ICC considers major OVERHAUL of ODI rule criticised by Sachin Tendulkar
The ICC is exploring rule changes in ODI cricket to improve bowling conditions, potentially introducing a second new ball to encourage reverse swing. Simultaneously, they are considering implementing in-game clocks for Test matches to manage over rates and are evaluating a shift to a T20 format for the men’s Under-19 World Cup.
The ICC will review the recommendation at its current meetings in Zimbabwe.
The ICC Cricket Committee is reportedly proposing a modification to ODI rules regarding the use of new balls. Instead of using two new balls throughout the innings, teams would select one ball to use from the 25th over onwards. This alteration aims to encourage reverse swing, which has become less prevalent due to the extended period of shine on two new balls.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and others have criticized the use of two new balls in One Day Internationals (ODIs), arguing that it negatively impacts the game by preventing the development of reverse swing, a key skill, particularly in the later stages of an innings. Tendulkar has consistently called for a fairer balance between batting and bowling in ODIs.
“Having two new balls in one day cricket is a perfect recipe for disaster as each ball is not given the time to get old enough to reverse. We haven’t seen reverse swing, an integral part of the death overs, for a long time,” Tendulkar had famously said in a social media comment some years ago.
Sourav Ganguly’s Cricket Committee reviewed the current cricket ball usage policy. The committee proposes extending the lifespan of a single ball to 37-38 overs per innings, addressing the previous issue of white balls deteriorating or losing color by the 35th over, necessitating replacement. Currently, each of the two balls used is replaced after only 25 overs.
To expedite Test cricket matches, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a rule change implementing 60-second time limits between overs, using countdown clocks similar to those in limited-overs formats. The goal is to maintain a pace that ensures approximately 90 overs are bowled daily.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is exploring a change to the men’s Under-19 World Cup, possibly switching from 50-over to a T20 format. This consideration stems from the success of the women’s Under-19 World Cup, which has already adopted the T20 format. While some favor keeping the traditional 50-over structure, others advocate for the change. However, any such alteration wouldn’t be implemented before the 2028 broadcast cycle.
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