ICC Announces New Changes to ODI Ball Rule and Concussion Substitution Policy
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved key updates to the playing conditions for men’s international cricket, including a change to the two-ball rule in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the introduction of a structured concussion substitute protocol across all formats.
These updates, recommended by the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee and endorsed by the Chief Executives Committee, will take effect on different dates for each format: June 17 for Tests, July 2 for ODIs, and July 10 for T20Is.
Revised Two-Ball Rule in ODIs
Currently, ODIs are played with two new balls — one from each end of the pitch — throughout the innings. Under the new rules:
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Two new balls will continue to be used from the start of the innings up to the 34th over.
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From the 35th to 50th over, the bowling team will choose one of the two balls, which will then be used from both ends for the remainder of the innings.
The ICC said the modification aims to restore a better balance between bat and ball, particularly in the later stages of the game.
If an ODI is shortened to 25 overs or fewer per side before the first innings begins, only one new ball will be used for the entire innings.
New Concussion Substitute Protocol
In a move to streamline and clarify concussion substitutions, teams will now be required to name five specific substitute players to the match referee before the game begins, each assigned a particular role:
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One wicketkeeper
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One batter
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One seam bowler
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One spin bowler
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One all-rounder
This update is designed to ensure replacements closely match the skills of the concussed player, minimizing ambiguity during in-game substitutions.
In cases where the substitute player also suffers a concussion, the match referee may select an alternative player outside the original five, based on a like-for-like assessment under existing guidelines.
The rule change follows a debated substitution earlier this year, when India replaced a batting all-rounder with a bowling all-rounder during a T20I, sparking questions around role equivalence.
Catch Rule Adjustment
The ICC has also implemented a change in the laws regarding boundary catches. In alignment with updated guidelines from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the practice of using “bunny hops” outside the boundary rope to complete a catch is now considered invalid.
This clarification ensures that all catches made near the boundary conform to consistent and fair standards across the game.
