In a sweeping transformation set to reshape the dynamics of international cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the introduction of revised playing conditions across all formats. These updates, scheduled to roll out starting June 2025, feature a major overhaul in One Day Internationals (ODIs), stricter concussion substitute regulations, and minor amendments in boundary catches and Decision Review System (DRS) provisions. The ICC’s communique, dispatched to all member nations, emphasizes that these measures are effective from the beginning of next month in Tests, with white-ball formats to follow in July.
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ODIs Embrace One-Ball Strategy Once Again
A headline alteration within the revised playing conditions is the reintroduction of a single-ball finish in ODIs, effectively ending the dual-ball format that has been standard in 50-over cricket for years. Presently, each innings begins with two new balls—one from each end. However, the ICC has opted to restore the traditional approach with a modern twist.
“There will be two new balls for overs 1 to 34. After over 34 is completed and prior to the start of over 35, the fielding team will choose one of the two balls to be used for overs 35 to 50. The chosen ball will be used at both ends for the remainder of the match (unless it needs to be changed),” the ICC stated.
In shortened contests of 25 overs or fewer, each team will begin their innings with just one new ball. This pivotal modification is expected to significantly influence reverse swing, death-overs strategy, and overall match conditions, offering a throwback to an era when bowlers had more influence late in the game.
Concussion Replacement Regulations Enhanced
Alongside changes in equipment protocols, player safety sees renewed attention. The ICC has redefined the concussion substitution mechanism, mandating that each team must pre-register a list of five potential substitutes before the toss. This includes specific roles: one wicketkeeper, one batter, a pace bowler, a spinner, and an all-rounder.
Should an extraordinary case arise wherein a concussion substitute also sustains a concussion, the ICC has allowed flexibility. “Under an exceptional and rare circumstance,” the ICC noted, “whereby a replacement concussion player gets concussed and needs to be replaced, the match referee will deal with the situation and consider a replacement outside of the five nominated replacement players. The existing like-for-like protocols will apply in this situation.” This framework aims to preserve competitive balance while prioritizing player well-being.
Minor Tweaks in Catching and Review Systems
Although details remain forthcoming, the ICC has confirmed that there will be refinements to boundary catch regulations and DRS functionality. While the specifics are yet to be publicly disclosed, sources indicate these will involve nuanced clarifications rather than fundamental overhauls.
Transition Timeline and Key Fixtures
The ICC has laid out a clear implementation roadmap for these revised playing conditions. For Test matches, the changes take effect with the start of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The inaugural game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle, beginning June 17, will be the first to witness the updated guidelines in action.
ODI reforms will be introduced with the first match of the same bilateral series in Colombo on July 2, while the T20Is will adopt the changes from July 10.
Importantly, the WTC Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s on June 11 will be governed by the current rules. The freshly ratified regulations will only come into force from the next WTC cycle.
CEC Greenlights Changes Without Referral to Working Group
Interestingly, what was initially perceived to be a proposal requiring a working group review has already been greenlit by the ICC’s Chief Executives Committee (CEC). This decision bypasses the traditional wait period, allowing for immediate enforcement. The yet-to-be-established working group is now expected to deliberate on the structure of future Under-19 World Cups—whether they will continue as 50-over contests, shift to T20s, or adopt a hybrid format. Their findings are anticipated before the ICC Annual Conference, scheduled from July 17 to 20 in Singapore.
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FAQs
When will the ICC’s new playing conditions come into effect?
The ICC will implement the new playing conditions from June 2025 for Test matches and from July 2025 for ODIs and T20Is.
What is the new one-ball rule in ODIs?
From July, ODIs will start with two new balls, but only one will be used from over 35 to 50, chosen by the fielding side.
How has the ICC changed the concussion substitute rule?
Teams must now nominate five concussion replacements—one each for key roles—before the match begins.
Will the new rules apply to the WTC Final 2025?
No, the WTC Final between Australia and South Africa on June 11 will follow the existing playing conditions.
What other changes has the ICC announced?
The ICC will soon update rules for boundary catches and DRS, along with forming a group to review Under-19 World Cup formats.
