ISLAMABAD: Batters who repeatedly delay facing the next delivery could now cost their teams five runs, while women’s cricket will get a specifically defined ball size under a fresh set of ICC playing-condition changes that came into effect on October 1, 2026.
Three delays could cost five runs
Under the revised rules, a batter who is not ready to face the ball within the prescribed time will receive a warning for the first offence, a final warning for the second, and five penalty runs will be awarded to the fielding side for the third and every subsequent offence.
Pink-ball use in daytime Tests, new rules to address time-wasting and standardising ball specifications are a part of the updated ICC Playing Conditions.https://t.co/SokREflr7w
— ICC (@ICC) October 1, 2026
The new provision applies within an 80-over block in multi-day cricket. Once an 80-over block is completed, the warnings reset for the next block of the same innings.
The prescribed time is broadly linked to the time required for the fielding side and bowler to prepare for the next delivery. When the bowler reaches the top of the approach, the striker is generally expected to be ready to receive the ball.
However, the rule does not alter the existing provision following a dismissal. A new batter still has two minutes to enter the field and prepare to face the first delivery before risking being timed out.
Read Also: ICC Set to Transform Decision Review System with Certification Programme
Two warnings before the five-run penalty
The revised Condition 41.10.3 provides the batter with two opportunities to avoid the penalty.
- First offence: The bowler’s-end umpire issues a warning to the striker and informs the non-striker, incoming batters, fielding captain and other umpire.
- Second offence: The same warning procedure is repeated, with the batter informed that it is the final warning.
- Third and subsequent offences: The umpire awards five penalty runs to the fielding side and informs both teams and the other umpire.
🚨 JUST IN 🚨
A wicket in the final over of a day’s play will no longer automatically mean Stumps.
If the over is incomplete and conditions are fit, the remaining balls get bowled.
The ICC’s reasoning: those deliveries had to be bowled the next morning anyway. pic.twitter.com/lDqsSSN0od
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 1, 2026
Women’s cricket gets its own ball specification
Another significant change introduces distinct ball size and weight specifications for men’s, women’s and junior cricket.
The ICC said manufacturers have often produced a single ball for women’s and junior categories, prompting the introduction of separate limits to establish three distinct specifications.
The move provides women’s cricket with a specifically defined ball rather than relying on a shared specification.
🚨 BIG UPDATE: ICC has introduced new playing conditions from October 1, 2026.
– Pink Ball in Tests: In certain bad-light situations, teams can switch from the red ball to a pink ball so play can continue under floodlights.
– Time-Wasting Penalty: Batters can now face penalties… pic.twitter.com/YTLh5CBM1P
— manzur shaban (@Manzurshaban123) October 1, 2026
Pink balls confirmed for daytime tests
The latest ICC release also formally includes changes that had already been approved.
Pink balls are now confirmed as being available for use in daytime Test matches, while a wicket falling on the final over of the day in multi-day cricket will no longer automatically mean that play ends for the day.
This means the conclusion of the scheduled day’s play will depend on the applicable playing conditions rather than the fall of a wicket alone.
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🚨 BIG CHANGES TO INTERNATIONAL CRICKET!
The ICC has introduced a fresh set of Playing Conditions across formats.
From pink balls in daytime Tests to 5-run penalties for repeated batter time-wasting, several rules have changed.
Here’s what you need to know 🧵👇… pic.twitter.com/roYqBnQsul
— Third Man View (@3rdManView) October 1, 2026
ICC clarifies settled-ball rule
The ICC has also given umpires greater discretion in determining when a ball has become finally settled, an issue that can be particularly significant on the final delivery of a close match.
Read Also: ICC Updates T20I Powerplay Rules
Under the clarification, the ball does not necessarily have to be in the bowler’s or wicketkeeper’s hands to be considered finally settled.
The ICC has further clarified the requirements for run-outs and stumpings. A fielder or wicketkeeper must have complete control of the ball when breaking the stumps. Simply touching the ball while dislodging the bails will not be sufficient to complete a run-out or stumping.
