DUBAI – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made new changes to cricket playing conditions.
It has brought tougher measures against time-wasting, clearer fielding regulations and revised ball specifications into international cricket.
One of the most notable changes is related to the batters who delay taking guard.
In men’s cricket, the first offence will result in a warning, followed by a final warning for a second offence. A third and every subsequent offence will cost the batting side five penalty runs. Repeated breaches may also lead to action under the ICC Code of Conduct.
The new changes apply to international series beginning on or after October 1, while matches in series already underway will continue under the previous regulations. The revised rules cover both men’s and women’s cricket across all formats.
The ICC has also introduced separate size and weight specifications for cricket balls used in men’s, women’s and junior cricket, replacing the previous practice in which the same ball could be manufactured for women’s and junior competitions.
Fielding regulations have been clarified as well. An overthrow will now specifically refer to an attempt to direct the ball towards the stumps to prevent runs or complete a run-out. A routine misfield will not be treated as an overthrow.
Umpires have greater discretion in deciding when a ball is “finally settled”, while a fielder must have complete control of the ball for a run-out or stumping to be valid.
In Test cricket, teams may mutually agree before a match to use a pink ball during daytime play to minimise interruptions caused by poor light. Once selected, the ball must be used throughout the Test and cannot be changed during the match.
Another Test amendment means the final over of a day’s play will not automatically end when a wicket falls if deliveries remain and conditions permit play to continue.
In T20Is, the interval is now fixed at 15 minutes, although it can be shortened to at least 10 minutes when playing time has been lost. ODI and T20I rules have also been aligned to allow the head coach or a designated representative to enter the field during drinks breaks.
The trial allowing leg-side wides in ODIs and T20Is has also been incorporated permanently into the playing conditions.
The ICC said the updated regulations incorporate relevant amendments to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws of Cricket.
