The playing conditions in International Cricket will no longer be the same across all three formats. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revised the rulebook for playing cricket, introducing new rules after recently redefining the way to take a proper catch at the boundary. Beyond this rule, the new version is applicable for making the game more bowler-friendly with fairness for both sides. The new draft mentions decoding the game of cricket with a new lens, focusing on the slow-over rate, Decision Review System (DRS) accuracy, short-run, changing the ball, and the use of saliva. Some of these amendments have already been implemented in red-ball cricket, and the remaining changes will be applicable from July 2, 2025.
Get a comprehensive coverage of the new ICC rules for all formats, including the Stop Clock Rule, New DRS, and more.
5-Run Penalty in Slow Over Rate: Stop Clock Rule
A brand-new rule has surfaced in Test cricket with the introduction of a 5-run penalty if the fielding team is unable to start the next over within one minute. The stop clock rule suggests that the fielding side is expected to begin the next over within one minute of the previous over. In case of a violation, the opposition will get five runs, marking it as a strict penalty for the fielding side. Before charging the teams with this penalty for each occurrence, they will be given two warnings. After completion of 80 overs, the count of warnings will be set back to zero.
This rule came into existence in white-ball cricket, including ODIs and T20Is, almost a year ago. The ICC has shown interest in initiating it in Test cricket, as a slow over rate has been a big concern over the years. However, this stop clock rule in red-ball cricket will be applicable only during the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.
Saliva Rule for Ball Replacement
The ICC is moving beyond the persistent ban on saliva, which has stood the test of time. Now, this rule has been shaped with a new rule stating that if the umpire finds saliva on a ball, they will not change it immediately. They will replace the ball only if they find the surface of the ball has undergone massive changes, avoiding tiny clues. For example, the umpires will decide to bring a new ball if it shines unusually or if it is quite wet. The intention behind this saliva rule is to restrict the teams from forcing an umpire to change the ball after manipulating it with saliva. If the ball shows immediate impact after applying saliva, the batting team will be awarded 5 runs as a reward.
Short-Run Rule implies a greater penalty beyond 5 Runs
The new short-run rule will allow the fielding team to decide which batsmen they want on the crease, apart from penalising the batting side with 5 runs. This new rule extends beyond the previous version, which implied only the penalty for the short run. According to the amendment to this rule, if a batsman is found guilty with the intention to take more runs without completing a run, then umpires will ask the fielding side which batsman they want on the strike, apart from charging the batting team with a deduction of 5 runs. However, this rule is applicable only when the umpires can clearly sense that it is an intended fault by the batsman.
New DRS Protocol: Not Out on Catch, but out on LBW
The former version of DRS stated that if a batsman is clearly out by Leg Before Wicket (LBW) due to the ultra-edge showing ball hitting the pads, but the review was for a catch out, then he would not be out. In that case, the review used to work by default for the appeal in the context of the catch, and he would continue the innings even if he were out for LBW. However, according to the new rules, if the ultra-edge shows a batsman is technically out by LBW during a review for catch, the TV umpire will also focus on the angle where the batsman is out during a wrong appeal for the catch, when the ball doesn’t hit the bat, and strikes the pad before the wickets. In that case, he will have to walk back to the pavilion.
Two Appeal Rule: First Review might be the last one
The ICC has noted a big change in the process of a review by an umpire and a player. Earlier, the TV umpire used to check the review by the umpire first before moving on to the player’s review. If a player was clearly dismissed in the first review, the player’s call would be heard. However, according to the new rule, if a batsman is out in the first review, then the player will need to accept it, and the ball will be dead in that instant. The second review will not be considered. This change is intended to make the review process simple, timely, and logical.
Catch Rule after No Ball
The amendment in cricket laws also mentions an important change as a new rule around a fair or unfair catch after a no ball. Earlier, if an umpire was not clear whether the catch was valid or not, and the TV umpire showed the ball was indeed a no-ball, then the moments around the catch would get ignored.
Once a no-ball was found, other events would be ignored. However, now if it happens, the third umpire will also check the catch even if the ball is no ball.
- If the catch is valid, then the batting team would get one extra run for the no ball.
- If the catch is invalid, the batters will also get the runs that they collected by running apart from an extra run coming due to a no ball.
Full-time Player Replacement: Trial in First-Class Cricket
The ICC has directed the cricket boards to implement a full-fledged replacement of a player in case of a valid injury. The substitute has to be a like-for-like to get into the playing XI for the entire match, resembling to a concussion substitute. However, it would not be considered for those players who are complaining niggles or hamstring pain. Initially, this rule will be used on a trial basis, and it is completely a voluntary call for the member nations to introduce in their respective first-class cricket.
Other Changes in Men’s Cricket by ICC
- In ODI cricket, a new ball will be introduced after only the 35th over. In death overs, fast bowlers will get more swing and bounce, helping bowlers and batters will cease to dominate entirely.
- The rule for taking a catch around the boundary has been modified as well. If a fielder comes into contact with the ball outside the boundary in any way, it will be invalid, making boundary catches out of reach. According to this rule, a fielder can catch the ball only once outside the boundary while he is not in touch with the ground. Repetitive contacts with the ball outside the boundary will be against the rule.
A flurry of changes in ICC playing conditions is going to make cricket more competitive and fair. These new rules, coming into action, will increase the curiosity about the game as never-before-seen moments will unfold in the arena of cricket. On top of that, the debates surrounding controversial dismissals will probably fade away.
