ICC Approves Key Changes: New Ball Rule in ODIs and Uniform Concussion Substitute Policy

In a major move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved important changes to ODI playing conditions and concussion substitute rules across all formats of men’s international cricket, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo. These changes, recommended by the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee and later cleared by the Chief Executives Committee, aim to bring more clarity and fairness to the game.

When Do the New Rules Start?

1. Test Matches – From June 17

      2. ODIs – From July 2

       3.T20Is – From July 10

What’s New in ODIs? – Updated Two-Ball Rule

Until now, two separate new balls were used from either end throughout the entire 50-over innings. Under the new rule:

• Two new balls will still be used, but only until the 34th over.

• From over 35 to 50, the bowling side must choose one of the two balls to continue with for both ends.

If a match is shortened to 25 overs or less per side before the first innings starts, only one new ball will be used throughout that innings.

ALSO READ: What are the new rules introduced by BCCI for the 2025–26 domestic season?

Concussion Substitution – Clearer Guidelines for All Formats

The ICC has introduced a uniform concussion substitute policy for all formats. Teams will now have to:

• Submit a list of 5 substitute players before the match starts.

• The list must include:

  • 1 Batter

  • 1 Fast Bowler

  • 1 Spinner

  • 1 All-Rounder

  • 1 Wicketkeeper

This change is aimed at avoiding confusion, especially after a controversial moment earlier this year when India substituted batting all-rounder Shivam Dube with bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana in a T20I vs England. Rana’s impactful spell sparked debate over fairness, prompting the ICC to act.

Also, if a concussion substitute gets concussed too, the match referee can approve a replacement from outside the original five, following the same 'like-for-like' criteria.

Changes to Catching Rules

The MCC has also adjusted the law around boundary catches. Fielders are no longer allowed to jump outside the boundary, toss the ball in the air, and then return to the field to complete a catch. This move ends the practice commonly known as the "bunny hop" catch.

Key Changes

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.

See also: WATCH: Aiden Markram shares beer with his school mate after South Africa end drought with historic WTC win

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. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the full schedule for New Zealand’s white-ball tour of India, set to take place in January 2026. The series would be a crucial component of India's build-up before the ICC T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka later in the year. The tour consists of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

The three-game ODI series starts on January 11 in Baroda, with the other games taking place in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18 respectively. The five T20Is will be played immediately after, from January 21 in Nagpur to January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram. The ODI matches are all scheduled to start at 1:30 PM IST, whereas the T20Is are to commence at 7:00 PM IST under lights.

These fixtures were ratified in the Apex Council Meeting of June 14. In addition to the international fixtures, the BCCI also unveiled the domestic cricket calendar for the season 2025–26, beginning with the Duleep Trophy on August 28. The Ranji Trophy will be conducted in two phases, one from October 15 to November 19, and the second from January 22 to February 1. The grand final is on February 28, 2026.

New Zealand Tour of India 2026 – Full Schedule

See Also: MLC 2025, Match 4: Seattle Orcas vs Washington Freedom Full Match Highlights

Further, India's top domestic T20 tournament, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is set to take place from November 26 to December 18. With international fixtures and a tight domestic season, Indian cricket is set for an action-packed and closely watched calendar year.

Shreyas Iyer has also emerged as one of India's best performers this year, providing consistent performances both overseas and in the IPL. The elegant right-hander from Mumbai was in top form in the ICC Champions Trophy that was played a few months ago, where he finished as India's top scorer in the tournament. Iyer took the momentum into the season of IPL 2025 as well, playing a crucial role for Punjab Kings and proving himself across all formats.

During the just concluded IPL, Iyer accumulated an impressive 604 runs in 17 matches and took Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in more than a decade. Though they fell short of winning the championship, Iyer's captaincy as well as batting effort was widely appreciated. His leadership and consistency have now put him in the limelight, and there are strong indications that he has entered the fray to become India's next white-ball captain.

As per a June 7 report by Indian Express, a top Indian cricket official confirmed that Iyer's name is in contention. "Right now he just plays ODIs, but after this IPL we can’t keep him out of T20 internationals and even Tests," the report quoted. His leadership qualities, along with his run-scoring talent, make him an interesting candidate in the post-Kohli and post-Rohit era.

A leadership contender in transition

In spite of his robust IPL credentials, Iyer has not yet captained the Indian senior team in any format. He won an IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 and also guided Punjab Kings to the final this year—acts that have cemented his reputation as a born leader. He was still surprisingly omitted from India's Test squad for the coming series against England, however, in light of the retirement of senior pillars.

Also Read: WATCH: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashing bowlers at U 19 NCA camp

Having recently switched allegiance to SoBo Mumbai Falcons in T20 Mumbai 2025, Iyer's next task with the national side will arise in August when India visit Bangladesh to play three ODIs and three T20Is. With selectors eager to rebuild and reshuffle captaincy choices, Iyer's increasing profile makes him a strong favorite to lead India's white-ball future.

The third ODI between England and the West Indies at The Oval on June 3, 2025, got underway with an unusual twist. The notorious traffic of London held up the West Indies team's arrival, advancing the 1:00 PM start. ECB confirmed the visitors were held up in "heavy traffic," as England had to warm up by themselves with drizzle threatening the high-scoring Oval pitch.

Coinciding with World Bicycle Day, England cricketers converted the delay into a viral event. A video published on England Cricket displayed the team riding bicycles along London's roads to avoid traffic, reaching The Oval with big smiles. The lighthearted prank, well-timed to coincide with the international celebration of cycling, reflected their flexibility and provided a sunny mood ahead of the decisive match.

With the toss delayed to 1:10 PM upon the arrival of the West Indies, England faced high stakes. England, on top of the series at 2-0 and ranked eighth in ICC ODI rankings, wanted to gain crucial points. The ninth-ranked West Indies required a victory to enhance their prospects for direct qualification to the 2027 World Cup, and thus the game was tight on a bat-friendly surface. 

Match Stakes and Weather Watch

For the West Indies, winning is essential in order to boost their ICC rankings and remain in contention for the World Cup, while England aim to secure their position. The weather forecast at The Oval indicates light drizzle with a 30–40% chance of rain in the afternoon, with possible interference but not enough to rain out the game completely.

Watch the video here

Arriving at the ground in style 😎

Only one way to beat the road closures in London 😂 pic.twitter.com/2xrSPypnQD

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 3, 2025

Also Read: RCB vs PBKS: Who is Rishi Sunak backing in IPL 2025 Final? His answer may surprise you!

Ground staff are attuned to manage minor delays, and having no reserve day, the two teams will strive for a outcome. The initial mayhem has raised expectations only for an exciting encounter under overcast London skies.

Cricket Australia have lost a gem in the form of Glenn Maxwell, who has announced his retirement from the 50-over format with immediate effect. The 36-year-old was a true icon for the national side and played an instrumental role in scripting some of Australia's memorable wins, most notably their unbelievable three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he has assured that he will be available for selection in the T20I and aims to prolong his career in the shortest format until next year's T20 World Cup.

See also: Joe Root: England’s Greatest Batter of All Time

Maxwell drops a bombshell by announcing his ODI retirement

The swashbuckling all-rounder made his retirement public in a long-form interview on the Final Word Podcast on Monday. Maxwell cited physical burnout as the major reason behind withdrawing from this format. He further admitted that the workload had become unbearable, especially during Australia's CT 2025 campaign.  

"I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with [Australia chair of selectors] George Bailey, and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward. We talked about the 2027 World Cup, and I said to him, 'I don't think I am going to make that, it's time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and make the position their own'. Hopefully, they get enough of a lead-in to hang onto that role."

The Victoria-based cricketer becomes the latest Australian cricketer to announce ODI retirement, following Steve Smith. Although Maxwell has not officially called time on his Test career, the chances of him making it to the Test squad appear very slim. 

A look at Maxwell's glorious ODI career

Maxwell primarily batted in the middle order and has usually played the role of a hard-hitter. Equipped with a wide range of shots in his armoury, Maxwell was a very handy prospect with the ball as well, with four four-wicket hauls under his belt. As far as his batting is concerned, his numbers are astonishingly impressive. In 149 ODI games, Maxwell amassed 3990 runs at an average of 33.81 with four centuries under his belt.

Besides, Maxwell's strike rate of 126.7 is the second-best strike rate achieved by any batter in ODI cricket after Andre Russell. One of the most defining knocks that amplified his glorious cricketing career was in the 2023 World Cup, where he saved his side from a humiliating defeat against Afghanistan in Mumbai. With Australia reeling at 91-7, Maxwell rode his luck and played a once-in-a-lifetime innings of 201* to steer Australia home. In the process, he also became the first and only Australian batter to score a double ton in ODI cricket.

Joe Root has changed the narrative on excellence in English cricket, being the highest run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs for the country. Root's standards of consistency and class throughout his career in all conditions and formats have led to the label of England’s greatest batter. From his debut in 2012 to his commanding presence today, Root has led England’s batting resurgence with poise and unmatched skill.

Root has played 153 Test matches and scored 13,006 runs at a magnificent average of 50.80, with an unparalleled 262 as his highest innings and 36 centuries, putting him among the elite in world cricket. He has also scored 65 half-centuries and has a strike rate of 57.51, combining comfort in waiting for the right ball and then seizing it longest highlights and spins in England as well as on turning tracks across Asia. He has 279 innings and totals, small statistics in many ways, but they illustrate the impact of what Root has persisted on to the game. 

In ODIs, Root has consequently run an imposing, statistical 6,916 runs from 178 matches at a gorgeous 48.02 average. He has also scored 17 centuries and 42 fifties and a highest score of 133*. His strike rate of 87.03 reflects Root's ability to keep up with the demands of modern white-ball cricket while also being the reliability of England's middle order. Root’s reliability has made him the backbone of England’s 50-over success, especially during their transformation into a dominant ODI force.

Master of All Formats

What distinguishes Joe Root is his mastery in all formats and across eras. With more than 19,900 international runs to his name, he has consistently produced no matter the opposition or venue played at. He is one of the few specialists who engages at the highest level in both red- and white-ball cricket, where he can adapt without jeopardizing the fact that he remains a classical batter. His contribution to England's rise in global cricketts as the largest after 2015.

Also Read: WATCH: Nigerians replicate Rishabh Pant's cartwheel celebration against RCB in IPL 2025

Joe Root's numbers tell the truth; however, his legacy is not entirely about the numbers. He has injected calm into a niggling environment, introduced elegance to aggressive cricket, and authority into a new era. As the leading run scorer for England in both Tests and ODIs, Joe Root stands tall as the best batter England has ever produced.

In the dynamic world of One Day Internationals (ODIs), speed is crucial when it comes to runs. The fastest fifties are among the most exciting achievements in the game. Reaching a fifty in record time is incredibly demoralizing for the opposition, and enthusiasm is contagious when the batting side is showing speed. Scoring the ball in national conditions requires courage and intent, impeccable timing, and, of course, complete confidence.

Throughout the years, there have been many players, and a select few have achieved incredible striking speeds, managing to grab a place in the history books by completing half-centuries in no time. These players certainly bring a new level of scratch to the way we play ODIs in the modern era. Here are the top six fastest fifties in ODI history; each time the batsman surprised the cricketing world with their powerful hitting.

AB de Villiers – 16 Balls vs West Indies, 2015

South African batter AB de Villiers is also the holder of the record for the fastest ODI fifty, scored in just 16 balls. What made this resulting innings so iconic was the fact it came against the West Indies in Johannesburg and the relentless pace of his innings. In some few short minutes he plundered 8 sixes and 4 fours, taking on the West Indies bowlers erratically.

De Villiers' pyrotechnics, along with trembling heart rates, made for a performance that we will remember for years to come. He managed to score 149 off 44 balls, with 31 of those balls being the fastest ODI hundred. It is not an understatement to say this is considered one of the greatest ever exhibitions of batting within the ODI format.

Matthew Forde—16 Balls vs Ireland, 2025

On May 23, 2025, West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde shocked the cricketing world with a stunning 16-ball fifty against Ireland at Castle Avenue, Dublin. Coming in at number eight, Forde went on a rampage, scoring 58 off just 19 balls, which included two fours and eight sixes, all the while equaling AB de Villiers' record for the fastest ODI fifty. His late strike pushed West Indies to 352/8. Forde's explosive batting changed the game and showed his ability to transform it in a matter of minutes. This knock was his entry on the global stage, and he arrived in style.

Sanath Jayasuriya—17 Balls vs Pakistan, 1996

You would have to go as far back as Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya to observe batting of that nature in quite possibly ODI cricket history. Jayasuriya was known for swinging hard and hitting for distance. During this innings against Pakistan, we saw 17 balls hammered for 5 fours and 3 sixes in Singapore. By any measure, the degree of aggressive batting in the early overs was unheard of in 1996, which is why Jayasuriya is known as a pioneer of this style of batting.

His power and sentiment helped dictate the future successful batting performances of Sri Lanka throughout the mid-90s era. Jayasuriya's innings and attitude at the top of this batting also helped shape the way ODIs were played in the future and changed batting. His style of aggressive batting has shaped how younger generations have also played.

Also Read: IRE vs WI: West Indies’ Matthew Forde smashes joint-fastest fifty in ODI history

Kusal Perera – 17 Balls vs Bangladesh, 2014

Kusal Perera, another dynamic left-handed Sri Lankan batsman, achieved a record of his own by equalling Jayasuriya's feat of also scoring a fifty in 17 balls vs. Bangladesh. Opening the innings, Kusal operated from his first ball and put pressure on the bowlers. Kusal struck 9 fours and 1 six in explosive innings. This inning further confirmed his dominance early in the innings and set up the Sri Lankans in what was a big win that day.

He has often received comparisons in the past two due to each of their fearless approaches to the game. Kusal has also continued his dominance early in the innings for Sri Lankan cricket, where he continues to be a big player for the limited-overs format.

Liam Livingstone—17 Balls v Netherlands, 2022

England's Liam Livingstone joined this elite group by scoring a fifty in 17 balls against the Netherlands in 2022, hitting the ball with power and confidence all around the wicket, indulging in all forms of explosive power-hitting. Livingstone's innings included 6 sixes to show an incredible amount of strength and timing, as the wickets made no difference.

His innings allowed England to reach a world record ODI score of 498 runs. Unsurprisingly, Livingstone is known for his fearless approach to the game and personifies the more dynamic and aggressive format that England has moved towards in recent years. I thought his fast fifty was a great example of the aggressive attitude modern-day cricket demands.

On May 23, 2025, Westies all-rounder Matthew Forde entered the record books with a phenomenal innings against Ireland in the second ODI at Castle Avenue, Dublin. Forde scored a 16-ball fifty, equaling AB de Villiers' long-held record for the joint fastest fifty in ODI history. Batting at number eight, Forde struck 58 off 19 balls, hitting two fours and eight sixes. With Keacy Carty scoring a century as well, the West Indies posted a formidable 352/8 in their innings, matching the Irish 124 advantage in its series-opening win in the first ODI.

Forde's 16-ball fifty equaled the incumbent record set by de Villiers himself in 2015 against the West Indies, and even so, his performance capped a display of his ability to take apart an international bowling attack. His strike rate at over 300 was a clear indication of his power-hitting. Ireland's bowlers could not put a lid on Forde's assault, the last to bear the brunt being Liam McCarthy, who reportedly dismissed him. Matthew Forde, over the previous 5 days, had already given a glimpse of his all-round ability (3 wickets and a 48-ball 38 in the first ODI), and now heavens had opened up.

The context of the match, being West Indies 1-0 down in the three-match series, makes the achievement all the more significant as the team was looking for anything to change the momentum.  Forde’s whirlwind innings, combined with a solid batting foundation, provided just that, setting Ireland a challenging target. His ability to deliver under pressure underscored his growing reputation as a versatile all-rounder in West Indies cricket.

The Ireland vs.West Indies ODI series kicks off today, May 21, 2025, at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, with the first match starting at 3:15 PM IST. This three-match series offers both teams a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Match Schedule (All Matches at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin)

• 1st ODI: May 21, 2025 – 3:15 PM IST
• 2nd ODI: May 23, 2025 – 3:15 PM IST
• 3rd ODI: May 25, 2025 – 3:15 PM IST

IRE vs WI 2025 ODI Series—Live Streaming & Broadcast Guide

Ireland ODI Squad

• Paul Stirling (Captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Tom Mayes, Barry McCarthy, Liam McCarthy,  Andy McBrine, Lorcan Tucker (Wicketkeeper), Harry Tector

West Indies ODI Squad

• Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph