ICC make some changes in cricket which are important for cricket fans to understand. Some of the changes are interesting. These changes are already implemented to ongoing WTC cycle. Whereas in white ball cricket, the changes will implement from 2nd July.
If you
are a passionate cricket fan, then these rules are important to understand. ICC
changes 7 cricket rules including stop clock, no ball, concussion replacements
etc. These rules are explained below:
1. Stop
Clock Introduced in Test Cricket
Like in
white ball cricket, ICC now introduced stop clock rule in test cricket as well.
This rule is very helpful in avoiding slow over rates, long time standing.
Sometimes fielding team take more time in settling the field positions and
bowling changes which might be frustrating for batsmen, but now ICC introduced
stop clock rule in test cricket which should be helpful in time management.
New
Rule:
- The bowling team must start a new over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending.
- Umpires will issue two warnings per innings to fielding side.
- A third violation leads to a five-run penalty being awarded to the batting side.
- Warnings reset after every 80 overs as the new ball available.
Why it
matters:
This
rule is a major step to ensure that Test matches run at a consistent pace and
reduce the number of lost overs. Fans have often criticized the game for
dragging during long sessions. With this change, fielding sides will be under
constant pressure to stay on their toes.
2. Deliberate
Short Runs Now Penalized
Deliberate
short runs, where a batter knowingly fails to ground their bat or body behind
the crease while running, have become a serious concern for fairness. But now
ICC announce new rule which makes a fair game.
New
Rule:
- A deliberate short run will now result in a five-run penalty against the batting side.
- Additionally, the fielding captain can choose which batter faces the next delivery.
Impact:
This
update puts a stop to unsporting tactics and unfair gameplay. It also adds a
tactical advantage to the bowling side, especially in tight situations where
every ball counts.
3. No
Ball Rule
ICC
make major change in no ball related rule. This rule indicates that if a
batsmen catch out by a fielder but no ball happens, then there are some cases
which decides whether the runs scored while running between wickets will
consider or not. This rule is explained below:
New
Rule:
- If a batsmen catch out by a fielder but no ball happens, then if the catch is clear so the runs scored while running will not consider only an extra run of no ball will be consider.
- On the other hand, if catch is not clear then the runs scored by batsmen while running will also consider.
Benefit:
This
rule brings fairness in the game for both batting and fielding sides.
Especially for fielding side, this rule is helpful in maintaining a fair
gameplay.
4. Change
in DRS & Review Rules
Before
the change in rule, it happens that if batsmen given out for a caught behind
appeal by on-field umpire but the review shows that the ball touch pads not bat
then, in such case the decision was overturned and batsmen remains not out. Now
ICC make change in this rule which is described below:
- If batsmen given out for a caught behind appeal by on-field umpire, but review shows that the ball touches pads first not bat, then also the LBW will check in such case and then a final decision will make.
- In this situation, while checking LBW the original decision will be out because it was early given out by umpire.
Benefit:
In
nowadays cricket where conditions are favorable for batting, this rule is very
helpful for fielding side and encourages the spirit of game.
5.
Saliva Ban Continues with Clarity
Ever
since COVID-19, using saliva on the ball has been banned. But confusion
remained on how ball tampering through saliva would be treated. Before the
change in rule, if fielding team want to change the ball, they just apply
saliva and get new ball. But now with the change in rule, if such act performs
by fielding side, they will be penalized but also the ball will not be change
by umpires despite the ball produce extra movement.
New
Rule:
- If a player intentionally uses saliva, umpires may continue play unless the ball is visibly affected or produce extra movement.
- In serious cases, the batting team can be awarded five penalty runs.
Outcome:
Only in case of clear consequences the rule will apply, however in minor or unintentional case, there will be no implementation of rule.
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6. Combined
Reviews
ICC
make a big change in case of combined reviews. According to this rule, now if
batsmen is suspected to be out in a mode of dismissal e.g. LBW and also there
is an another appeal for visible mode of dismissal e.g. runout then in such
situation, if the first appeal turns out to be out then there will be no check
on second appeal but if the first appeal turns out to be not out only then the
second appeal will check.
New
Rule:
- Reviews will be analyzed in the exact sequence of events. for example, LBW before runout.
- If a batter is dismissed by the first mode of dismissal in a review, the second appeal will not override it.
Example:
If a
batter is given LBW out, and the review also shows a close run out, the
original LBW decision stands, regardless of the run out.
7.
Injury & Concussion Substitutes Improved
The
safety of players is a growing priority. During fielding, if injury happens in
an ongoing match, then there will be a like-to-like concussion replacement for
that player, but for now this rule is only implemented to domestic and first
class matches and all the cricket boards are recommended to apply this rule in
domestic cricket. It is important to note that this rule will implement only in
case of visible injury.
- Mandatory concussion substitutes will remain, with better medical protocols.
- Trials for like-for-like injury substitutes are being extended in domestic and first-class matches.
Benefit:
This
rule promotes player well-being while ensuring fairness. Teams can now compete
on equal terms even after losing a key player mid-match.
Final
Thoughts
These
changes by ICC are made to maintain fair gameplay and spirit of game. It also
encourages fans to watch fair enough gameplay. These rules are made for
betterment of gameplay and helpful for both fielding and batting sides.
As the
cricketing world adapts to these changes, it will be interesting to see how
teams and players adjust their strategies, especially in high-pressure
situations.