ICC issues revised guidelines for men's ODI cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a big step in revising the men's cricket playing conditions across all formats. The two-ball use and the concussion protocols are two aspects of the game that are likely going to undergo some significant changes. The governing body aims to make the new playing conditions fully effective from June 17 for Tests, July 2 for ODIs, and July 10 for T20Is, respectively.

Know more about ICC's most recent rule changes

Under the revised two-ball rule in 50-over cricket, teams will continue to use two new balls from one end each up until the 34th over. From over no. 35 till the conclusion of the innings, the team can only select one of the two balls. The move was made to shift the balance in favor of the bowlers, in an era that has been highly dominated by the batters. However, if the innings gets reduced to 25 overs or less, the fielding side will have the option of only one ball for the entire innings.

Furthermore, there have been some recent amendments made to the concussion substitute protocols. Before the start of the game, teams will now be asked to nominate five instead of four substitute fielders, any of whom can act as a concussion substitute should the need arise. The list of five substitutes must include players covering varying roles: one wicketkeeper, one batter, one seam bowler, one spin bowler, and one all-rounder.

This move aims to bring an end to controversial concussion replacements and the stir that is caused in the aftermath of the game. India's decision to bring in Harshit Rana as a concussion replacement in the place of Shivam Dube raised eyebrows during India's home series against England earlier this year, as Rana was not considered a near-perfect like-for-like replacement for Dube.

Additionally, another cricketing organisation named Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) outlawed the famous "bunny hop" catch, which fielders attempted to complete near the boundary ropes while going airborne. Considering the slew of changes made, it becomes clear that the governing body strives hard to maintain an even balance between bat and ball while being receptive to the reactions and feedback of the public and the cricket experts.