International cricket has entered a new phase of rule changes, with 10 revised provisions coming into effect from 1 October 2026. The changes cover a range of issues, including time-wasting by batters, the specifications of cricket balls, fielding situations, dead-ball decisions and playing conditions in different formats.
The revised rules apply to international series beginning on or after 1 October. Series that were already under way before that date will continue under the previous playing conditions. The changes apply across men’s and women’s international cricket, while corresponding amendments to the Laws of Cricket issued by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have also been incorporated.
The upcoming World Test Championship series between Australia and South Africa will be played under the revised provisions.
Sourav Ganguly, chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, said the amendments address several important aspects of modern cricket, particularly the treatment of the ball, fielding situations and measures intended to improve the pace of play. He said the changes had been considered carefully to ensure that playing conditions remain suited to the modern game while preserving consistency and the integrity of cricket.
1. Tougher penalties for batters who delay play
The rules governing batters who are not ready to face the next delivery have been clarified.
A batter who fails to be ready within the stipulated period will receive a first warning. A second offence will result in a final warning. From the third offence onwards, the fielding side will be awarded five penalty runs each time the delay occurs.
Repeated incidents may also lead to action under the relevant code of conduct. The measure is intended to discourage avoidable delays between deliveries and help maintain the pace of a match.
2. Separate ball standards for men’s, women’s and junior cricket
The specifications governing the size and weight of balls used in women’s and junior cricket have been tightened.
Under the revised provisions, separate standards will apply to men’s, women’s and junior cricket. This addresses situations in which manufacturers had previously produced balls that could be used across more than one category.
The change provides clearer specifications for the equipment used at different levels of the game.
3. Greater clarity over overthrows
The revised rules also provide a clearer definition of an overthrow.
If a fielder throws the ball towards the stumps while attempting to prevent a run or effect a run-out, any subsequent deflection or movement can be treated as an overthrow. However, a simple mistake while stopping the ball, or an error made while attempting to pass it to another fielder, will not automatically constitute an overthrow.
The clarification is designed to remove uncertainty in situations where the distinction can directly affect the number of runs awarded.
4. Greater discretion over when the ball is dead
Umpires will have greater authority when determining whether the ball has become completely dead.
The decision can be particularly significant in close matches, especially during the final delivery of an innings or a match. Under the revised approach, the ball does not necessarily have to be in the bowler’s or wicketkeeper’s hands for it to be regarded as dead.
This gives umpires a clearer basis for judging when active play has genuinely ended.
5. Full control of the ball required for run-outs and stumpings
The rules have also been clarified around run-outs and stumpings.
For a fielder to be regarded as being in control of the ball when breaking the stumps, the fielder must have complete control of it. Merely touching the ball with a hand as the stumps are broken will not be sufficient to establish control.
The change aims to make decisions more consistent in situations where the ball is moving rapidly and the fielder’s grip is uncertain.
6. Pink ball may be used in daytime Tests
A new experimental provision gives teams the option of using a pink ball in a daytime Test to help reduce interruptions caused by poor light.
Both teams must agree to the use of the pink ball before the Test begins. Once the decision has been made, the same type of ball must be used throughout the match.
The decision cannot be changed after the Test has started, meaning a match cannot switch from a red ball to a pink ball once play is already under way.
7. The final over of the day must be completed
Another change affects the end of a day’s play in Test cricket.
A wicket falling during the final over will no longer, by itself, bring the day’s play to an early close. If weather and ground conditions remain suitable, the remaining deliveries of that over must be completed.
Under the previous approach, stopping play immediately after a wicket could mean that unfinished deliveries had to be played the following day. The revised rule is intended to avoid unnecessary loss of playing time while ensuring that the scheduled over is completed when conditions permit.
8. T20 International interval can be shortened
The standard interval between innings in T20 internationals is now 15 minutes.
However, if time has been lost during the match, the interval can be reduced to as little as 10 minutes. The provision is aimed at helping matches remain within their expected time frame when delays have occurred during play.
9. Head coaches can enter the field during drinks breaks
The rules for drinks breaks in ODIs and T20 internationals have also been aligned.
During a drinks break, the head coach or a person designated by the head coach will be permitted to enter the field. The change brings the two limited-overs formats under the same provision.
10. New wide-ball interpretation becomes permanent
A provision concerning wide deliveries that had previously been used on a trial basis has now become a permanent part of the ODI and T20 International playing conditions.
The rule addresses situations in which a batter changes position before or during the delivery. The intention is to prevent a bowler from being penalised simply because the batter moves across the crease after the bowler has committed to the delivery.
Under the revised interpretation, the position of the batter’s feet at the moment the ball is delivered will be used as the relevant reference point for judging a wide. If the batter subsequently moves towards the off side, that later movement will not alter the reference position.
Changes aimed at a faster and clearer game
Taken together, the 10 amendments cover several recurring areas of uncertainty in international cricket. Some are intended to reduce delays, while others seek to provide umpires, players and officials with clearer guidance in fast-moving situations.
The changes also reflect the differences between the three major formats. Test cricket receives provisions dealing with the ball, bad light and the completion of overs, while ODIs and T20 internationals receive adjustments concerning drinks breaks and wide deliveries.
For players and officials, the practical impact will be felt from the first international series beginning under the new playing conditions. For spectators, some of the most visible changes are likely to involve time-wasting penalties, decisions around wides and the circumstances in which play continues at the end of a day’s Test cricket.