ICC amends rule for T20Is; powerplays to be rounded off to the nearest ball in shortened games

ICC has introduced several changes across all three formats recently.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced several changes for men’s international cricket recently. Some notable ones are the use of a new ball in ODIs after the 35th over and a stop watch for test cricket. Now, ICC has also amended a rule for powerplay in T20Is in a shortened game.

As of now, a powerplay in a T20I game comprises the first six overs. In case of a match getting shortened, the powerplay overs were reduced and rounded off to the nearest over. However, now the powerplay overs will be rounded off to the nearest ball.

For instance, if a match is reduced by eight overs, the powerplay overs will be counted for 2.2 overs. Similarly, if a match is reduced to 15 overs per side, the powerplay overs will consist of 4.3 overs. This rule will keep the proportion much closer to 30 percent.

ICC’s new changes to be effective from July

The new changes by the ICC for T20Is will be effective from July. Some of the rule changes in tests are already in effect as they were introduced from the start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

For example, the use of a stop clock has been introduced in tests to check slow over rates. Hence, the bowling team is required to bowl the next over within a minute of the end of the previous over.

Another crucial change is that, fairness of catches will be reviewed on no ball, and batters will be awarded the runs they have taken if the catch is unfair. In case of deliberate short runs by batsmen, the fielding team can decide which batsman they need on the strike.

Moreover, it is not mandatory to change the ball after the use of saliva. The decision to change the ball will be the sole decision of the umpires. However, the ban on the use of saliva on the ball is still in effect.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.