Cricket fans, get ready – the sport you love is about to look different! The ICC has announced some major rule changes that will shake up how the game is played across all formats. As someone who’s watched cricket for over 15 years (and lost count of how many rule changes I’ve seen), these updates actually seem like they could make a real difference.
Let me break down what’s changing and why it matters – in plain English, without all the confusing jargon.
1. The Stop Clock Rule (Finally Fixing Slow Over Rates)
We’ve all been there – watching a Test match crawl along with only 12 overs bowled in an hour. Well, those days might finally be over.
What’s New:
- Fielding teams now have just 60 seconds to start the next over
- First two violations = warnings
- Third violation = 5-run penalty to the batting side
- Resets every 80 overs in Tests
Why This Matters?
Test matches have been getting slower every year. Last summer, I timed one session where only 10 overs were bowled in an hour – ridiculous! This rule should keep the game moving and give fans more action.
2. The Saliva Rule Gets Teeth
Remember when they banned spit-polishing the ball during COVID? That temporary rule is now permanent – with consequences.
Key Changes:
- If umpires spot saliva on the ball, they won’t automatically replace it
- Ball only gets changed if it’s visibly altered (super shiny or wet)
- 5-run penalty if teams are caught deliberately using saliva
My Take:
Bowlers will hate this, but it’s fair. I’ve seen teams try to manipulate ball changes for years – this should stop those tricks.
3. Short Runs Get Serious Consequences
Ever seen a batter “fake” completing a run? That’s about to get much riskier.
New Penalty:
- If umpires think a batter deliberately didn’t complete a run:
- Fielding team chooses which batter faces next
- Plus a 5-run penalty
Why It’s Important:
No more “accidentally” not grounding the bat to keep your best batter on strike. Smart change.
4. DRS Gets Smarter (No More Technical Escapes)
How many times have we seen a batter survive because the review was for the wrong type of dismissal? That loophole is closing.
Big Improvement:
- Now if you review for a catch but it’s actually plumb LBW…
- You’re still out!
Finally! This fixes one of DRS’s most frustrating flaws.
Also Read :- Border Gavaskar Trophy Winners List From 1996 to 2025
5. Two Appeals Become One (No More Second Chances)
The review system is getting streamlined:
- If the first review shows you’re out, that’s it – no second look
- The ball is immediately dead
Good Move?
Yes – it’ll speed up the game and stop teams from double-dipping on reviews.
6. No-Balls Won’t Save You Anymore
Here’s a scenario that used to drive me crazy:
- Bowler oversteps
- Batter hits a dolly catch
- “Oh wait, it’s a no-ball!” – batter survives
New Rule:
Now they’ll check both:
- If it’s a no-ball and a clean catch, batter is out but gets 1 penalty run
- If not out, batter keeps all runs scored plus the no-ball run
About Time! No more unfair escapes.
7. Like-for-Like Replacements (Beyond Concussion Subs)
This could be controversial:
- Teams can now replace seriously injured players (not just concussions)
- Must be a similar type of player
- Trial phase in first-class cricket first
My Concern:
“Like-for-like” is hard to define. Will teams try to exploit this?
Other Notable Changes:
- ODI Ball Change: New ball after 35 overs (not 25) to help bowlers
- Boundary Catches: Stricter rules on fielders touching the ball outside the rope
Will These Changes Actually Help?
Having covered cricket for years, I’ve seen many “game-changing” rules come and go. But these seem different:
✅ Address real problems (slow play, DRS flaws)
✅ Balance bat vs ball better
✅ Make the game fairer overall
The stop clock rule alone could shave hours off Test matches. And fixing the DRS loopholes? Long overdue.
