ICC introduces bombshell rule changes in cricket - Tests, DRS, ODIs all impacted

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced changes to the playing conditions across all three formats of men’s international cricket. Some of these changes are already implemented in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, while the new rules in white-ball formats will be effective from July 2.

The WTC 2025-27 cycle began with the Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India and England are currently involved in a five-match Test series. Australia, who lost the recent final match, began their next campaign with a Test series against the West Indies in away conditions on Wednesday, June 25.

Stop Clock Introduced in Tests, Revised Saliva Rule, and Ball Change Protocol

A stop clock, which is already in use in white-ball formats, is now part of Test cricket to tackle slow over rates. The fielding side must start a new over within 60 seconds. Umpires will issue two warnings before imposing a five-run penalty for subsequent delays. The clock will reset every 80 overs, reported ESPNCricinfo.

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The use of saliva to shine the ball remains prohibited, but umpires are no longer obligated to change the ball immediately if saliva is applied. They will assess whether the ball’s condition has been altered. However, application of saliva will still result in a five-run penalty awarded to the batting side.

ICC Updates DRS Rules and Playing Conditions Across Formats

The ICC has introduced important updates to its playing conditions, particularly regarding the Decision Review System (DRS).

If a batter is given out caught but opts for a review, and replays show there was no contact with the bat and the ball struck the pad, the third umpire will now assess the LBW using the original “out” decision. Even if ball-tracking shows an “umpire’s call,” the batter will still be declared out.

Third umpires are now required to assess the fairness of a catch even if the delivery is ultimately ruled a no-ball. If the catch is clean, only the no-ball run will be awarded. However, if the catch is not taken fairly, any additional runs completed by the batters will also count.

In cases involving multiple simultaneous appeals, such as an LBW and a run-out, the third umpire will now review the incidents in the order they occurred. If the first appeal results in a dismissal, the ball is considered dead, and the subsequent appeal will not be reviewed.

Stricter Penalties for Short Runs, Injury Substitutes Trial, and ODI Ball Change Update

Batters who deliberately run short will now face stricter consequences. In addition to the existing five-run penalty, the fielding team will be given the right to decide which batter remains on strike for the next delivery. However, accidental or aborted runs without deceptive intent will not be penalized.

A new trial will allow full-time player replacements in domestic first-class matches for players suffering clear external injuries, such as broken bones or facial injuries. These substitutes will be allowed full participation in the match. This rule will not apply to internal injuries or muscle strains.

ODIs will return to using a single ball from the 35th over until the end of the innings. The two-ball rule, introduced to preserve the ball's condition, had limited reverse swing. This change is expected to cause more wear and tear on the ball, helping balance the contest between bat and ball in the latter overs.

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