New ICC Rules comes into play in India-England series

ICC has made few interesting changes to make the one-day cricket more interesting, as the crowds are getting bit bored with 50 over cricket with evolution of Twenty-20 cricket. The amendments were approved by the ICC Executive Board following proposals made by the ICC Cricket Committee at its meeting in London in May.

• Two balls can be used instead of one.
• A batsman can be given out obstructing the field, while a fielder/bowler attempting for a run out.
• All powerplays must be finished within 40 overs.
• No runner will be allowed in any format of the game.
• The minimum interval for an uninterrupted ODI match has been increased from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
• The bowler is permitted to run-out non striker before completing delivery strive.
• Umpires can extend time of play, if there is any possibility of result (Test Cricket).

These entire new rule will be coming in to action form 5-match India-England series will start on October 14 in Hyderabad.

Using two balls, instead of one, will be used in each innings of a match and this new rule will be in action with India-England ODI series.

A new rule has been introduced in all three formats with regard to obstructing the field. As per the new law, on appeal from the fielding team, if the umpire feels that a batsman is running between the wickets changes his direction to escape of getting run-out, cane ruled out for obstructing the field. The batsman should be given out obstructing the field as the on-field umpire will be taking third umpire decision into consideration in giving this decision.

As per the new ICC rules there will be effect to powerplays in 50-over format, the total number of powerplay overs in 20 in ODI. However, first 10 are mandatory and remaining 10 will be bowling powerplay and batting powerplay must be finished with-in 40 overs. The ICC clarified that this powerplay restriction will not apply in reduced games less than 40 overs.

A runner for a batsman shall not be permitted in any of the formats of the game, unless nine wickets are down. Unless the injured or ill batsman will have the option of retiring hurt and returning to bat in the final stage should the need or opportunity arise. And also there will be calculation of the period for which an injured or ill player who has been absent from the field shall not be permitted to bowl or bat, i.e., penalty time (Tests, ODIs and T20Is), the ICC clarified.

In Tests, the umpires may now decide to play 15 minutes a minimum of four overs extra time at the scheduled lunch or tea interval of any day if either captain of the requested to play. If the umpires do not believe a result can be achieved, no extra time shall be allowed. In Test cricket, the playing conditions now provide that if 9 wickets are down at the time of the scheduled lunch interval, the interval shall be delayed by a maximum of 30 minutes as it is with tea interval.

The minimum interval in ODI’s is increased from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. Earlier, the bowler could only run-out a non-striker batsmen backing up, if he is done with his delivery stride.