The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a number of new rules for international cricket that will come into effect from May 2023. The changes are designed to make the game more exciting and engaging for fans, while also ensuring that it remains fair and competitive.
Some of the key changes include:
- A ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball. This is a temporary measure that was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has now been made permanent. The ICC believes that the ban will make the game fairer, as it will prevent bowlers from gaining an unfair advantage by using saliva to make the ball more difficult to grip.
- A change to the rules around timed out. Previously, an incoming batsman had three minutes to take strike after the previous batsman had been dismissed. Under the new rules, this time limit has been reduced to two minutes. If the batsman does not take strike within two minutes, the fielding team can appeal for timed out and the batsman will be given out.
- A change to the rules around the return of batsmen after a catch has been taken. Previously, if a batsman was out caught and the other batsman had crossed before the catch was taken, the new batsman would come in at the non-striker's end. Under the new rules, the new batsman will now come in at the same end as the batsman who was out caught.
- A change to the rules around the use of hybrid pitches. Hybrid pitches are a type of pitch that is made up of a mixture of natural and artificial grass. The ICC has now amended the Playing Conditions to allow for the use of hybrid pitches in international cricket, if both teams agree.
The ICC believes that these changes will make the game more exciting and engaging for fans, while also ensuring that it remains fair and competitive.
Ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball
The ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball is one of the most significant changes. This is because saliva is a key tool that bowlers use to make the ball more difficult to grip, which can give them an unfair advantage. The ICC believes that the ban will make the game fairer and more competitive.
Change to the rules around timed out
The change to the rules around timed out is another significant change. This is because it will put more pressure on batsmen to take strike quickly after a dismissal. This could lead to more exciting finishes to innings.
Change to the rules around the return of batsmen after a catch has been taken
The change to the rules around the return of batsmen after a catch has been taken is a minor change, but it could have an impact on how teams manage their batting lineups. Under the new rules, teams will need to be more careful about who they send out to bat, as they will no longer be able to bring in a new batsman at the non-striker's end if the other batsman is out caught.
Change to the rules around the use of hybrid pitches
The change to the rules around the use of hybrid pitches is a positive development for the game. Hybrid pitches offer a good balance between natural and artificial grass, which can lead to more even contests. This could make the game more exciting for fans and could also help to reduce the number of injuries to bowlers.
Overall, the new rules announced by the ICC are positive for the game. They are designed to make the game more exciting and engaging for fans, while also ensuring that it remains fair and competitive.