The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a series of major rule updates affecting Test, ODI, and T20 cricket formats. These changes are aimed at improving fairness, enhancing match tempo, and refining decision-making protocols.
Some of the new rules are already in place during the ongoing 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, while others will take effect in white-ball cricket starting July 2. The revised regulations have been shared with all member boards and cover key areas such as DRS, over-rate management, player substitutions, and short runs.
Stop Clock Introduced in Test Cricket
To address slow over rates, the ICC has expanded the stop clock regulation to Test matches. Fielding teams must begin a new over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending. Two warnings will be issued for delays, followed by a five-run penalty on subsequent violations. The warning count resets every 80 overs. The rule is already being applied in the current WTC cycle.
DRS Protocol Adjusted for Secondary Appeals
A significant update to the Decision Review System (DRS) addresses appeals where multiple dismissals could apply. If a batter is initially given out caught behind but UltraEdge shows only pad contact, the decision for the ball-tracking segment of an LBW review will still be based on the original “out” verdict. If HawkEye returns an ‘umpire’s call’ in such cases, the batter will be ruled out, closing a previously exploited loophole.
Sequential Review Order Introduced
Multiple appeals during a single delivery—such as an LBW followed by a run-out—must now be reviewed in the order the events occurred. If the first appeal leads to a dismissal, the ball is declared dead, and subsequent incidents will not be reviewed.
Fair Catch Review Allowed Despite No-Ball
Under the new rules, even if a ball is called a no-ball, the fairness of a disputed catch will still be reviewed. If the catch is deemed valid, only the no-ball run will count. If it’s not clean, the batters will be awarded the runs they completed.
Tougher Penalties for Deliberate Short Runs
In addition to the standard five-run penalty, fielding captains can now choose which batter will face the next delivery when a deliberate short run is identified. A short run will be considered deliberate if a batter intentionally avoids making their ground to gain an extra run.
Update on Saliva Ban Enforcement
While saliva use on the ball remains banned, umpires are no longer required to replace the ball unless its condition has visibly changed. If the ball behaves abnormally due to saliva but shows no visible damage, the batting side will still receive five penalty runs.
Injury Replacement Trial in First-Class Cricket
A new trial will permit full-time injury replacements in domestic first-class matches for players suffering visible, serious external injuries. The replacement, similar to the concussion protocol, must be cleared by match officials. Minor issues like muscle strains will not qualify.
These comprehensive rule changes reflect the ICC’s ongoing efforts to modernize the sport, improve fairness, and respond to evolving dynamics in global cricket.
