for ODIs and T20Is—will come into force from July 2, 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
🕐 Stop Clock Introduced in Test Matches
To improve the flow of Test cricket, a 60-second stop clock will now be enforced between overs. Fielding teams must be ready to start the next over within this time frame. After two warnings, a five-run penalty will be applied for each further violation. Warnings reset every 80 overs.
❌ No Automatic Ball Change for Saliva Use
While the use of saliva on the ball remains prohibited, umpires are no longer required to automatically replace the ball unless its condition is visibly affected. However, a five-run penalty still applies if saliva is deliberately used to alter the ball.
🔍 Updated DRS Rules for Multi-Mode Dismissals
The Decision Review System (DRS) has been updated to allow fielding teams to benefit from multiple modes of dismissal in a single review. For instance, if a batter reviews a caught behind decision but is found LBW instead, the dismissal will stand—even if the ball-tracking shows an “Umpire’s Call.”
⏱️ DRS Reviews Will Follow Order of Events
From now on, when both the players and umpires refer decisions from the same delivery, the reviews will be processed in the order of events. For example, an LBW appeal will be reviewed before checking a potential run-out. If the batter is dismissed LBW, the ball becomes dead, and the run-out won’t be reviewed.
🧤 Catch Review Valid Even on No-Balls
Previously, catches were not reviewed if the delivery was called a no-ball. Under the new rules, umpires will still review the fairness of a catch on a no-ball. If the catch is clean, the batting side scores just the no-ball run; if not, they can keep any additional runs made.
🚫 Stricter Penalties for Deliberate Short Runs
A batter found guilty of intentionally not completing a run will now face tougher consequences. In addition to the existing five-run penalty, the fielding team can choose which batter remains on strike. Umpires will judge the intent behind the short run.
🏥 Injury Replacements Allowed in Domestic First-Class Cricket
The ICC is piloting a new rule for domestic first-class matches. Teams can now bring in a full-time substitute if a player suffers a serious external injury. Similar to the concussion substitute rule, the replacement can fully participate—batting and bowling included. This does not apply to internal injuries like muscle pulls.
These new playing conditions mark a significant step in the evolution of international cricket. The ICC aims to make the game faster, fairer, and more enjoyable for players and fans alike across all formats.
Stay tuned for more updates as these rules begin shaping matches from July 2025 onwards.
