No more two new balls in ODIs? Here’s what ICC is considering

There has been a lot of discussion over the future of ODI cricket in the last few years. Responding to the concerns, ICC is discussing some of the possible changes to the format. Moreover, there could be some changes seen in Test cricket as well. Recommendations were discussed at the recent ICC meetings in Harare.

ODI recommendations

Sourav Ganguly, heading ICC men’s cricket committee, recommended to use only one ball from the 35th over of an innings. The recommendations were made to board chief executives.

As per the plan, each innings will start with two new balls as usual. However, the bowling side will be allowed to select which ball to bowl with after the 34th over till the end of the inning. The other ball will be kept as a spare ball in case it is needed.

It is understood that the committee was considering making the ball change even earlier, after 25 overs. However, that did not find much acceptance within the committee.

Feedback from the boards

The boards are now expected to submit their feedback on the issue in a couple of weeks. If a consensus is reached, the recommendations will be formalised in the playing conditions at the ICC’s annual general meeting in July. The decision won’t need to be approved by the ICC’s board as it deals with playing-condition change only.

Timer in Tests

Another matter discussed in the meeting was the topic of timers. A 60-second stop clock might be used in Test cricket to speed up the game. It has already been implemented in T20Is and ODIs since last year. Teams are penalised for running behind time by bringing one extra fielder within the 30-yard circle.

However, Test cricket is different from limited-overs cricket. It does not have field restrictions to the degree of white-ball cricket.

Under-19 Men’s World Cup

It was also discussed to change the format of the Under-19 Men’s World Cup from the 50-over format to T20. However, a consensus wasn’t reached on the matter. It would also require formal approval by the ICC board.

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