The 2023 edition of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup is currently underway in India, bringing with it a wave of excitement and anticipation. With 10 teams battling it out in 48 matches across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, cricket enthusiasts around the world are in for a thrilling spectacle. As we delve into this year's mega event, let's take a closer look at the new rules set in place by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the ODI World Cup 2023.
Reserve Day: In a tournament where rain can be a game-changer, the presence of a reserve day becomes crucial. However, the rules for the ODI World Cup 2023 dictate that there will be no reserve day for any of the 45 league stage matches. Teams will have to make the most of the scheduled day for these matches. But when it comes to the two semi-finals and the final, a reserve day is in place, ensuring that these critical knockout stage encounters have a fair chance of reaching a conclusion, even if weather interruptions occur.
DLS Method: The infamous Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method is a familiar name for cricket fans, especially when rain disrupts matches. In this year's ODI World Cup, the DLS method will come into play if a match is affected by rain. However, it's worth noting that the DLS method will only be used to decide the winner if both teams have managed to play at least 20 overs each. If a match fails to reach this minimum requirement due to weather interruptions, it will be declared a no result, and the teams will share the points.
Super Overs: Super overs have added a pinch of drama to cricket matches, especially when both teams end up scoring the same number of runs. In the ODI World Cup 2023, super overs will be reserved exclusively for the knockout stage. If a group stage match concludes in a tie, both teams will be awarded one point each, highlighting the significance of winning group stage encounters outright.
No Boundary Count Rule: Cricket fans vividly remember the dramatic 2019 ODI World Cup final where England clinched victory over New Zealand by the virtue of scoring more boundaries, despite both teams scoring equal runs in both the 50 overs and the super over. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, the controversial boundary count rule has been abolished. In the event of a tie, a super over will determine the winner. If teams remain tied even after a super over, subsequent super overs will be held until a clear winner emerges, promising nail-biting encounters and eliminating the need for a boundary count tiebreaker.
As the ODI World Cup 2023 progresses, these new rules promise to add excitement, drama, and fairness to the tournament. With high expectations, incredible talent on display, and thrilling moments yet to unfold, cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as they witness the quest for supremacy in the world of ODI cricket. Stay tuned for more action and drama as the tournament unfolds on Indian soil.