ICC Announces Major Rule Changes In All Three Formats Of Men's Cricket
These rule changes are seen as part of ICC’s ongoing efforts to evolve the game and maintain competitive integrity across formats.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced changes to the playing conditions across all three formats of men’s international cricket — Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is).
These updates, which include adjustments to concussion substitute rules and the use of new balls in ODIs, are aimed at bringing more balance between bat and ball.
New Rules to Be Enforced on Specific Dates
The changes will come into effect on different dates across formats:
Tests: From June 17, 2025
ODIs: From July 2, 2025
T20Is: From July 10, 2025
Key Change in ODIs: Modified Two-Ball Rule
Previously, two new balls were used from each end for 25 overs each. Under the new regulation, both balls will now be used up to the 34th over. From the 35th to 50th overs, teams will be required to select one of the two balls to continue with for the remainder of the innings.
In matches reduced to 25 overs or less, only one ball will be used. This change is expected to assist bowlers, particularly in generating reverse swing in the final overs — something that had become rare due to consistently harder balls.
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Updated Concussion Substitute Policy
Captains will now be required to submit a list of five designated concussion substitutes prior to the toss. The list must include:
One batsman
One all-rounder
One wicketkeeper
One spinner
One fast bowler
Until now, teams could introduce concussion substitutes during the match without prior declaration. The new rule is designed to ensure fairness and structure in substitution decisions.
These rule changes are seen as part of ICC’s ongoing efforts to evolve the game and maintain competitive integrity across formats.
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