Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The ICC has introduced a trial allowing pink balls to be used in daytime Test matches, along with stricter penalties for batters who waste time, as part of a series of changes to international cricket’s Playing Conditions from October 1.
The pink-ball trial is aimed at reducing the loss of playing time due to bad light. Teams can use a pink ball only if both sides agree before the start of the Test. Once the decision is made, the ball colour cannot be changed during the match.
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The ICC has also tightened rules around time-wasting by batters in men’s cricket. A batter who is not ready to face the next delivery within the prescribed time will receive a warning for the first offence and a final warning for the second. A third offense, and every offence after that, will result in five penalty runs being awarded to the fielding team. Repeated offences could also lead to action under the Code of Conduct.
BATTERS FACE PENALTIES
Time-wasting came into focus during the Lord’s Test between India and England in 2025. India captain Shubman Gill had alleged that his confrontation with Zak Crawley was linked to Crawley and Ben Duckett arriving at the crease late while trying to see out the final over of Day 3.
Under the new rule, batters will have to be ready within the prescribed time before facing the next delivery. The first offense will bring a warning, the second a final warning, while the third and subsequent offences will cost the fielding team five penalty runs.
WOMEN GET NEW BALLS
The ICC has introduced tighter limits on the size and weight of balls used in women’s international cricket.
Three separate specifications will now apply to men’s, women’s, and junior cricket. The change comes after manufacturers have often produced a single ball for use in women’s and junior cricket.
OVERTHROW RULE CLARIFIED
The ICC has also clarified what counts as an overthrow. An overthrow will be an attempt to direct the ball towards the stumps to prevent runs or complete a run-out.
A misfield, whether a fielder is trying to stop the ball or pass it to another fielder, will not be considered an overthrow.
The rules around when a ball is considered “finally settled” have also been changed. The ball does not necessarily have to be in the bowler’s or wicketkeeper’s hands for it to be considered settled.
For a run-out or stumping, a fielder must have complete control of the ball. Simply touching the ball with a hand as it breaks the stumps will not be enough.
PINK BALL GETS DAYTIME TRIAL
Teams can now agree to use a pink ball in a daytime Test to reduce the amount of play lost because of bad light.
The decision must be made before the Test begins and cannot be changed once the match is underway. Switching from a red ball to a pink ball during the Test will not be allowed.
FINAL OVER CAN CONTINUE
A wicket in the final over of the day will no longer automatically bring play to an end if the over has not been completed.
If weather and playing conditions allow, the remaining deliveries will be bowled on the same day. The ICC said the change will prevent time from being lost, as those deliveries would otherwise have to be played at the start of the following day.
T20 BREAK FIXED
T20Is will now have a fixed 15-minute interval, although it can be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes if playing time has been lost.
The ODI and T20I playing conditions have also been aligned to allow the head coach or their designate to enter the field during drinks intervals.
The leg-side wide trial has also been made a permanent part of the ODI and T20I playing conditions.
The new rules apply to international series beginning on October 1 or later. Series already underway will continue under the previous playing conditions.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
