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ICC Approves New Playing Conditions for International Cricket Effective from July 2025.

Sports | Dated: 01 Jul 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently introduced a comprehensive set of changes to playing conditions across all international formats, effective from June–July 2025. These changes aim to improve the pace of play, enhance player safety, and ensure fairness in decision-making through new technology and procedural updates.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - In a major shift for Test cricket, the ICC has introduced a 60-second stop clock rule between overs starting from June 17, 2025. If a fielding side exceeds this limit more than twice in an innings, a five-run penalty will be imposed. The rule encourages quicker over rates and maintains match momentum.
  • - From July 2, 2025, ODIs will return to using only one ball for the final 16 overs. After the 34th over, captains must choose one of the two used balls to continue. This change is aimed at restoring reverse swing and balancing the bat-ball contest during death overs.
  • - The ICC has clarified the rule regarding boundary catches. Fielders can now only make contact with the ball once while airborne beyond the boundary, and must land fully inside the rope to complete a catch. This eliminates grey areas and ensures uniform interpretation across matches and formats.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) New provisions have been added to the Decision Review System (DRS). If a batter is ruled out in one mode, like caught, fielding teams may still review for a second mode, like LBW. Also, in cases of multiple dismissal types, decisions will now be evaluated in a logical, chronological sequence.
  • (ii) In a strong move to protect players, teams are now required to name five concussion substitutes before matches. If a player is diagnosed with a concussion during the match, they will be ruled out for a minimum of seven days. Domestic leagues will also trial full-time like-for-like injury replacements.
  • (iii) The ICC has continued its ban on saliva for ball polishing but has relaxed the automatic ball replacement requirement. Umpires will now assess if the ball condition is visibly changed. Any deliberate use of saliva will result in a five-run penalty, reinforcing hygiene without unnecessary disruption to gameplay.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

What is the time limit set by ICC for starting a new over under the stop clock rule in Test matches?

Correct Answer: 60 seconds

🚀 Quick Recap:

About ICC

  • Founded: 1909
  • Headquarters: Dubai