ICC drops a new rule set that will hit batters with a 5‑run penalty for every third time‑wasting offence, as announced on Thursday at its headquarters in Dubai. The move is aimed at keeping the game moving and will apply to all international series that start on October 1 or later.
The penalty kicks in after a warning and a final warning; the third offence yields five runs to the fielding side, with the option of a Code of Conduct sanction if the player keeps stalling. This is a first‑ever quantifiable penalty for a behavioural lapse, and it could change how captains manage the on‑field tempo.
In addition to the time‑wasting tweak, the ICC has tightened ball specifications for women's cricket. A new ball must weigh 142‑149 grams and measure 21.5‑22 cm in circumference, while the men's ball must range 156‑163 grams and 22.4‑22.9 cm. The changes separate the three categories—men, women, juniors—so manufacturers can no longer ship a single ball for all formats.
Overthrows are clarified: any fielder’s attempt to direct the ball toward the stumps to stop runs or run‑outs counts as an overthrow, but a mere misfield or mis‑pass does not. Also, the ball is considered "finally settled" once it reaches the stumps, even if the bowler or wicketkeeper isn’t holding it—an adjustment that could smooth out close‑match decisions.
In Test cricket, a pink ball may now be used in daytime matches if both teams agree before the game starts. The switch is permanent for that match, and a red‑to‑pink change mid‑match is prohibited. The rule also removes the automatic halt of play when a wicket falls in the final over of the day's play, allowing teams to finish the over if conditions permit.
ODI and T20I tweaks include a fixed 15‑minute interval (reduced to 10 minutes if time is lost), the head coach’s right to enter the field during drinks, and a permanent leg‑side wide rule across formats. These adjustments aim to streamline the game and keep fans glued to the action.
With the new rules set to activate from October 1, teams will need to adapt their strategies—especially in time‑management and ball selection—before the next international series kicks off.