ICC Approves Major Playing Condition Updates Across Formats, Including Stop Clock for Tests and Revised DRS Protocols

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a series of significant updates to the playing conditions across formats, aiming to improve fairness, consistency, and pace of play. While some of these changes have already been implemented during the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (2025–27), others will take effect in limited-overs formats starting July 2.

Among the most notable amendments is the introduction of the stop clock in Test cricket. Originally trialed in white-ball formats, the rule mandates that the fielding team must begin a new over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending. After two warnings for delay, a third infraction will result in a five-run penalty. The clock resets after every 80-over block, addressing the long-standing concern of slow over rates in red-ball cricket.

The ICC also updated its stance on the use of saliva on the ball. While the pandemic-era ban remains in place, the mandatory replacement of a ball touched by saliva has been removed. Match officials now have discretion: if they believe the condition of the ball remains unaffected, play will continue. However, a five-run penalty will still be awarded to the batting side in such cases.

Changes to DRS protocols aim to ensure consistency in decision-making, particularly when multiple modes of dismissal are involved in a single appeal. Now, if a batter is initially given out caught and that mode is overturned, the third umpire will continue to assess other potential dismissals—such as LBW—using the original on-field decision as the baseline. For example, if the original decision was “out” and the LBW review results in “umpire’s call,” the batter will be declared out.

Additionally, in scenarios where both umpire and player reviews are involved in a single delivery—for instance, an LBW followed by a run-out appeal—decisions will now be addressed in chronological order. If the first incident results in a dismissal, the ball is deemed dead, rendering further review unnecessary.

The fairness of a catch will also now be assessed even if the delivery is a no-ball. This ensures that catches are reviewed for legality regardless of the delivery’s status. If the catch is deemed fair, only the no-ball run will be awarded; if not, batters will be credited with runs they completed.

Regarding deliberate short runs, the existing five-run penalty remains in force. However, umpires can now allow the fielding captain to choose which batter remains on strike if a deliberate act to deceive is identified.

Another experimental change comes in the form of full-time replacements in domestic first-class cricket for players suffering external injuries. This measure, trialed domestically, will allow like-for-like player replacements in cases of visible and serious injury—excluding internal ailments like muscle pulls. The move builds on the concussion substitute policy already in effect.

The ICC also reiterated that the one-ball rule in ODIs—from the 35th over onward—will be enforced across all men’s white-ball internationals from July 2. These changes reflect the governing body’s ongoing efforts to evolve with the modern game while preserving competitive integrity.