Stop clock to speed up T20 World Cup 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the implementation of stop clocks between overs in limited-overs international matches, including ODIs and T20Is, starting from the upcoming T20 World Cup this year.

Previously trialed in men's limited-overs international matches in December last year, the stop clock trial was initially scheduled to run until April 2024. However, the ICC announced that it has decided to make it a mandatory playing condition in all Full Member ODI and T20I matches starting from June 1, 2024, after witnessing positive outcomes in terms of match duration efficiency.

During the trial period, it was observed that approximately 20 minutes were saved per ODI match. According to the new rule, the fielding side must initiate a new over within 60 seconds of the completion of the previous one. An electronic clock, counting down from 60 to zero, will be displayed on the ground, with the third umpire responsible for commencing the clock.

Failure to adhere to the 60-second time frame will result in two warnings for the fielding side, with subsequent violations incurring a five-run penalty per incident. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when a new batter comes to the wicket between overs, official drinks intervals are called, or if the umpires approve on-field treatment for an injury to a batter or fielder.

Furthermore, for the T20 World Cup 2024, reserve days will be scheduled for the semi-finals and final matches. In the group and Super Eight stages, a minimum of five overs must be bowled to constitute a match for the team batting second. In knockout matches, a minimum of 10 overs are required in the second innings to declare a match.

The ICC has also disclosed the qualification process for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Twelve automatic qualifiers, including the top eight teams from the 2024 edition, will join the hosts. The remaining spots (between two and four, depending on host finishing positions) will be filled by the next best-ranked sides in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings table as of June 30, 2024, while the remaining eight positions will be determined through Regional Qualifiers.