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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning some huge changes in the game, and these new ideas could completely change the picture in the future. The ICC is discussing several important rule changes across the formats—Test cricket, ODIs, and T20Is.
These new proposals were recently discussed during a virtual meeting of the ICC Chief Executives Committee, where former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was also present as the head of the ICC Cricket Committee. Now, the final decision is expected to be taken during the ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad on May 30, and the new rules could start from October 1 if they get approval.
ICC considers red ball to pink ball switch in Test cricket
As reported by Cricbuzz, one of the biggest changes under discussion is over the ball in the Test cricket. The International Cricket Council is thinking about allowing teams to switch from the traditional red ball to the pink ball during a normal Test match if rain or bad weather affects play and the match has to continue under lights.
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Presently, pink balls are used only in day-night Test matches, but now there's the idea to bring pink balls into regular Test matches too. However, this will not happen automatically. Both teams will have to agree before the series starts if they are comfortable with this rule.
ICC plans to allow head coaches onto the field during ODIs
Another big proposal is for the coaches that would help the teams in a big way during the international games. Presently, only substitute players are allowed to enter the field during drinks breaks in ODI cricket, and coaches usually stay outside the boundary ropes.
But the ICC now wants to allow head coaches to walk onto the field during drinks intervals and directly speak with players about tactics and plans. However, it is still not confirmed whether the head coach will also have to wear the team jersey.
As per the current rules, any person entering the field with drinks must be dressed in proper cricket uniform. However, this change is proposed for ODIs, not Test cricket. This already happens in T20I cricket, where coaches can communicate with players during strategic breaks.
T20I innings break could be reduced
There is also a major change being planned for T20Is. The government wants to reduce the innings break from 20 minutes to only 15 minutes. This means teams will get five minutes less to rest, discuss plans, and prepare for the second innings.
ICC aims to control illegal bowling actions with HawkEye rule
The ICC is also trying to become stricter with illegal bowling actions. Under another proposed rule, on-field umpires could soon get direct access to HawkEye technology during matches to check bowlers with suspicious actions immediately.
At present, bowlers are usually reported after the match if their action looks doubtful. But this new system could help officials monitor such cases during live matches itself. There is still no clarity on how this system will work, but the ICC is serious about controlling illegal bowling actions more strictly at the highest level.
All these proposed changes are now expected to get a green signal from the ICC Board on May 30 during the meeting in Ahmedabad.
