The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a couple of changes in the playing conditions of Cricket. The Chief Executive Committee implemented it after the recommendations by the Men’s Cricket Committee led by Sourav Ganguly. The matter was also discussed with the Women’s Cricket Committee to update the 3rd Edition of the 2017 Code of the laws of Cricket.
“It was an honour chairing my first meeting of the ICC Cricket Committee. I was pleased with the productive contribution of the Committee members, which resulted in key recommendations being made. I thank all members for their valuable input and suggestions,” Ganguly stated in the official release.
Here are the changes ICC announced and will soon come into effect.
Batters returning when caught:
Now the batter gets caught the new player will be the striker regardless if he crossed the pitch or not.
Use of Saliva to polish the ball:
The prohibition of using saliva to polish the ball was implemented earlier as a Covid protocol. It will be banned with the same implication and protocol.
Timing for an incoming batter to face the ball:
The batter will have to be ready to face the ball within two minutes in Test and ODI matches. The timing for T20I remains unchanged at 90 seconds.
Right to play the ball:
The batter and their bat should be within certain parts of the pitch, if not it will be considered a dead ball. Any ball bowled that leads the batter out of the pitch will be considered a no-ball.
Running out of non-striker:
The Playing Conditions, under the Laws, have moved this method of effecting a Run out from the ‘Unfair Play’ section to the ‘Run out’ section.
Bowler throwing towards striker’s ends before delivery:
Previously, a bowler could throw the ball to attempt to run out the striker if they saw the batter advance down the wicket before entering their delivery stride. It is now known as a Dead ball.
These rules will be implemented in the game from 1st of October.
