new rules in ODI
By…. M WASI SHAH
ISLAMABAD
ICC is all set to make changes to the playing conditions in ODI cricket to reintroduce reverse swing, restore balance between bat and ball and make the ODI format more interesting and fun for the fans and draw more audience.
ICC is of the opinion to change the two balls rule in use since October 2011 and replace it with the new rule. Recommendation was made by the ICC men’s cricket committee to board chief executives. Each innings will start with two new balls same as the current rule . But in the new recommendation, the fielding side will be allowed to select which ball they wish to carry on with after the 34th over, when both balls are 17 overs old. The ball that is not chosen will then be kept as the spare ball in case it is needed.
The other recommendation is bringing 60 second stop clock in Test cricket. Same rule is in the paly, to combat slow over-rates in T20Is and ODIs since last year, where teams running behind time are penalised in various ways, including by bringing one extra fielder within the 30-yard circle.
There was also discussion in the committee about switching the Under-19 men’s World Cup, currently played in the 50-over format, to T20s or paly in hybrid format. Due to the lack of consensus this rule needs require formal approval by the ICC board.
