ICC New Rule Changes Across All Formats: In a bold move to modernize and refine the game, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a host of sweeping rule changes across all formats of men’s international cricket. These reforms aim to enhance fairness, speed up gameplay, and tackle long-standing issues like over-rate delays and DRS inconsistencies. While the updated Test match rules are already in effect with the launch of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, the white-ball rule changes will officially be implemented starting July 2.
Here’s a detailed look at the new rules that are set to reshape cricket as we know it.
Stop Clock Now in Test Cricket: A Blow to Slow Over Rates
After its successful trial in ODIs and T20Is, the stop clock rule is making its way into Test cricket—a format historically plagued by slow over rates. Fielding teams will now have just 60 seconds to begin the next over after the previous one ends. Umpires can issue up to two warnings before imposing a five-run penalty for subsequent delays. Interestingly, these warnings reset after every block of 80 overs.
This upward-counting clock system is designed to maintain the traditional tempo of Test cricket while eliminating unnecessary delays—finally addressing a long-debated concern.
Ball Saliva Rule Tweaked: Penalty Runs for Tactical Violations
Though the COVID-era ban on saliva use remains, a key tweak adds a strategic layer. If saliva is applied—accidentally or deliberately—umpires are no longer required to change the ball immediately. Instead, they will assess the ball’s condition. If there’s no significant change (no undue shine or dampness), the ball will stay in play, but the batting side will be awarded five penalty runs.
This nuanced approach discourages teams from manipulating ball replacements, while still maintaining the integrity of the game.
DRS Gets More Logical: Original ‘Out’ Verdict Applies to Secondary Dismissals
In a crucial update to the Decision Review System, the ICC has clarified how secondary modes of dismissal will be treated. If a batter is initially given out caught behind and DRS shows no contact with the bat, the third umpire can proceed to check for LBW—without defaulting the review to “not out.”
Under the new rule, the original “out” decision stands and influences the LBW review. If ball-tracking returns an “umpire’s call,” the batter will remain out. This brings greater consistency and fairness to the DRS process, aligning it closer to the spirit of the on-field verdict.
Chronological Review Order Introduced: No More Overlapping Confusion
When multiple reviews are triggered on the same ball—say, an LBW and a run-out—the TV umpire will now assess them in the order they occurred, not based on who referred it. If the first event (like LBW) results in a dismissal, the ball is declared dead, and subsequent reviews (like a run-out) become void.
This ensures logical progression and reduces confusion during high-stakes reviews.
Catch Fairness Will Be Reviewed Even on No-Balls
Previously, if a no-ball was called during a catch review, the TV umpire would not assess the fairness of the catch. The revised rule now mandates that the catch must still be reviewed. If the catch is clean, the batting side gets the extra run for the no-ball, but the batter remains not out. If not clean, any runs completed will be added to the score.
This revision strengthens fairness, particularly in tightly contested matches where such nuances can shift momentum.
Tougher Stance on Deliberate Short Runs
The ICC has also addressed the rare but controversial issue of deliberate short runs. If umpires believe a batter intentionally failed to make ground to gain an advantage, the fielding captain can choose which batter faces the next delivery—a tactical edge in tight contests. Additionally, five penalty runs will be awarded to the bowling side.
However, if a batter simply aborts a run midway without intent to deceive, it will not be penalized.
Full-Time Injury Substitutes Trialed in Domestic Cricket
In a progressive move, the ICC is encouraging full-time injury substitutes for serious external injuries in domestic first-class cricket. This trial mirrors the concussion substitute rule already in place. Substitutes must be like-for-like and only permitted if the injury is visibly apparent—excluding muscular or internal issues.
If successful, this initiative could eventually find its way into the international circuit.
ODIs: Reverse Swing Revival and Boundary Catch Law Clarified
Starting July 2, ODIs will see a key shift in ball usage. Instead of two new balls from each end, teams will use a single ball from the 35th over onward. This change is expected to bring reverse swing back into the equation and give spinners more grip in the later overs.
Additionally, the ICC has refined the language in the Boundary Catch Law to eliminate confusion during airborne catches near the boundary. This ensures clearer interpretations aligned with the Spirit of Cricket.
Why These Changes Matter
These rule changes reflect a strategic overhaul aimed at modernizing the sport without compromising its core traditions. By streamlining decision-making, promoting fair play, and addressing long-standing technical gaps, the ICC is ensuring cricket stays relevant and exciting in a fast-changing sports landscape.
For players, these updates mean adapting their tactics and strategies. For fans, it adds clarity, speed, and a deeper sense of fairness. And for the sport as a whole, it’s a step towards a more refined, globally engaging game.
As the cricket calendar intensifies with the 2025–27 WTC and white-ball series lined up globally, all eyes will be on how these changes play out in real time. Will they achieve the intended results? Or will they open up new areas of debate and innovation?
Either way, one thing is clear: cricket is evolving—and the ICC is steering the ship with both tradition and innovation in mind.
