The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering a change to the current One Day International (ODI) rules, specifically the use of two new balls. While the two-ball rule may not be scrapped entirely, the ICC is exploring ways to help bowlers regain the ability to generate reverse swing.
Traditionally, ODIs were played with one ball, allowing bowlers to exploit reverse swing later in the innings. However, since the introduction of two new balls in October 2011, higher scores have become more common, often exceeding 300, and even crossing 400 on occasion.
Now, the ICC is rethinking the two-ball rule, with a possible revision recommended by its Cricket Committee, which is chaired by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, according to a report by Cricbuzz:
“In the past, the white ball would often become disfigured or discoloured by the 35th over, forcing umpires to replace it mid-innings. Under the proposed new rule, the ball used, at the most, would be 37-38 overs old by the time 50 overs have been bowled. Currently two balls are being operated simultaneously from either end of the wicket which means each ball lasts for 25 overs.”
ICC is also reportedly planning to conduct the Men’s U19 World Cup in the T20 format
Along with potential changes to ODI playing conditions, the ICC is also exploring the idea of switching the Men’s U19 World Cup to the T20 format starting from the next edition. Notably, the Women’s U19 World Cup has already been played in the T20 format in both its editions.
The ICC is also considering introducing over clocks in Test matches. Currently, in limited-overs cricket, bowling teams get 60 seconds between overs to adjust their field and strategy, which has helped speed up the game. A similar rule in Tests could help ensure that the full quota of 90 overs is completed each day.
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