List of new rules and playing conditions made by the ICC across the three formats

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a series of rule changes, and the playing conditions include new ones to address time-wasting, ball specifications, and clarity in certain aspects. The changes have come into effect for all international series beginning on October 01 or later, with the ongoing series being played under the past regulations as India continues to play against West Indies. 

The Blue Brigade is featuring in the white-ball series against the West Indies at home, where they are playing three ODIs and five T20Is, while Australia are playing South Africa in the Rainbow Nation.

“There are some important changes to the Playing Conditions, including provisions relating to cricket balls, greater clarity around certain aspects of fielding and measures aimed at improving the pace of the game. These changes have been carefully considered to ensure the Playing Conditions continue to reflect the needs of the modern game.” The ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, Sourav Ganguly, expressed.

The full list: Every rule and playing condition updated by the ICC across Tests, ODIs and T20Is

Here is the full list of every rule and playing condition being updated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is- 

#1 If a batter doesn’t get ready to face the delivery within the allotted time, a warning will be issued for the first offence before a final warning is given for the second incident, while a five-run penalty will be imposed on the fielding side for the third and each offence after that. 

See Also: ICC AGM 2026: 8 proposals that could change cricket forever

#2 For the women’s and junior cricket, the manufacturers have produced a single ball for both categories. New limits have been used, which establish three different size and weight specifications for men’s, women’s, and junior cricket. 

#3 The umpires will have the power to decide whether a ball is finally settled, which can often be important, especially on the final ball of a close game. The ball should no longer be inside the hands of the bowler or the keeper to be called dead. 

#4 An overthrow is an attempt to direct the ball towards the stumps to stop runs or effect the run-out. A misfield or attempt to stop the ball doesn’t sit in the overthrow’s category. 

#5 In Tests, play will no longer come to an end at the fall of a wicket in the last over of the day if the over hasn’t been completed, given the conditions remain fit to play. The bowler will complete the over before stumps being called.  

See Also: ICC plans India vs Pakistan multi-nation series — Report

#6 Pink balls, as a trial, may be used in the daytime Test by mutual agreement to reduce the loss of play due to bad light. It must be agreed at the start of the game. The decision can’t be changed after the match has started. 

#7 The ODI and T20I rules have now aligned the Head coach of the side (For example- Gautam Gambhir in the Indian side) to enter the field during the drinks break. 

#8 A fixed 15-minute interval in the new rule in T20Is, which can be reduced to 10 minutes if time is lost.