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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a set of major rule changes set to reshape how One Day Internationals (ODIs) and player substitutions are managed in men’s international cricket. These revisions are aimed at improving game balance, player safety, and fairness across formats.
The updates include a reduction in the use of two new balls during ODI innings, a structured concussion substitute system, and a ban on controversial fielding techniques near the boundary ropes. These changes will be implemented in stages: beginning June 17 for Test matches, July 2 for ODIs, and July 10 for T20 Internationals, and currently apply only to men’s international cricket.
New Two-Ball Rule in ODIs
One of the most significant changes comes in the form of modifying the two-new-ball rule in ODIs. Until now, ODIs involved the use of two new balls—one from each end—throughout the entire 50-over innings.
What’s Changing?
- Now, the use of two new balls will be restricted to the first 34 overs of an ODI innings.
- From overs 35 to 50, only one ball—selected by the bowling team—will be used from both ends.
- If an ODI match is reduced to 25 overs or fewer, then only one new ball will be used for the entire innings.
Why This Change Matters
This rule is seen as a move to rebalance the game between bat and ball. Over the years, using two new balls throughout the innings has significantly reduced reverse swing and helped batters dominate the latter half of innings. The new rule aims to reintroduce ball wear, allowing seamers and spinners more leverage toward the end.
New Concussion Substitute Protocol
The ICC has also announced a more structured and transparent process for handling concussion-related substitutions, focusing on fairness and “like-for-like” replacement.
Key Points:
- Teams will now be required to name five substitute players before the start of the match.
- These substitutes must each represent a specific role:
- One wicketkeeper
- One batter
- One seam bowler
- One spin bowler
- One all-rounder
In the event of a player suffering a concussion, a substitute of the same role can be brought into the game. This is aimed at eliminating subjective interpretation and ensuring that teams don’t gain an undue advantage through substitutions.
Emergency Clause
If the named substitute also suffers an injury during the match, the match referee can authorize another replacement from outside the pre-named list.
New Rule for Boundary Catches: “Bunny Hop” Banned
In addition to the two major rule changes, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)—the custodian of the Laws of Cricket—has updated laws around fielding and catching near the boundary.
What’s Been Banned?
The rule targets the controversial “bunny hop” technique where a fielder, while airborne outside the boundary line, tosses the ball back in play to complete a legal catch. This maneuver, although within the letter of the old law, has been considered contrary to the spirit of the game.
From now on:
- A fielder must have both feet inside the boundary when making first contact with the ball to complete a clean catch.
- Any attempt to catch the ball while being airborne from outside the boundary will be deemed invalid.
Implementation Timeline
These rule changes will be introduced in phases across formats, beginning mid-2025:
| Format | Rule Change Start Date |
|---|---|
| Test Matches | June 17, 2025 |
| ODI Matches | July 2, 2025 |
| T20 Internationals | July 10, 2025 |
It’s important to note that, as of now, these updates only apply to men’s international cricket. ICC is expected to assess the impact before considering adoption in women’s and domestic formats.
Expert Opinions and Reactions
Cricket analysts and former players have generally welcomed the changes, especially the reduction in new ball use and the structured concussion substitute policy. Many believe these moves will enhance the competitiveness of ODIs, particularly by offering bowlers more assistance in the later stages of the game.
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Player safety advocates have also lauded the concussion substitute protocol, noting that it brings greater medical integrity and planning to team selection.
However, some have raised concerns about how strictly the roles of substitute players will be defined and whether the rule might still leave loopholes that teams could exploit.
