ICC Announces Major Rule Overhaul for 2025-26 Cricket Season

Some of the rules are about to undergo significant modifications by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 2025–2026 cricket season will see the implementation of the amendments to each format. The change in ODIs and T20Is will take effect in July, although these regulations will be implemented in Test matches starting in June, before the commencement of the WTC Cycle 2025–27.

Two new balls have been used in the format since 2011, following the conclusion of the ODI World Cup. The ICC has chosen to reinstate the single ball usage rule in ODIs, which was in place before 2011, citing concerns over the absence of reverse swing and spinners finding it difficult to participate in the game because of the rapid style of batting.

In ODI cricket, the ICC has concentrated on the single-ball rule. According to the guidelines, the ICC has communicated to its members, saying, "There will be two new balls for overs 1 to 34. After over 34 is completed and before the start of over 35, the fielding team will choose one of the two balls to be used for overs 35 to 50. The chosen ball will be used at both ends for the remainder of the match (unless it needs to be changed)."

New Cricket Season Era:

Two balls per innings in a 50-over match was the previous regulation. According to it, throughout the full 50 overs, the fielding team would receive fresh balls from both ends of an over. According to the ICC, certain of the current playing conditions will not alter in the meantime. It stated, "A replacement ball at any time during the innings will be one of similar conditions to the ball that needs to be replaced. Note that the ball not used for overs 35 to 50 in the match will be added to the replacement ball supply."

Before the game begins, teams will designate a batsman, a wicketkeeper, a spinner, a pacer, and an all-rounder as their concussion substitutes. The match referee, however, has the authority to permit a player who is not among the five players listed to be used as the new concussion substitutes if any of them get hurt during the game, so long as their skill sets are complementary.

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