ICC Overhauls Cricket Rules Across All Formats
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved significant changes in the laws of all three formats of men’s cricket – Test, ODI, and T20.
These changes were made on the recommendations of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, which were approved by the Chief Executives Committee.
According to the ICC, these laws are aimed at establishing a balance between bat and ball and making the game more interesting.
New rule for using balls in ODIs
The biggest change in the ODI format has been made in the 2-ball rule. Now: From the start of the innings to the 34th over, two new balls will be used from both ends.
After the 34th over, only one ball will be selected and used from the 35th to the 50th over from both ends.
If the match is 25 overs or less, only one ball will be used. This move will give bowlers the advantage of reverse swing, especially in the final overs.
The ICC has introduced a new “connection substitute” policy, according to which: Before each international match, the team will have to list 5 replacement players, including a wicketkeeper, a batter, a fast bowler, a spinner and an all-rounder.
If any of these players gets injured, another replacement player can be added with the permission of the match referee, even if he is not included in the initial list. This policy will apply to all three formats.
Test cricket: from June 17, ODI cricket: from July 2, T20 cricket: from July 10. The ICC hopes that these changes will further improve the quality of cricket and give players more opportunities in the game.
