The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced major updates to ODI cricket rules, focusing on the use of two new balls and concussion substitute policy. These changes, proposed by the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, have been approved by the Chief Executives’ Committee and will take effect from June 17 in Tests, July 2 in ODIs, and July 10 in T20Is.
As per the revised ODI cricket rule change, a match will now start with two new balls—one from each end—but only until the 34th over. After the completion of 34 overs, the bowling team will have to choose one of the two balls to use from both ends for the remaining overs. Earlier, both balls were used for 25 overs each throughout the full 50-over innings. For games where the innings is scheduled for 25 overs or fewer before the start, only one ball will be used from the beginning.
Another key ODI cricket rule change includes a more structured process for concussion substitutes. Before the start of a match, each team must nominate five possible replacement players: one wicketkeeper, one batter, one pace bowler, one spinner, and one all-rounder. This rule follows a controversial incident earlier in India’s match where Harshit Rana was brought in as a concussion sub and took 3 wickets. The decision sparked debate over fair substitution. Now, such substitutes must be from the pre-nominated list. If a substitute also gets injured, a replacement from outside the list may be allowed, but only with the match referee’s approval.
The ICC believes these adjustments will improve fairness in play and reduce confusion during critical match moments.
