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.

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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. 

Not all seems to be going well for Bangladesh in the white-ball format, especially if we speak of their current run in the shortest format. Following a crushing series defeat against Pakistan, Bangladesh cricket has reached a new low. The Tigers have fallen behind and find themselves ranked 10th in the ICC Men's T20I Team rankings. The steep decline in their recent form in this format has attracted the ire of their fans and the cricketing community. 

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Their shocking series loss to the USA, an associate nation prior to the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup, sent shockwaves across the nation. If that blow wasn't enough, Bangladesh cricket reached another low point by losing a bilateral T20 series against the UAE this month despite being in a healthy position. Their series defeat against Pakistan has now acted as a final nail in the coffin. 

Following their 57-run defeat to Pakistan in the second T20I, Afghanistan has slipped below Afghanistan and finds itself marginally ahead of Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Scotland, all of whom have defeated Bangladesh at least once in this format.

Current ICC Men's T20I Rankings Points Table (Top 15)

It is safe to conclude that Bangladesh cricket has hit rock bottom. This is one of the lowest points of their cricketing history. The flashes of brilliance in the early 2000s instilled a renewed sense of optimism, and the world hoped to see Bangladesh become a force to reckon with. But decades have gone by, and Bangladesh cricket continues to grapple with issues, both internally and externally.  

In 2024, a student uprising led to the ouster of the country's long-standing president, Sheikh Hasina. In the wake of this unfortunate development, the national cricketing body underwent a phase of turmoil and uncertainty, which has had a direct impact on the team's recent performance. Very recently, BCB also dismissed Faruque Ahmed from the president position as a result of government interference, a move which could lead to the board's temporary suspension by the ICC.

On May 30, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed the passing away of former Canterbury bowler and New Zealand coach, David Trist. At age 77, Trist took his last breath in Christchurch. However, the true circumstances of his death remain unclear as of now. Trist operated as a pacer for Canterbury and was an accomplished first-class cricketer for New Zealand in those early days. Subsequently, when his playing days were over, Trist continued his association with the game by shifting his focus to coaching. 

Over his career, Trist engaged in temporary coaching stints with Canterbury, South Africa, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands before assuming the coaching position for New Zealand cricket in 1999 by replacing Steve Rixon. The former Blackcaps worked behind the scenes and played a pivotal role in helping New Zealand lift their first silverware in early 2000. Under his mentorship, New Zealand triumphed and emerged victorious in the Champions Trophy 2000 edition, which in those days was called the ICC Knockout. 

See also: New Zealand set record total in ICC Champions Trophy history

NZC issues statement on deceased coach

New Zealand Cricket recently published a statement on social media confirming the death of the former Blackcaps coach on Friday. The national board expresses sadness and solidarity for his family and loved ones amidst this difficult situation.

"NZC is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of former Blackcaps coach David Trist, who died in Christchurch yesterday, aged 77...NZC extends its heartfelt condolences to David's family and friends."

New Zealand's successful campaign in the ICC Knockout (2002) has been etched as one of the most memorable moments of his coaching career. The team fought through all odds, beating Zimbabwe and Pakistan before outclassing India in the final from perhaps a very unlikely situation. Trist recalled how India went from 'We've won this' to 'Oh shit!' courtesy of a fighting knock from Chris Cairns who slammed an impressive 102* in 113 to power the Black Caps over the line. 

It's official! The Harry Brook Era has begun with a BANG! Under Brook's renewed leadership, England have finally managed to put an end to their dismal seven-match losing streak by thrashing West Indies left, right, and center. During the first ODI of the three-match ODI series, England pounded the visitors mercilessly and in the process, registered their biggest win in ODI cricket, by a margin of 238 runs. And by doing so, they surpassed their previous best record of the biggest wins of 232 runs, which they achieved against the Dutchmen back in 2022. 

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England batters displayed flashes of brilliance in the first innings, posting a colossal 400 for the loss of eight wickets. Surprisingly, no batsman made it to three figures in this game. Jacob Bethell slammed a quickfire 82 off 53 balls, whereas Ben Duckett set the tone early by scoring a well-controlled 60. Joe Root and Harry Brook were the other two English batters who made handy contributions of 58 and 57, respectively, to take England to the 400-run mark.

The West Indies' response was very brittle as the entire batting lineup succumbed under intense scoreboard pressure. They were bowled out for a shocking 162. Despite a spirited final-wicket partnership between Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales, England's disciplined bowling and sharp fielding crippled the visitors on all fronts.

Saqib Mahmood led the attack with 3 wickets for 32 runs, while Jamie Overton, despite a finger injury, claimed 3 wickets. Adil Rashid and Brydon Carse also contributed with key wickets.

A rundown of some notable records

1. England's 400-8 is the highest score achieved by the team without a single batsman registering a century.
2. Harry Brook's tally of five catches is now the most number of catches held by any fielder in an ODI innings, surpassing Woakes' tally of four.
3. England's first-innings score of 400-8 is also their second-highest score at Edgbaston. 
4. The 238-run victory is the biggest win for England in ODI cricket in terms of run margin.
5. This is also their biggest ODI win against the West Indies.
6. Overall, this is the fifth biggest win in terms of run margin ever recorded in ODI cricket. The biggest being India's 317-run victory against Sri Lanka in 2023.
7. Bethell slammed his career-best ODI score of 82 (53)

It's safe to say that a new era has begun for England Cricket, and hopefully it is the start of something really incredible. While the miseries of the 2023 ODI WC and the CT 2025 may have been washed away after the historic win, Brook and his men can't afford to lower their guard. They will need to be result-oriented and will have to work consistently enough to get themselves battle-ready for the upcoming ODI World Cup. 

Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Women's T20I bowling rankings this week, solidifying her place among the best players in the game's shortest format, and Pakistan celebrated a momentous occasion in women's cricket.

The ICC released its latest rankings on Tuesday, and Iqbal’s rise to the summit was made possible after England’s ace spinner Sophie Ecclestone missed her team’s recent T20I series against the West Indies. As a result, Ecclestone dropped to fourth in the rankings, paving the way for Iqbal to move one place up and return to the position she briefly held during last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Iqbal had a significant role in Pakistan’s World Cup campaign, with her precise, economical bowling troubling some of the world’s best batters. Her consistency and match-winning spells have now earned her the top spot again a moment of immense pride for Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity.

While Pakistan celebrated Iqbal’s achievement, several other players also made waves in the latest rankings. England pacer Lauren Bell surged 13 spots to reach sixth overall, following an impressive seven-wicket haul against the West Indies. Fellow England bowlers Linsey Smith (up 37 places to 41st) and Issy Wong (up 32 to joint-62nd) also enjoyed significant jumps thanks to their performances in the same series.

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Matthews dazzles with the bat as Sadia Iqbal puts Pakistan on top in T20I bowling charts

In the batting department, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews continued her stunning run of form. After scoring 177 runs at an average of 88.50 in three matches in England, Matthews moved up two spots to become the second-ranked T20I batter, now just behind Australia’s Beth Mooney. Australia’s Tahlia McGrath dropped to third as Matthews closes in on the top.

Matthews was also named Player of the Series and further extended her lead at the top of the T20I all-rounder rankings, thanks to her all-around efforts that included picking up three wickets during the series. Among the England batters, Nat Sciver-Brunt climbed five places to ninth, Heather Knight moved up seven to joint-17th, and Sophia Dunkley improved by eight spots to joint-29th, all courtesy of solid contributions against the West Indies.

But Sadia Iqbal, a bowler whose composed manner and steady left-arm spin have contributed significantly to the team's success, deserves the headline for Pakistan. Her ascent back to the top of the rankings not only advances her own career but also highlights Pakistan's expanding influence in the world of women's cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is coming under increased scrutiny over what is labelled by many as outright inconsistency in how it handles political expression during sport. The scandal has been rekindled following a stark contrast between how Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja was treated and the move by ICC Chairman Jay Shah.

In December 2023, Pakistani-Australian top-order batter Usman Khawaja, who is a practising Muslim, attempted to make a strong yet understated gesture of peace before Australia's Test tour of Pakistan. He was going to wear boots bearing the slogans "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal", as well as a symbol of a dove. The action was broadly interpreted as an appeal for peace and human rights during the escalating humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

Critics Question ICC's Different Rules for Khawaja and Shah

Still, the ICC held that the message was a political one and banned Khawaja from continuing. Complying, Khawaja avoided using the equipment and instead wore a black armband during the game as a quiet protest. Even so, he was chastised, with the ICC clarifying its stern policy against "personal messages" on playing materials.

Fast forward to 2025, and there is a fresh row taking centre stage. The ICC Chairman and secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, in public, endorsed the Indian armed forces during recent tensions at the border with Pakistan. In an Instagram post, later deleted, Shah posted: "Our Defence Forces are our pride, and no words can describe their valour and dedication towards safeguarding our motherland and citizens… Let us come together to salute our heroes and create a united, stronger India."

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Shah's appeal was widely seen as a nationalistic show of support in the wake of geopolitical tension, the very kind of sentiment the ICC alleges to prohibit on the field of cricket. The seeming double standard has not passed unpunished. Respected Australian cricket writer Malcolm Conn was at the forefront of the outrage, calling out the ICC for what he described as "staggering hypocrisy." He went to X (formerly Twitter), saying: "So Usman Khawaja is banned by the ICC from placing a dove on his bat in favour of peace in the Middle East, but ICC chairman Jay Shah, the son of India's home affairs minister, can freely endorse the Indian army during war. Staggering hypocrisy."

The remark set off a storm of responses from fans, journalists, and past players, who mostly shared the opinion that the enforcement of the ICC's code seems selective and possibly guided by political or institutional prejudices.

Calls Mount for ICC to Explain Rules in the Wake of Credibility Questions

The ICC is yet to make any public response to the criticism or clarify its stance on Shah's social media post. Critics, meanwhile, say that Khawaja's message had been apolitical and humanitarian, whereas Shah's post was politically and nationally charged, highlighting the inconsistency in ICC's regulatory policy. Fueling the flames is the political pedigree of Shah.

Being the son of India's Home Minister Amit Shah and a key figure in Indian cricket administration, conflict of interest, influence, and impartiality are being questioned at the top level of world cricket administration. While supporters and pundits now urge the ICC to state plainly where it stands regarding political messaging and enforce those standards equally without regard to nationality, religion, or position, for now, the optics of this have left many questioning the ICC's credibility as a neutral global authority.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has once again been re-appointed as the chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, reaffirming his continued influence in the cricketing world. The announcement came from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday.

Ganguly, who first took on the role in 2021, replaced another Indian legend, Anil Kumble, after he served the maximum tenure allowed. Known for his bold and transformative leadership during his stint as India’s captain from 2000 to 2005, Ganguly has carried that same sharp cricketing mind into his post-playing career, including his term as BCCI President.

Laxman and Other Legends Join the Panel

Joining Ganguly on the committee is his longtime teammate and fellow Indian batting icon VVS Laxman, who has also been reappointed. The rest of the panel brings together a truly global mix of cricketing experience:

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• Desmond Haynes – West Indies batting legend
• Temba Bavuma – South Africa’s current Test and ODI captain
• Hamid Hassan – Former Afghan fast bowler
• Jonathan Trott – Former England batter and current Afghanistan head coach

Together, the committee will advise on key aspects of the men’s game, including playing conditions, rules, player behavior, and technological advancements in the sport.

Catherine Campbell to Head ICC Women’s Cricket Committee

In a parallel announcement, the ICC named Catherine Campbell, former New Zealand off-spinner, as the chairperson of the Women’s Cricket Committee. This move comes at a time when women’s cricket is rapidly expanding and gaining global attention.

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Supporting Campbell on the panel are:

• Avril Fahey – Former Australian cricketer
• Pholetsi Moseki – CEO of Cricket South Africa (CSA)

The committee will be essential in determining the future of women's cricket through developing, structuring, and professionalizing the sport.

These new appointments reflect the ICC's vision for balancing tradition and modernization so that both the men's and women's games can move forward with robust leadership and diverse opinions.

India will be welcoming its biggest cricket stadium, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has given approval for a world-class stadium in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. The 1.32 lakh-seat stadium will be bigger than the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and is one of the largest cricket grounds in the world.

This stadium is not only a matter of expanding seating, this stadium is also a milestone achievement for India to push forward its sport infrastructure developments. It will be within a 200-acre Sports City, which will make Amaravati a world-class cricketing and sporting hub. The initiative is expected to raise the bar for cricket in India and attract both domestic and foreign competitions.

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Key Facilities of the Amaravati Cricket Stadium

The new Amaravati stadium will be constructed to deliver a world-class experience for players and viewers, include:

• Seating Capacity: 1.32 lakh, biggest in India.
• World-Class Pitches: Specifically built for Test, ODI, & T20 cricket games.
• Advanced Floodlights: Promising day-night matches with good visibility.
• Premium Spectator Experience: VIP areas, corporate suites, and lounge seating.
• Sustainable Design: Green building features and energy-conserving systems.

A Big Boost to Indian Cricket and Sports Tourism

This biggest cricket stadium in India will not just bring international cricket matches to Andhra Pradesh but also benefit the local economy. The project is likely to:

• Generate thousands of jobs during the construction phase and post-completion.
• Accommodate top cricket tournaments, such as IPL matches, ICC tournaments, and domestic matches.
• Increase sports tourism, with cricket enthusiasts from all over the country.
• Development of Local Talent: A committed cricket academy will develop young players.

India's Vision for Sports Infrastructure Development

This massive cricket stadium's approval is a step closer to India's goal of becoming a major global sporting force. The 200-acre Sports City, will have a number of athletic facilities that will encourage the growth of sports other than cricket.

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A Historic Addition to Indian Cricket

With ICC's approval, Amaravati cricket stadium is going to become a legendary ground in Indian cricket history. Upon completion, it will offer cricket enthusiasts a world-class match-day experience and enhance Andhra Pradesh's position in the international cricketing scene

The BCCI will announce a new policy that will allow Indian cricketers to get their families along for an extended overseas tour. The decision was taken after cricketers asked the board for a work-life balance. Players are likely to apply for permission using this policy.

As per the new guidelines, players who want their families with them for an extended period will have to seek permission from BCCI. In the past, families were allowed only for a limited period with strict guidelines, especially regarding ICC events.

A BCCI official said that “We understand the importance of family support for players, especially during long overseas tours. While we will maintain certain guidelines, players will now have more flexibility.” Cricketers are away from family for long overseas tours due to which their mental space is affected. Hopefully, they will get emotional support, which will help them in their game.

🚨 BCCI TO ALLOW FAMILIES. 🚨

- The BCCI likely to adjust the family rule on foreign tours. if players want families for a long duration, they can apply for permission with the BCCI. (Vipul Kashyap/ANI). pic.twitter.com/1Gsprn326l

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 18, 2025

Also Read: Top 5 Uncapped Players to Watch in IPL 2025

According to reports, the senior players have welcomed the decision with some saying that having family members on tour relieves them of the stress of constant travel and competition.

While this policy change is seen as a positive step, BCCI is likely to monitor its impact on team dynamics and performance. BCCI will implement certain restrictions, especially in the critical stages of the tournaments.

All in all, this change shows that players’ well-being is becoming an increased focus in today’s cricket. As a result, the top cricketers of India will be able to give their best efforts while managing their personal relationships.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is not ready to take it easy yet. As per Cricbuzz reports, Rohit has a carefully planned strategy to maintain fitness levels and stay in competition for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

For ensuring that he stays at his prime, Rohit will have his trusted mentor and coach, Abhishek Nayar, regularly in touch. There will be focus on his fitness, shaping his batting talent, and forming his general outlook towards the sport.

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At 37, Rohit knows the harsh realities of playing top-level cricket but his love for the game remains undeterred. He has just led India in the 2023 World Cup, and even if there was disappointment at the end in the final, his leadership and batting were throughout greatly admired. Today, he intends to stay India's captain until the next World Cup cycle.

With experience, consistency, and a hunger for success, Rohit's journey to 2027 would be one to watch. Does he lead India to glory? Only time will say.