ICC Introduces Sweeping Changes to Playing Conditions Across Tests, ODIs and T20Is

New Delhi, Oct 1: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a series of changes to its Playing Conditions for Tests, ODIs and T20Is, with the new regulations coming into effect for international series beginning on or after October 1. Ongoing series will continue to be played under the previous rules.

The changes cover time-wasting, cricket-ball specifications, fielding regulations and format-specific playing conditions.

ICC Men's Cricket Committee chair Sourav Ganguly said the amendments were aimed at keeping the regulations aligned with the modern game.

"There are some important changes to the Playing Conditions, including provisions relating to cricket balls, greater clarity around certain aspects of fielding and measures aimed at improving the pace of the game," Ganguly said. He added that the changes had been carefully considered to ensure the Playing Conditions continued to reflect the needs of the modern game while maintaining integrity and consistency.

Under the revised time-wasting provisions, a batter who is not ready to face the next delivery within the prescribed time will receive a warning for the first offence and a final warning for the second. A third and every subsequent offence will result in five penalty runs being awarded to the fielding side. Repeated offences may also attract action under the Code of Conduct.

The ICC has also introduced separate size and weight specifications for men's, women's and junior cricket balls. Previously, manufacturers commonly used a single ball for women's and junior cricket, subject to limited tolerances.

The definition of an overthrow has also been clarified. An overthrow will refer to an attempt to direct the ball towards the stumps to prevent runs or effect a run-out, while a misfield will not be classified as an overthrow.

The revised regulations also give umpires greater discretion in determining when a ball is considered finally settled. The ball will not necessarily have to be in the bowler's or wicketkeeper's hands.

For a fielder to be considered to have held the ball during a run-out or stumping, complete control of the ball will be required. Merely touching the ball with a hand as it breaks the stumps will not be sufficient.

In Test cricket, pink balls may be used on a trial basis during daytime matches if both teams agree before the start of the Test. The provision is primarily intended to reduce interruptions caused by bad light. Once the decision is made, it cannot be reversed during the match.

Another Test-related change means play will no longer automatically end when a wicket falls during the final over of the day if the over remains incomplete and playing conditions are suitable. The remaining deliveries will instead be completed.

In T20Is, the innings interval will now be fixed at 15 minutes. Where playing time has been lost, the interval may be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes.

For both ODIs and T20Is, the head coach or a designated member of the coaching staff will now be permitted to enter the field during drinks intervals.

The wide-ball rule previously trialled in limited-overs cricket has also been made permanent. The batter's leg position at the point of delivery will be used as the reference for judging a wide, even if the batter subsequently moves across towards the off side.

The ICC said the changes are intended to provide greater clarity and consistency in the application of the Playing Conditions while addressing aspects of the game affected by modern playing practices.