ICC goes to war with BCCI over this rule; introduces new law in between IPL 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering changing a rule in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). As per a report by Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council may remove the use of two new balls to enhance bowlers' performance, especially reverse swing, following recommendations from the ICC’s Cricket Committee.

The International Cricket Council introduced the two-new-ball rule in One-Day Internationals in October 2011. Each ball is used for only 25 overs, which reduces the chances of reverse swing. Several former international players, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis, have criticized the rule.

ICC Explores Changes to Improve Reverse Swing in ODIs

The International Cricket Council is considering a tweak to the two-ball rule in ODIs that would allow teams to start with two new balls but switch to just one after the 25th over. This proposed adjustment, recommended by the ICC’s Cricket Committee, aims to bring back reverse swing.

Under the new plan, the bowling side would choose which of the two balls to continue with from the halfway point. Notably, the ball used in the final overs would be around 37–38 overs old, which can bring reverse swing back.

The ICC Cricket Committee, led by Sourav Ganguly, has thoroughly examined the issue of ball durability in ODIs. Notably, the white ball often lost shape or became discoloured by the 35th over, prompting umpires to bring in a replacement before the innings concluded.

Sachin Tendulkar Among Several Experts Who Have Opposed the Two-Ball Rule in ODIs

Sachin Tendulkar is among several experts who have strongly opposed the two-ball rule in ODIs. Tendulkar once called it a "recipe for disaster." He stated that two new balls prevent the reverse swing.

"Having two new balls in one day cricket is a perfect recipe for disaster as each ball is not given the time to get old enough to reverse. We haven't seen reverse swing, an integral part of the death overs, for a long time," Tendulkar had famously said in a social media comment some years ago.

Former Australian pacer Brett Lee backed Sachin Tendulkar’s stance on the importance of restoring balance between bat and ball in One-Day Internationals. Lee stated that changes would give bowlers a fairer chance.

ICC Considers In-Game Clocks for Tests; T20 Format Proposed for U-19 World Cup

The International Cricket Council is also considering other changes to the game across formats. Notably, the board wants the introduction of in-game clocks in Test cricket. Teams would be required to begin the next over within 60 seconds.

It would help maintain over rates and ensure that the target of 90 overs per day is met. The timing regulations are already in place in white-ball cricket.

In addition, the ICC is also exploring the possibility of transitioning the men’s Under-19 World Cup from the 50-over format to T20. It has sparked debate, with some stakeholders in favor of aligning the men’s tournament with the women’s Under-19 World Cup, which is already played in the T20 format.

The proposed switch would not take effect until the new broadcast cycle begins in 2028.

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