Key points
- Powerplay now calculated to nearest ball, not over
- Teams must pre-name five concussion substitutes before matches
- Referees ensure fair, like-for-like concussion replacements
- Deliberate ball tampering leads to immediate replacement
ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced important updates to the playing conditions for men’s Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), focusing on changes to powerplay calculations and concussion replacement protocols.
These new regulations will take effect from 10 July and are specific to men’s T20Is.
The most significant amendment relates to the calculation of powerplay overs in reduced-overs matches. Rather than rounding to the nearest over, the number of powerplay deliveries will now be rounded to the nearest ball, ensuring it remains proportionate to the standard 30 per cent of a full 20-over innings.
Currently, the first six overs of a T20I are designated as the powerplay. In shortened matches, however, the previous system of rounding could result in disproportionate fielding restrictions. The updated approach is designed to provide a more precise and equitable representation.
Powerplay overs
Under the new method, the number of powerplay overs will vary according to the total number of overs per innings. For example, a 5-over innings will feature a 1.3-over powerplay (1 over and 3 balls), while a 6-over game will have 1.5 overs. A 7-over match gets 2.1 overs, and an 8-over contest will now include 2.2 overs. For 9 and 10-over matches, the powerplays will be 2.4 and 3 overs, respectively.
This continues incrementally through 11 to 19 overs, maintaining a consistent 30 per cent ratio. For instance, a 14-over match will have 4.1 overs of powerplay, a 17-over game will have 5.1 overs, and a 19-over match will have 5.4 overs. This replaces the previous system, where the powerplay was simply rounded to the nearest over (e.g., 2 overs for 8-over innings).
The ICC explained, “This model has been used effectively in England’s T20 Blast, where ending a powerplay partway through an over has not posed difficulties. The ICC Men’s Cricket Committee has now approved it as the preferred method.”
New requirements
In practical terms, for an 8-over match, umpires will signal the end of the powerplay after the second ball of the third over, allowing three fielders to move outside the inner circle.
In addition, new requirements have been introduced for concussion substitutes. Teams must now name all potential concussion replacements prior to the start of a match. This move is intended to ensure fairness and prevent host nations with larger squads from gaining an advantage.
Teams are required to nominate at least five replacement players: one wicketkeeper, one batter, one pace bowler, one spinner, and one all-rounder.
Acknowledging the challenges that Associate Member teams may face—especially when playing away from home—the ICC has included provisions to accommodate those with limited squad sizes.
Avoiding tactical advantages
In such cases, a batter may be nominated as the replacement wicketkeeper. However, the match referee (or their substitute) has the discretion to decide whether the nominated player must perform wicketkeeping duties if brought in, or allow an existing member of the starting XI to take over the gloves instead.
The objective, according to the ICC, is to ensure a “like-for-like” replacement and to avoid any tactical advantages.
A further addition to the regulations concerns ball tampering. Any deliberate application of saliva or external substances to alter the ball’s condition will result in the ball being replaced immediately. This rule aims to discourage manipulation of the ball to secure a replacement.
The ICC clarified that these rule changes currently apply only to men’s T20Is. Revised playing conditions for women’s matches are expected to be released in October 2025.
