The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced significant updates to men’s international cricket playing conditions, effective from July 2, 2025, aimed at enhancing fairness and pace across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Key Changes to Enhance Cricket’s Flow
The ICC has introduced several revisions to ensure a faster, fairer game across all formats, with some rules already in effect for the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Notable changes include the stop clock in Test cricket, updated Decision Review System (DRS) protocols, revised saliva regulations, and stricter penalties for deliberate short runs, addressing long-standing concerns about game tempo and integrity.
Stop Clock Extended to Test Cricket
To combat slow over rates, the ICC has implemented the stop clock rule in Test matches, following its success in limited-overs formats. Fielding teams must start the next over within 60 seconds of the previous one’s completion. Umpires will issue two warnings per innings, with a five-run penalty for each subsequent violation. Warnings reset every 80 overs, and a visible timer counting from 0 to 60 seconds is displayed. This rule is already active in the current WTC cycle.
Revised Saliva Rule
The ban on using saliva to shine the ball, in place since COVID-19, remains, but umpires are no longer required to replace the ball immediately if saliva is detected. This change prevents teams from manipulating ball changes by applying saliva. Umpires will only replace the ball if its condition is visibly altered (e.g., excessively wet or unusually shiny). If the ball behaves abnormally without a condition change, the batting side receives five penalty runs, but the ball stays in play.
DRS Protocol Updates
The ICC has refined DRS procedures to ensure consistency. If a batter is given out caught but the review shows no bat contact, the TV umpire will now check secondary dismissals (e.g., LBW) with the original “out” decision intact. If ball-tracking results in an “umpire’s call” for LBW, the batter remains out, aligning reviews with the on-field call. For multiple appeals (e.g., LBW and run-out), reviews will follow the chronological order of events, with the ball deemed dead after a dismissal, halting further reviews. Additionally, TV umpires will now verify the fairness of catches on no-balls. If clean, only the no-ball run is awarded; if not, completed runs count.
Stricter Penalties for Deliberate Short Runs
The ICC has tightened rules on deliberate short runs, defined under Rule 18.5.1 as an attempt to gain an extra run by deliberately not grounding the bat. Beyond the existing five-run penalty, the fielding captain can now choose which batter faces the next delivery. Unintentional short runs are exempt if umpires believe there was no intent to deceive.
Trial for Injury Replacements
To address serious external injuries, the ICC has encouraged member boards to trial full-time, like-for-like player replacements in domestic first-class matches, similar to concussion substitutes. The injury must be visible and verified by officials, excluding minor issues like muscle strains. This trial, starting October 2025, aims to balance player safety and fairness.
Impact and Implementation
These changes, effective from July 2, 2025, for white-ball formats and already active in the WTC cycle, reflect the ICC’s commitment to modernizing cricket while maintaining its competitive spirit. The stop clock and DRS updates aim to streamline play, while revised saliva and short-run rules deter gamesmanship. Fans and players can expect a more dynamic and equitable game as these rules roll out globally.
