March 15, 2024 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced significant changes to international cricket playing conditions, mandating the use of stop-clocks in limited-overs matches and finalizing plans for upcoming tournaments.
These decisions were made during the ICC’s annual Board meetings held on Friday.
The adoption of stop-clocks between overs in limited-overs international matches has been approved following successful trials conducted in men’s cricket. This measure is aimed at ensuring timely completion of matches, enhancing the overall viewer experience, and addressing concerns about match durations.
The trial, which began in December 2023, showcased promising results, with approximately 20 minutes saved per One Day International (ODI) match. As a result, the stop-clock feature will become permanent in all Full Member ODI and T20I matches starting June 1, 2024, coinciding with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to be held in the West Indies and USA.
According to the stop-clock rule, the fielding side must commence a new over within 60 seconds of the completion of the previous over. An electronic clock displaying a countdown from 60 to zero will be visible on the ground, with the third umpire responsible for initiating the clock.
Failure to meet the stipulated time frame for starting a new over will result in warnings for the fielding side, with subsequent breaches attracting a five-run penalty per incident. However, certain exceptions allow for the cancellation of the clock, including instances such as a new batter coming to the wicket, official drinks intervals, or umpire-approved on-field treatment for injuries.
Additionally, it was confirmed that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will feature reserve days for the semi-finals and final matches. In the group stages and Super Eight stages, a minimum of five overs must be bowled to constitute a game for the team batting second. However, in knockout matches, a minimum of 10 overs in the second innings will be required to declare a match.
Looking ahead to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the qualification process has been finalized. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will comprise 20 teams, with 12 automatic qualifiers. The top eight teams from the 2024 edition will secure automatic qualification, while the remaining spots (between two and four) will be filled by the next best-ranked sides in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings table as of June 30, 2024. The remaining eight positions will be determined through Regional Qualifiers.
These decisions reflect the ICC’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness and appeal of international cricket, ensuring fairness and efficiency in tournament formats, and embracing technological innovations to elevate the sport to new heights.
