ICC enforces key changes in all formats
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced several important changes to its playing conditions, which will apply across all formats of the men's game. These changes aim to improve the pace and fairness of play and will come into effect from July 2, 2025, for white-ball matches, while some are already active in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Stop clock introduced in Test cricket: After being trialled in limited-overs formats, the stop clock will now be used in Test matches to address slow over rates. The fielding team must be ready to start the next over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending. Umpires will give two warnings before awarding five penalty runs for each further delay. The countdown will reset every 80 overs and will be visible on screen.
Updated saliva rule: The ban on using saliva to shine the ball remains, but umpires will no longer need to change the ball immediately if saliva is applied accidentally. Instead, they will assess whether the condition of the ball has been affected. If the ball behaves unusually but hasn't changed significantly, five penalty runs will be given to the batting side, but the ball will not be replaced. New DRS dismissal protocol: A major change has been made to the Decision Review System (DRS). If a batter is given out caught, but replays show no bat involved, the third umpire will now check for a possible lbw dismissal. If ball-tracking shows the ball hitting the stumps and the decision falls under "umpire's call," the original out decision will still stand.
Catch review allowed on no-ball: If a no-ball is called during a delivery where a catch is taken, the TV umpire will still review the catch. If it's clean, the batting team will only get the run for the no-ball. If it's not a fair catch, the batting side will receive any completed runs as well. These changes are part of the ICC's efforts to modernise the game, make it more efficient, and ensure fairer play across formats.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh in second Test to seal series
Sri Lanka completed a thumping innings and 78-run victory over Bangladesh before lunch on day four of the second Test in Colombo on Saturday, wrapping up the two-match series 1-0. Resuming the day on a precarious 115 for six, the visitors still trailed by 97 runs and needed a minor miracle to avoid an innings defeat. But any hopes of a rearguard were dashed almost immediately. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, under the pump after a wicketless outing in the first innings, struck gold with the fifth ball of the morning as Litton Das edged behind to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis for 14. With that scalp, the last recognised batter was back in the hut and Bangladesh's house of cards came tumbling down soon after. It was a clinical all-round performance by Sri Lanka, who walked away with crucial World Test Championship points in the process. In total, nine wickets fell in the innings to spin, with Tharindu and Dhananjaya de Silva sharing two apiece to go with Jayasuriya's five. Bangladesh though will no doubt feel this was a game they lost control of in the first innings itself, when a sub-par batting effort — followed by some loose bowling — allowed Sri Lanka to take a commanding grip of proceedings. The two sides will now shift focus to the limited-overs leg of the tour, with three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals to follow. In the second Test, none of the visiting batters managed to cross fifty – a far cry from their first Test showing in Galle which ended in a draw on June 21 when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto secured twin centuries. Bangladesh had won the toss on a docile pitch but squandered the advantage, bundled out for 247. Sri Lanka replied in commanding fashion, piling on 458 to take a hefty 211-run first-innings lead. The foundation was laid by a masterclass from opener Pathum Nissanka, who crafted a fluent 158 – his second successive century in the series – while Dinesh Chandimal chipped in with a polished 93. The pair added 194 runs for the second wicket, putting the game firmly in Sri Lanka's control. Bangladesh threatened briefly when the second new ball brought them three quick wickets, but Kusal Mendis steadied the ship with a counterattacking 84, ensuring the hosts didn't let the momentum slip.
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Dates for Asia Cup 2025 revealed
The ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 is tentatively scheduled to take place from September 12 to 28, with India, the designated host, likely to share hosting responsibilities with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the media reports, the UAE and Sri Lanka emerged as front-runners to co-host the event. However, it now appears that the UAE has been finalised as the neutral venue, likely to accommodate any fixture involving Pakistan. This follows a precedent set during past events, such as the Champions Trophy 2025, where India's matches were played in Dubai when Pakistan was the host. Earlier in May, rumours surfaced that India might skip the Asia Cup 2025, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly denied such claims. More recently, a promotional poster for the tournament featuring only India and Sri Lanka began circulating on social media, raising eyebrows over the absence of Pakistan and fueling speculations about their participation, particularly due to the strained political ties between the two neighbouring nations. Given the agreement reached between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last year — which limits their bilateral encounters to only neutral ICC or ACC tournaments — it is clear that a potential India vs Pakistan clash will not be played on Indian soil. Despite the logistical clarity, the biggest question remains India's confirmed participation. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia recently dismissed reports of India boycotting the event, reaffirming that the board is awaiting a nod from the Indian government regarding their participation. "There is no discussion or even a remote thought about boycotting matches. We play Pakistan in the ICC events and it will go on if our government doesn't say otherwise. As for the Asia Cup, we will know in the coming days," a BCCI official said. Interestingly, neither the BCCI nor the PCB objected when the International Cricket Council (ICC) grouped India and Pakistan together for the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup 2025, signalling a possible thaw in cricketing relations. Both boards are believed to be cautious about the potential repercussions of a boycott, as it could affect their standing and participation in future ICC or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events. Improved Nafay Pakistan's emerging wicketkeeper-batter, Khawaja Nafay, shared valuable insights shedding light on his evolving training regime, focus areas, and the inspirational advice he received from cricketing greats. During a media interaction at the ongoing Skills Development Camp, Nafay expressed his satisfaction with the camp's impact, noting significant improvement in both his skills and mindset. "The skills camp has brought significant improvement. I'm working on power-hitting with Abdul Razzaq and also practicing extensively against spinners. We face around 800 balls a day, playing them quickly; it also strengthens our muscles. This practice will benefit us in the future," Nafay said. He reflected on a valuable interaction during the skills development camp, highlighting the inspiring advice he received from a cricket legend. "I got the opportunity to learn from Vivian Richards; he told me that if I play with self-belief, nothing will ever be difficult. Vivian Richards shared that he also played the most challenging shots with confidence in himself," he stated. Looking ahead, the young cricketer is determined to continue the same level of dedication beyond the camp. "I will try to continue training according to this plan even after the camp. The coaches have told me to work on my wicketkeeping as well. I've been advised to stay ready as a wicketkeeper too. I'm preparing myself to play according to all formats," he said. The middle-order batter concluded by highlighting his commitment to becoming a multi-dimensional player. "I will try to continue training according to this plan even after the camp. The coaches have told me to work on my wicketkeeping as well. I've been advised to stay ready as a wicketkeeper too. I'm preparing myself to play according to all formats," he concluded. It is pertinent to mention that the 23-year-old has significant experience in domestic T20 cricket, particularly in major franchise leagues. The right-handed batter has represented Quetta Gladiators in two seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), playing 12 matches and scoring 234 runs at a strike rate of 130.00, including two fifties.
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
South Africa reach 418-9 v Zimbabwe as teenager Pretorius bags debut ton
Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored 153 on debut and Corbin Bosch an unbeaten maiden century as a much-changed South Africa reached 418 for nine on the opening day of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Saturday. After electing to bat, South Africa were in early trouble at 55-4 with the ball nipping around in the fresh morning conditions, but Pretorius, 19, put on 95 for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis (51) to change the course of the innings. Bosch's late burst provided a first Test century for the all-rounder as he finished unbeaten on 100 from 124 balls and will resume on the second day with Kwena Maphaka, who has nine. The touring side have only four starters from the side who won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's this month, with several players rested and captain Temba Bavuma unavailable due to injury. Pretorius' 153 came from 160 balls as the left-hander became the youngest South African to score a century on Test debut, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. Zimbabwe twice felt they had him caught behind, but with no third umpire in operation for the two-game series, their vociferous appeals were turned down with no way to challenge the decisions. Seamer Tanaka Chivanga got early joy for the hosts with an excellent spell of bowling, picking up three wickets in the first session and adding the prized scalp of Pretorius for figures of 4-83. The South African youngster tried to pull a steep bouncer from Chivanga but succeeded only in skying the ball to Wellington Masakadza at mid-on. Chivanga removed openers Tony de Zorzi (0) and Matthew Breetzke (13), and David Bedingham (0) in his first spell, bringing Pretorius to the wicket with the score on 23. Wiaan Mulder (17) looked in good touch before he was run out chasing a quick single, but Brevis and Pretorius shared a quickfire 95-run partnership in 86 balls to swing the momentum South Africa's way. Kyle Verreynne (10) came and went cheaply, before Pretorius and Bosch added 108 for the seventh wicket to put the tourists firmly in control.
