ICC Introduces New Cricket Playing Conditions

Agency
October 02, 2026

Kathmandu. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made some important changes to the rules of cricket. 

According to the new rule, if any batter wastes time three times in the same innings, the batting team will be penalized five runs. The size and weight of the cricket ball have also been clearly specified separately for women’s cricket. These new rules brought by the ICC have been implemented from October 1, 2026. 

The main change is related to the time taken by the batter. If a batter wastes time three times within a block of 80 overs in a game, the team will lose five runs. 

According to the statement issued by the ICC,

According to the statement issued by the ICC, if the batter is not ready to face the ball within the stipulated time, a warning will be given for the first time. If the same mistake is repeated for the second time, a final warning will be given, and for the third and subsequent mistakes, five penalty runs will be awarded to the fielding team. 

‘Stipulated time’ mainly refers to the time taken for the fielding team and the bowler to be ready for the next ball. The batter must be ready to face the ball when the bowler is at the start of their run-up. The main exception to this is the time of a wicket fall. 

When a new batter enters the field after getting out, they get two minutes to face the first ball. If not ready within that time, the ‘time out’ rule will apply to the batter. 

According to the rules, before the penalty runs

According to the rules, before the penalty runs are deducted, the umpire at the bowler’s end will warn the striker and inform the non-striker, the new batter, the fielding team captain, and the other umpire. If the mistake is repeated for the second time, this process will be repeated, calling it a final warning. 

On the third occasion, the umpire will directly award five penalty runs to the fielding team. In multi-day games, this count of warnings will restart from zero after 80 overs are completed. 

Previously, manufacturers used to make the same type of ball for women’s and junior cricket. But now the ICC has set separate size and weight standards for men’s, women’s, and junior cricket. 

The ICC has also included some rules

In addition, the ICC has also included some rules in this statement that have already been approved. Pink balls can now be used in day matches. Similarly, in multi-day games, the fall of a wicket in the last over of the day will not automatically be considered the end of the day’s play (stumps). 

Another change made by the ICC relates to the ball being ‘settled’ (fully stable or inactive). 

This rule is particularly important for the last ball of a competitive match. Now, for the ball to be considered settled, it is not mandatory for the ball to be in the hands of the bowler or wicketkeeper. The umpire has been given more authority to decide this. 

Similarly, clarity has also been brought

Similarly, clarity has also been brought to the rules of run-out or stumping. The fielder or wicketkeeper must have complete control over the ball to effect a run-out or stumping. If the stumps are dislodged merely by touching the ball, it will not be considered out. 

This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or
language errors.

Source: english.ratopati.com