ICC changes 6 rules of cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently changed 6 rules of men’s cricket, so that the game can be made more fast, fair and interesting. In Test cricket, these rules have been implemented for the new World Test Championship (2025-27).
At the same time, these rules will be effective from 2 July 2025 in limited overs (ODI and T20) formats. ICC has shared information about the changes made in the rules with all the countries. Know about the changed rules…
6 rules of cricket changed
1. Stop clock rule in Test cricket
ICC has now decided to implement the stop clock rule in Test cricket. Under this, if the fielding team takes more than 60 seconds to start the over, then it will be warned twice. Even after this, if this rule is broken, then 5 runs will be deducted as a penalty. This rule has been implemented in T20 and ODI cricket a year ago.
2. Penalty on short runs
ICC has also changed the rule of short runs for all three formats. Earlier, a penalty of 5 runs was imposed for deliberately taking short runs. Now, if a batsman deliberately does not complete the run to steal an extra run, the umpire will ask the fielding team which of the two batsmen present on the pitch they want on strike. The rule of penalty of 5 runs will also be applicable.
3. If saliva is applied by mistake, the ball will not be changed
The ban on applying saliva on the ball will continue. However, it will not be mandatory to change the ball if saliva is applied by mistake. The umpire will change the ball only if there is a huge change in its condition, such as the ball is very wet or it has extra shine.
This decision will be based on the discretion of the umpire. If he feels that there is not much change in the condition of the ball, then it will not be changed. This rule is also for all three formats.
4. LBW will also be checked in catch review
ICC has also changed the rule of catch. If the catch out review proves to be wrong, but the ball has hit the pad, then the TV umpire will also check LBW. If the batsman is out LBW, then he will be given out. This rule is also for all three formats.
5. Catch on no ball
If a soft signal (review taken by the umpire) is taken and the catch on no ball is correct, then the batting team will get one extra run for no ball. If the catch is not correct, then one run for no ball and the runs made by running will also be given.
Earlier, if there was a doubt about the catch, the field umpire used to refer to the third umpire and the TV umpire used to say that it was a no ball, then the catch was not checked. But now it will be checked. This rule is also for all three formats.
6. ICC made new powerplay rules for T-20 matches
ICC has made changes in the new powerplay rules for T-20 matches. The new rules will be implemented from July and it has been clarified that if the overs of the match are reduced due to rain or any other reason, then the powerplay overs will also be reduced on the same basis.
New Powerplay rules for rain affected game
5 overs match will have 1.3 overs powerplay. 6 overs match will have 1.5 overs powerplay. 7 overs match will have 2.1 overs powerplay. 8 overs match will have 2.2 overs powerplay. 9 overs match will have 2.4 overs powerplay. 10 overs match will have 3 overs powerplay. 11 overs match will have 3.2 overs powerplay. 12 overs match will have 3.4 overs powerplay. 13 overs match will have 3.5 overs powerplay. 14 overs match will have 4.1 overs powerplay. 15 overs match will have 4.3 overs powerplay. 16 overs match will have 4.5 overs powerplay.
Only two fielders can remain outside the 30-yard circle during the powerplay. These rules have been implemented to make short T20 matches more clear and fair.
