ICC Unveils New Test Cricket Rules: Stop Clock, Revised DRS, Saliva Ban, and On-Field Penalties

ICC Brings New Rules to Test Cricket from 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a set of new rules for Test matches. These changes will come into effect with the next World Test Championship cycle starting in 2025. The goal is to make the game smoother, quicker, and fair for everyone.

Stop Clock Between Overs

To keep the game moving, a stop clock will now be used in test matches. The fielding team must begin the next over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending. If they don’t follow this rule, they will get two warnings. After that, for every delay, the batting team will be given five extra runs. This warning count will reset after every 80 overs. This rule has already been used in one-day and T20 matches since June 2024.

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No Ball Change for Saliva Use

The use of saliva on the ball is still banned, but now the umpires do not have to change the ball if it happens. This change is aimed at stopping teams from using saliva on purpose just to get the ball replaced. The ball will only be changed if its condition has clearly been affected. DRS Will Keep 'Out' as Default in Some Reviews

If a batter is given out and decides to review the decision, but the original reason (like caught behind) is found to be wrong, the umpire can still check if the batter is out in another way (like LBW). In such cases, the decision will stay as out unless it is clearly not out. So, if the ball-tracking shows umpire’s call, the batter will still be given out.

Reviews Will Follow the Right Order

When more than one event happens on a ball, like an LBW appeal followed by a run-out, and both are reviewed, the third umpire will now check things in the order they happened. This helps avoid confusion and keeps the process clear.

Catch on a No-Ball Will Still Be Reviewed

Earlier, if a catch was taken on a no-ball, the third umpire would not check if the catch was clean. Now, even if it is a no-ball, the umpires will check if the catch was taken fairly. If the catch is clean, the batting team will only get one run for the no-ball. If it’s not clean, they will get whatever runs they scored off the ball.

Penalty for Fake or Short Runs

If batters are found to take a short run on purpose to get extra advantage, they will be penalized with five runs. Also, in such cases, the fielding team can decide which batter they want to stay on strike for the next ball.

Trial for Replacement Players

The ICC has suggested that domestic cricket boards try out a new rule where a team can replace a player who suffers a serious external injury. The replacement must be a like-for-like player, meaning similar in skills or role. This will first be tested in domestic first-class matches.