ICC introduces major rule changes across all formats

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a series of significant amendments to its playing conditions, applicable across all formats of international cricket.

Some of these changes have already come into effect with the commencement of the ongoing 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle, while others—particularly those related to white-ball formats—will be implemented from July 2.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the stop clock in Test cricket, extending a rule that had previously been limited to white-ball formats. Under the revised regulation, the fielding side is required to begin a new over within 60 seconds of the previous one concluding. Failure to comply will result in two warnings, after which a five-run penalty will be imposed. Warnings will be reset after every block of 80 overs.

Another key change involves the Decision Review System (DRS), specifically in scenarios where multiple modes of dismissal are being reviewed. Previously, if a batter was given out caught behind and UltraEdge showed contact with the pad only, the subsequent leg-before-wicket (LBW) review would treat the original decision as “not out.” Now, however, the LBW review will treat the original decision as “out”, meaning that even an “umpire’s call” on ball-tracking will result in the batter being declared out.

Further clarity has also been introduced to combined reviews. The TV umpire will now examine incidents in the chronological order of their occurrence. For instance, in the case of an LBW followed by a run-out, the LBW decision will be considered first. If the batter is deemed out, the ball will be declared dead, rendering the second appeal irrelevant.

Changes have also been made to the adjudication of catches on no-balls. In the past, if a no-ball was called, the fairness of a catch was not reviewed. Under the new protocol, however, the TV umpire will review the catch even after a no-ball is signaled. If the catch is fair, only the no-ball run will be awarded; if not, runs completed by the batters will count.

In an effort to curb deceptive tactics, the ICC has strengthened its stance on deliberate short runs. If such an offence is identified, the fielding captain will now have the option to decide which batter faces the next delivery, in addition to the batting side being penalised five runs.

In another noteworthy move, the ICC has clarified its position on the use of saliva on the ball. While the ban remains in place, it is no longer mandatory for umpires to change the ball upon discovering saliva use. The decision to change the ball will now rest entirely with the umpires, based on whether the ball’s condition has materially altered. Teams found guilty of deliberate application may still be penalised.

The ICC has also introduced a trial for full-time injury replacements in domestic first-class cricket. This will allow teams to replace players who suffer visible and serious external injuries with like-for-like substitutes, akin to concussion substitutes. However, injuries such as hamstring pulls or muscle strains will not qualify under this rule.

These rule changes, according to cricket’s governing body, are aimed at enhancing the accuracy of decision-making, maintaining the integrity of play, and ensuring that the game adapts to modern challenges.

The full set of revised playing conditions has been shared with member boards, and while implementation in domestic cricket—especially the trial injury replacement—is left to the discretion of the respective cricket boards, international cricket will adopt the new standards without exception.