To give a modern touch and improve fairness, the ICC has introduced plenty of changes to cricket’s playing conditions across various formats.
The new updates include employing a stop clock in Test matches, refurbishing DRS protocols, and reconsidering the use of saliva on the ball, with the aim of streamlining the match process and minimising gaps. When you play fantasy cricket, you must know the latest updates regarding the matches. This will help you to draft a solid fantasy team.
This article highlights a deeper explanation of these rules.
Stop‑Clock Introduced in Test Cricket
Slow over‑rate is one of the prime concerns for Test matches. Now, the ICC has adopted the white-ball ‘stop‑clock’ in Tests from the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
- Mechanism: An electronic clock is introduced on the screen, which will count upward from 0 to 60 seconds between overs.
- Enforcement: The fielding team should start their gameplay within 60 seconds of the ball hitting the boundary.
- Penalties: If the field side receives two warnings, a five-run penalty will be added to the batting side for each delay. Warnings reset every 80 overs.
- Objective: Designed to curb time-wasting and keep sessions on track, aligning over-rate penalties more directly with match flow (as opposed to delayed sanction models like WTC point deductions).
2. Saliva Ban: No Mandatory Ball Replacement
During the COVID-19 period, the ICC prohibited using saliva on the surface of the ball to give a shinning effect. This rule was made permanent in March 2022.
- Key update: Umpires don’t need to replace the ball if saliva is detected. Now, they only evaluate whether the ball is overly shine or wet.
- Why this matters: This removes a loophole where teams might deliberately apply saliva to force a fresh ball. It shifts ball replacement discretion to umpires rather than an automatic trigger.
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3. DRS Tweaks: Secondary Review & Combined Decisions
The Decision Review System sees significant tweaks to support fairer adjudication.
A. Secondary Review Protocol
- Scenario: A batter is given out caught behind; the review overturns it, showing the ball only touched the pad.
- Old rule: The LBW check would default to “not out” – even if ball tracking indicated marginal “umpire’s call.”
- New rule: The system treats the batter as “originally out.” If ball tracking yields “umpire’s call,” the decision now goes in the bowler’s favor, and the batter is given out.
- Impact: Promotes accuracy and consistency – the batter shouldn’t benefit from procedural quirks.
B. Fairness of Catches Off No‑Balls
- Previous approach: If a no-ball was detected, the third umpire would not review whether a catch was fair.
- New approach: The third umpire will check catch fairness. If fair, the batting side gets only the no-ball extra; if not, they get whatever runs were completed on the field.
- Significance: Protects the integrity of catches and prevents premature wickets from being celebrated.
4. Deliberate Short Runs: Tougher Enforcement
Deliberate short runs, running a lesser distance to take an extra run—are now subject to heavier scrutiny.
- Definition: Attempt for batters to appear to run more than one run, while at least one batter deliberately does not make good their ground.
- Penalties: The batting team loses five runs, and the fielding captain chooses which batter takes a strike.
- Purpose: Deters subtle exploitation of running rules to gain unfair millimetres of advantage.
5. Full‑Time Replacement Players in Domestic First-Class
A trial has been approved allowing full-time replacements in domestic first-class matches (including Tests by boards’ discretion) when a cricketer suffers a serious external injury (e.g., a blow causing visible injury).
- Criteria: Replacement must be like‑for‑like (as in concussion subs); hamstring pulls or minor strains do not qualify
- Rationale: Promotes fairness, acknowledges injuries beyond player control, and preserves team balance and spectator interest.
6. White‑Ball Cricket: Boundary/Law and One‑Ball in ODIs
Though your question focused on Tests, ICC noted additional changes in formats beyond June 26.
- One‑ball rule in ODIs: From the 35th over, teams choose one of the two balls to finish the innings – aiming to reintroduce reverse‑swing and strategic ball management.
- Boundary/Law tweaks and concussion sub updates were also announced but are set to take effect from July 2 in ODIs & T20Is.
Conclusion
These updates, ranging from the Test match stop‑clock to saliva‑rule discretion, DRS precision, and fairer review timelines — signal an ICC determined to both preserve cricket’s authenticity and adapt for clarity in the digital, broadcast‑driven era.
As the changes roll out across formats and boards, they will guide strategic adaptations and redefine how players and officials approach every session, run, and delivery.
And when you track and bet on these unfolding innovations, keep an eye on MyChamp11, a safe fantasy sports app in India. Here you will get all the updates on game‑changing rules, match forecasts, and many more. Now, build your team and win a lot.
