New ICC Rule: Changes in Two Ball Rule, ICC set to introduce new playing conditions from July

The International Cricket Council has introduced some major changes to the cricketing laws, and these laws are set to come into action from July. One of the biggest changes that would be made is that ODIs will now go back to using only one new ball in the whole match. At present, the Two Ball method is used, and as per new playing conditions, there will be two balls to start, but the game will end only with one ball. In a communique to the members, the ICC said the revised Playing Conditions (PCs) will take effect immediately, from June in Test matches, and from July in international white ball games.

“There will be two new balls for overs 1 to 34. After over 34 is completed and prior to the start of over 35, the fielding team will choose one of the two balls to be used for overs 35 to 50. The chosen ball will be used at both ends for the remainder of the match (unless it needs to be changed),” the ICC informed the members. “In a match reduced to 25 overs or less per side before the first innings commences, each team shall have only one new ball for its Innings.”

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Some existing playing conditions remain unchanged, the ICC said, and elaborated. “A replacement ball at any time during the innings will be one of similar conditions to the ball that needs to be replaced. Note that the ball not used for overs 35 to 50 in the match will be added to the replacement ball supply.”

Besides the changes in the Ball rule, the concussion rules will also be getting an update. Before the match starts, each team would need to submit a list of five possible concussion substitute players, including one wicketkeeper, one batter, one fast bowler, one spinner, and one all-rounder.

“Under an exceptional and rare circumstance,” the ICC said, “whereby a replacement concussion player gets concussed and needs to be replaced, the match referee will deal with the situation and consider a replacement outside of the five nominated replacement players. The existing like-for-like protocols will apply in this situation.” 

New Rules to apply this month

The existing rules will apply to the WTC Final, which will start on June 11 at Lords between Australia and the new rules will come into effect with the next WTC cycle. Meaning the new rules will come into force with the Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starting on June 17. The ODI Playing conditions will be adjusted on July 2, and T20Is will adopt changes from the first game between Lanka and Bangladesh on July 10 in Colombo.

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