How stop clock rule in cricket will work ? - Explained

ICC has introduced new stop clock rule on trial basis from the T20I series between England and West Indies.

The over-rate issue has been one of the most challenging aspects in the game of cricket with several teams and players fined for their slow proceedings on many occasions. International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a new ‘Stop Clock’ rule to tackle this issue in international cricket. The rule comes into effect from the five-match T20I series between West Indies and England. This rule will be implemented from the first T20I game of the series on Tuesday.

Slow over-rate is an issue not only in T20I cricket, but also in other formats of the games. Teams have lost crucial points in the World Test Championship and missed out on final qualifications due to penalties. Clause 41.9 deals with the provisions against fielding teams wasting time in the game. Now the stop-clock rule has been added under clause 41.9.4 which will be on a trial basis from December 2023 to April 2024. 

What is Stop-clock rule?

The stop-clock rule will be activated between two overs. 60 seconds will be given to the fielding side between the over and if a team fails to get ready for the next over in 60 seconds, they will face consequences. Electronic clocks will be displayed on the big screen with a 60-second countdown. Failure in the first two attempts will lead to a warning while in the third one fielding team will be penalised with 5 runs. 

There are a few exceptions as well in the rule. This will now be counted when a new batter comes into bat, in case of drinks break, medical assistance required for any player and on any occasion where things are not in control of the fielding side, the rule will be applicable only when ends change during the game. DRS is also excluded in the stop-clock as sometimes umpires need multiple angles before making a final decision. 

ICC General Manager-Cricket Wasim Khan said, “The stop clock trial in white-ball international cricket follows the introduction of a successful new playing condition in 202. The outcomes of the stop clock trial will be assessed at the end of the trial period.” An ODI game is expected to end in 8.5 hours while a T20I game is expected to finish in 4.5 hours. Captains and teams exceeding this time limit will be penalised. 

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