The cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced new rules that would be effective in the upcoming cricket matches and are likely to have a major impact on the gameplay.

ICC has made an announcement for multiple changes to the current playing conditions to which ICC Cricket committee led by BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly gave affirmation on this. Reportedly, the new playing rules will come into effect from October 1, 2022.

Announcement of the new rules ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 tournament can hugely turn the game, making a significant impact on the game.

The major focus of the rules is that ‘Mankad’ (bowler running the non-striker out) would no longer be considered under the ‘Unfair Play’ section of the cricket and the player will be considered a legitimate run-out.

Moreover, layering the saliva to shine the cricket ball is prohibited permanently. In the wake of Covid-19, ICC banned the use of saliva on the ball.

However, the use of saliva on the ball will come into force permanently in the upcoming cricket matches. According to the new rules by ICC, the incoming batters would get just 2 minutes to take batting charge on the field after the dismissal of their co-players.

The Redefined Cricket Rules

Since ICC has changed the playing conditions at the crease, have a look at the following rules:

• Mankad won’t be unfair

Running out the non-striker for backing up too much will no longer be taken into unfair means. The mode of dismissal during a match has now shifted from the ‘unfair play’ section to the ‘Run out’ section. Running out a non-striker will be a fair run out during the matches.

• Ban on Saliva

Many cricketers used to polish the ball with their saliva which is now permanently banned in international cricket. For the first time in 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak, this rule will be implemented permanently and players can’t practice layering saliva to generate swings.

However, the players can continue using their sweat before throwing the ball to the opponent’s batter.

• Batter Returning When Caught

Right after the batter is caught on the field, the new batter will have to take the strike, irrespective of whether the two batters cross each other on the pitch during the dismissal.

Previously, when the batter crossed the non-striker before catching, the non-striker was permitted to take the strike.

• Incoming Batter Prepared to Face the Next Ball

After the dismissal of a batter on the pitch, the incoming batter will only have 2 minutes to settle on the ground and take the following strike in both ODIs and tests.

• Bowler throwing the ball at the striker’s end before the delivery

As per the rule, a bowler won’t be allowed to attempt to run out a batter at the end of the striker if he is advancing down the wicket before the delivery stride of the bowler. Earlier, the bowler had the right to attempt a run-out; it will now be considered a dead ball.

• Striker’s Right to Play the Ball

During the gameplay, batters will need to hold some part of their bat on their body within the pitch while encountering a delivery. If a batter stands beyond the pitch, it’ll be considered a dead ball. If a batter encounters a delivery that compels him/her to leave the pitch, it will be considered a no-ball.

• 5 Runs Penalty for Unfair Fielding Moves

If a fielder makes any attempt to distract the batter by the fielding side with unfair movement on the ground while the bowler will run in for the delivery, it will result in a 5 runs penalty. The batter will get five runs on their side and the delivery will be considered a dead ball.

• Slow Over Rate Penalty

In January 2022, ICC brought a new in-match penalty for the playing teams who fail to complete their overs in the allotted time in T20Is. If the fielding team is unable to bowl their overs within the dedicated time, it’ll lead to an additional fielder being brought inside the fielding circle to bowl for the remaining overs during the match.

This rule will come into force in the ODI matches as well following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League in 2023. This rule has already cost many matches to a few teams for keeping slow over rate.

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