The ICC has recently approved some important changes in Test, ODI and T20. These changes will be applicable in Test matches from June 17, 2025, in ODIs from July 2 and in T20 from July 10. The ICC Men's Cricket Committee has made these recommendations to make cricket fast, safe and fair. The committee, headed by Sourav Ganguly, revisited many old rules of the game. In this, special attention has been given to issues like boundary catch, concussion substitute, over rate, ball use in ODI and wide ball. Let's know these new rules in detail.
1. New conditions on the boundary catch
Now, the fielder who touches the ball in the air on the boundary line will have to land his whole body inside the field; only then will the catch be valid. If a fielder goes out and jumps again, he can touch the ball only once. This will stop the 'bunny hop' technique. Many times, fielders used to go outside the line and keep the ball in the air continuously, but now it will be difficult to play such tricks. This change will be implemented first in international cricket, and then it will be included in the MCC laws in 2026.
2. New system of concussion substitute
The ICC has taken a big decision regarding the safety of the players. Every team will have to decide five concussion substitutes before the match. This will include a batsman, wicketkeeper, seam bowler, spinner and all-rounder. If a player suffers a concussion, he will have to stay away from the field for seven days. This rule will also prevent the domestic teams from taking advantage in the name of a substitute. If the substitute also gets injured, the referee can choose a new player with permission under the 'like-for-like' rule.
3. New ball in ODI
The rule of two new balls in ODI cricket has been changed. Earlier, new balls were used from both ends in 50 overs. Now, after 34 overs, the team will have to choose a ball with which the last 16 overs will be bowled. If the ODI match is reduced to 25 overs or fewer, then only one ball will be used. This change has been made to return reverse swing and a better grip to the bowlers.
4. Strictness on over-rate in Tests
Slow over rate in Test matches used to bother the spectators. Now, the stop clock rule has been made permanent. Every new over will have to start within 60 seconds of the end of the previous over. Two warnings will be given in each innings. After this, the opposing team will get five runs for every violation. Warnings will start again after every 80 overs.
5. New test of the wide ball
The rule of the wide ball will be experimented with for six months from October 2025. Wide will be decided based on where the batsman is standing on the pitch. If the ball passes between the leg stump and the protected area of the popping crease, it will not be considered wide. This will give some relief to the bowlers, and the batsmen will be forced to play shots within their limits.
6. Other small but important changes
In DRS, the wicket zone has now been decided according to the actual outline of the stumps and bails. At the same time, along with a penalty of five runs for a deliberate short run, the bowling team will decide which batsman will take the strike on the next ball. This will curb the habit of run stealing.
