ICC enforces key changes to playing conditions in all formats

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced several important changes to its playing conditions, which will apply across all formats of the men’s game. These changes aim to improve the pace and fairness of play and will come into effect from July 2, 2025, for white-ball matches, while some are already active in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Stop clock introduced in Test cricket

After being trialled in limited-overs formats, the stop clock will now be used in Test matches to address slow over rates. The fielding team must be ready to start the next over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending. Umpires will give two warnings before awarding five penalty runs for each further delay. The countdown will reset every 80 overs and will be visible on screen.

Updated saliva rule

The ban on using saliva to shine the ball remains, but umpires will no longer need to change the ball immediately if saliva is applied accidentally. Instead, they will assess whether the condition of the ball has been affected. If the ball behaves unusually but hasn't changed significantly, five penalty runs will be given to the batting side, but the ball will not be replaced.

New DRS dismissal protocol

A major change has been made to the Decision Review System (DRS). If a batter is given out caught, but replays show no bat involved, the third umpire will now check for a possible lbw dismissal. If ball-tracking shows the ball hitting the stumps and the decision falls under “umpire’s call,” the original out decision will still stand.

Reviews to follow order of events

In cases where multiple appeals occur during a single delivery, such as an lbw and a run-out, the reviews will now be handled in the order the events happened. If the first appeal results in a dismissal, the ball will be declared dead, and the second event will not be reviewed.

Catch review allowed on no-ball

If a no-ball is called during a delivery where a catch is taken, the TV umpire will still review the catch. If it’s clean, the batting team will only get the run for the no-ball. If it’s not a fair catch, the batting side will receive any completed runs as well.

Stricter punishment for deliberate short runs

The ICC has taken a stronger stance against batters who intentionally run short to gain extra runs. Along with a five-run penalty, umpires will now give the fielding captain the option to choose which batter remains on strike. The rule clearly defines a “deliberate short run” and allows batters to abort a run only if there is no intent to deceive.

Trial for full-time substitutes in domestic cricket

To deal with serious injuries caused by external factors, member boards have been encouraged to test full-time player replacements in domestic first-class matches. The substitute must be a like-for-like replacement and the injury must be confirmed by officials. This rule won’t apply to minor injuries and will be tested on a trial basis.

These changes are part of the ICC’s efforts to modernise the game, make it more efficient, and ensure fairer play across formats.