Credit: ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to implement new playing conditions from June 2025 in Tests and limited-over formats of the sport. The new rules will be enforced in white-ball cricket from July 2025. ICC will come up with several reforms but one of the most notable decisions is to move to one-ball per innings in ODIs. With the execution of the new rule, ICC will supersede the procedure of using two balls from both ends. However, the two balls will still be used to kick off ODI innings. Following the 34th over, the bowling side will get the option to choose one of the two balls to play with for the remainder of the innings.
With the latest reforms, ICC is looking to achieve its aim of reintroducing reverse swing in ODIs to create a balance between bat and ball in One-Day cricket. "There will be two new balls for overs 1 to 34. After over 34 is completed and prior to the start of over 35, the fielding team will choose one of the two balls to be used for overs 35 to 50. The chosen ball will be used at both ends for the remainder of the match (unless it needs to be changed). In a match reduced to 25 overs or less per side before the first innings commences, each team shall have only one new ball for its Innings. A replacement ball at any time during the innings will be one of similar conditions to the ball that needs to be replaced. Note that the ball not used for overs 35 to 50 in the match will be added to the replacement ball supply," said ICC in its latest communication to its members.
ICC also set to enforce amended concussion substitute rule
ICC has also reformed the concussion substitute rule which will now mandate two sides to name five concussion substitutes prior to the start of the game- one wicketkeeper, one batter, one seam bowler, one spinner, and one all-rounder. "Under an exceptional and rare circumstance, whereby a replacement concussion player gets concussed and needs to be replaced, the match referee will deal with the situation and consider a replacement outside of the five nominated replacement players. The existing like-for-like protocols will apply in this situation."
However, these new amendments won’t apply to the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final to be played between Australia and South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15. These rules will come into force from the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to be held in Galle from June 17. The upcoming Test series between India and England will be played with amended rules.
