The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently changed 6 rules of men’s cricket to make the game faster, fairer and more interesting. These rules have been implemented in Test cricket for the new World Test Championship (2025-27). At the same time, these rules will be effective from 2 July 2025 in limited overs (ODI and T20) formats. ICC has shared information about the changes made in the rules with all the countries. Know about the changed rules…
Stop clock rule in Test cricket
The ICC has now decided to implement the stop clock rule in Test cricket. Under this, if the fielding team takes more than 60 seconds to start the over, then it will be given two warnings. Even after this, if this rule is broken, 5 runs will be deducted as penalty. This rule has been implemented in T-20 and ODI cricket a year ago.
Penalty on short runs
ICC has also changed the rule of short runs for all three formats. Earlier, a penalty of 5 runs was imposed for intentionally taking short runs. Now if the batsman deliberately does not complete the run to steal an extra run, then the umpire will ask the fielding team which of the two batsmen present on the pitch they want on strike. The rule of 5 run penalty will also remain applicable.
The ball will not be changed if saliva is applied
The ban on applying saliva on the ball will continue. However, it will not be mandatory to change the ball if saliva is accidentally applied on it. The umpires will change the ball only if there is a drastic change in its condition, such as the ball being very wet or having extra shine.
LBW will also be checked in catch review
ICC has also changed the catch rule. If the catch out review is proved wrong, but the ball hits the pad, then the TV umpire will also check LBW. If the batsman is out LBW, he will be given out. This rule is also for all three formats.