ICC New Rules: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced several major rule changes that are now active in international cricket. These new rules have already started in the World Test Championship 2025–2027, which began with the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test match. Some white-ball cricket changes will be active from July 2 during the same two teams’ limited-overs series.
Stop Clock Rule in Test Cricket
The biggest update is the Stop Clock. This is to make sure matches move faster. After one over ends, the bowling team must be ready to bowl the next over within 60 seconds. A big digital clock in the stadium will count from 0 to 60 seconds.
If the bowling side delays three times in one innings (after two warnings), then five penalty runs will be given to the batting team. These warnings reset after 80 overs, just like when a new ball becomes available.
New Short Run Rule
The ICC has updated the short run rule. Now, if a batter deliberately doesn’t complete a run to fool the umpires or gain an unfair advantage, the umpire can cancel all the runs scored on that ball. The fielding team will get five penalty runs. Also, the captain of the fielding side can decide which batter will take strike on the next ball.
This rule is to stop players from using unfair tricks.
New Rule on Boundary Catches
Changes have been made for boundary catches. If a fielder jumps outside the boundary and touches the ball, they must land completely inside the field with the ball for it to count as a valid catch.
This change is important to make sure catches near the boundary are fair. It will also be included in the official MCC Laws of Cricket from next year.
Concussion Substitution and Safety Rule
Now, teams must name a concussion substitute before the match begins. This is to make sure there is fairness and safety. If a player gets a head injury during the match and is diagnosed with a concussion, they must rest for at least 7 days before playing again.
This rule has been suggested by ICC’s medical experts to protect players’ health.
DRS Wicket Zone Expanded
In the Decision Review System (DRS), the “wicket zone” has now been defined more clearly. It includes the full shape of the stumps and the bails. This will help umpires and teams get more accurate reviews when checking LBW decisions.
Change in Balls Used in ODI Cricket
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), two balls will be used for the first 34 overs. After that, the bowling team will be allowed to choose one of these two balls to complete the rest of the innings. This gives some choice and control to the bowling side.
New Trial Rule for Wide Balls in ODIs and T20Is
From October 2025, ICC will start testing a new Wide Ball rule. Earlier, if the batter moved across the crease and the ball missed them, it was still called a wide. Now, umpires will look at the batter’s leg position at the time of delivery. If the batter moves and the ball is still within range, it may not be called a wide.
This is a six-month trial and will be tested in all full member nations.
Replacement for Injured Players in Domestic Cricket
In domestic first-class matches, if a player is seriously injured before or during the match, they can be replaced by another player. This replacement must be similar in skill and role, and will play fully for the rest of the match.
All these rules are designed to make cricket smoother, fairer, and safer for players and more exciting for fans. The stop clock in Tests, changes to wide ball calls, and the focus on player safety show that ICC is modernising the game while keeping its spirit alive.
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