Dubai, October 2 (V7N)- Ten new playing-condition changes have come into effect in international cricket, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) introducing measures aimed at reducing delays, speeding up matches and clarifying several aspects of the game's regulations.

The changes apply to men's and women's international cricket and are aligned with amendments to the Laws of Cricket introduced by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The new provisions apply to bilateral series and tournaments beginning on or after October 1. Series already in progress will continue under the previous regulations.

Among the major changes is the introduction of five penalty runs for repeated batter time-wasting. A batter who is not ready to face the next delivery within the permitted time will first receive a verbal warning, followed by a final warning. A third and every subsequent offence will result in five penalty runs being awarded to the fielding side.

Other key changes include:

  • Ball specifications: Weight and size requirements for balls used in women's and junior international cricket have been formally defined.

  • Overthrows: A delivery will be classified as an overthrow only when a fielder deliberately throws the ball at the stumps to prevent a run or effect a run-out. An accidental slip while fielding will not automatically constitute an overthrow.

  • Ball considered settled: Umpires will have the final authority to determine whether a fielder has full control of the ball. The previous requirement that the ball be held specifically by the bowler or wicketkeeper has been removed.

  • Run-outs and stumpings: A fielder must have full control of the ball when breaking the wicket. Simply dislodging the stumps with the ball will not be sufficient.

  • Pink ball in day matches: Teams may agree before a match to use a pink ball in daytime cricket on an experimental basis, particularly to reduce interruptions caused by poor light.

  • Final over of the day: If a wicket falls during the final over, the remaining deliveries of that over can still be completed, provided playing conditions remain suitable.

  • T20 innings break: The standard innings interval in international T20 matches is now fixed at 15 minutes. It can be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes when playing time has been lost.

  • Coach during drinks: In ODIs and T20s, the head coach or a designated representative can enter the field during scheduled drinks breaks to provide tactical instructions.

  • Wide-ball rule: The provision taking the batter's foot position at the instant of delivery into account has been made permanent. A batter moving towards the off side after release will not prevent a delivery from being called wide when it otherwise meets the criteria.

The ICC said the updated playing conditions are intended to improve the flow of international matches while providing greater clarity and consistency in the application of the laws.

END/SMA/AJ