DUBAI – The International Cricket Council (ICC), in a surprising development, introduced a set of changes to its rules across all three formats of international cricket. The purpose of the newly introduced rules is to balance the difference between bat and ball. The rules shall be effective starting from June 17 for Test matches, July 2 for ODIs, and July 10 for T20Is. It is pertinent to mention that these rules will apply only to men’s cricket.
According to reports, the modification of the Two-Ball Rule is a significant change introduced in the ODIs by the ICC. The rule prior to the new one saw the use of two balls, with each ball used from the first to the 25th over. However, the newly introduced rule serves as an amendment by the ICC. According to the rule, both balls can be used till the 34th over, and the bowling side will be allowed to choose one of the two balls for the remaining overs from the 35th over.
The decision on which ball to use will be in the hands of the bowling side for the remaining overs, starting from the 35th over. However, in case the match is reduced to 25 overs, only one ball will be used throughout the entire innings.
Furthermore, teams are now required to name five substitute players prior to the match. Teams are also required to name one wicketkeeper, one batter, one seam bowler, one spin bowler, and one all-rounder.
A new boundary catching rule will also be introduced by the ICC, which would make ‘bunny hop’ catches illegal. The players to take ‘bunny hop’ catches include Michael Neser, Tom Banton, and Matt Renshaw in different editions of the Big Bash League (BBL).
