ICC introduces new rules in cricket: Stop clock and 5-Run penalty in ODIs and T20Is

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rolled out new rules affecting men’s One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), aiming to enhance the pace and efficiency of the game.

The first rule is “Stop Clock Trial”. This rule says, bowling teams in men’s ODIs and T20Is will now face a five-run penalty if the bowler exceeds the 60-second limit for delivering the next over three times in a single innings. The ICC Board announced this trial measure following its recent meeting. The stop clock rule will be implemented on a trial basis from December 2023 to April 2024, with the objective of regulating the time taken between overs.

“The CEC [Cricket Committee] agreed to introduce a stop clock on a trial basis in men’s ODI and T20I cricket from December 2023 to April 2024. The clock will be used to regulate the amount of time taken between overs. If the bowling team is not ready to bowl the next over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed, a 5-run penalty will be imposed the third time it happens in an innings,” stated the ICC in an official statement.

Additionally, the ICC has made adjustments to its process of banning a pitch from international cricket. The modifications include simplifying the criteria used to assess a pitch and outfield, as well as raising the threshold for a venue to lose its international status. The demerit points required for a venue to lose its international status have been increased from five to six demerit points over a five-year period.

Also Read: ICC Announces Landmark Equal Match-Day Pay For Female Match Officials