The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced several new rule changes to improve the pace and fairness of Test matches.
These rules came into effect with the start of the 2025–2027 World Test Championship, beginning with the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test in Galle.
What Is the ‘Stop Clock’ Rule?
The stop clock has been introduced to deal with slow over rates. According to the new rule:
- After one over ends, the fielding team must be ready to start the next one within a minute
- A digital timer will be displayed in the stadium to count these 60 seconds.
- If the fielding team delays more than twice, they will get two warnings.
- On the third delay, the batting side will get five penalty runs.
- After 80 overs, the warning count will reset to zero.
- This rule aims to speed up the game and prevent time-wasting.
What’s the New Rule for Short Runs?
- The ICC also updated the rule for short runs, especially when it’s done deliberately. Here’s what happens under the new rule:
- If umpires believe the batter deliberately skipped making the crease at one end to fake a run, all runs for that delivery will be cancelled.
- The fielding team will get 5 penalty runs.
- It will be up to the umpire to choose which batter remains on strike for the next ball.
- Any valid no-ball or wide will still be counted.
- The aim is to stop any intentional mischief by batters trying to trick the umpire or steal runs.
Saliva Ban Continues
- The use of saliva to shine the ball is still not allowed, as the ban remains in place.
- However, umpires are no longer required to change the ball if they spot saliva on it.
Summary of the Changes:
- Stop Clock: 60-second countdown between overs. Third delay = 5 penalty runs.
- Deliberate Short Run: No runs awarded, fielding team gets 5 runs, umpire decides striker.
- Saliva Ban: Still active, but ball change not required.
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