KEY POINTS
- ICC announces return to a single ball for the final stages of ODIs
- The new ODI rules will have two new balls for the first 34 overs, with one ball used for the remaining 16 overs
- Concussion replacement protocols are updated, requiring teams to submit a list of five potential replacements before each match
- Modifications to boundary-line catches and DRS procedures will be introduced
- The revised conditions will not apply to the World Test Championship final
ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant overhaul of playing conditions, set to take effect next month, with the most notable change being the return to a single ball for the final stages of One-Day International (ODI) matches.
Starting from June for Test matches and July for white-ball formats, these revised conditions aim to streamline gameplay and enhance fairness.
One of the key updates is the phase-out of the second ball in ODIs. Traditionally, two new balls were used in 50-over matches, with one ball for the first 25 overs at each end.
Under the new rules, there will still be two new balls for the first 34 overs, but after that, the fielding team will select one ball to use for the remaining 16 overs of the innings.
This ball will be used at both ends unless it requires replacement. In reduced-overs games (25 overs or fewer), each team will only have one new ball.
Other changes include revisions to concussion replacement protocols. Teams will now need to submit a list of five potential concussion replacements before the match: one wicketkeeper, one batter, one bowler, one spinner, and one all-rounder.
In rare cases, if a replacement player themselves suffers a concussion, the match referee may approve a replacement outside this initial five.
Also, modifications to the rules regarding boundary-line catches and DRS procedures will be announced at a later date.
The new playing conditions will not apply to the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa, starting June 11.
However, they will take effect from June 17 in the WTC cycle, with the changes to white-ball formats applying from July 2, beginning with the Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh ODI series in Colombo.
In a twist, the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has already approved these updates, dispelling earlier thoughts that a working group would review them.
Meanwhile, the CEC will soon form a working group to explore potential format changes for the Under-19 World Cup, with decisions expected at the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore later this summer.
