The International Cricket Council (ICC) has incorporated an electronic clock into the updated Men’s playing conditions to enhance the pace of the game and discourage time wastage by the fielding side.
As part of a trial period, the electronic clock will be implemented in Full Member Men’s ODIs and T20Is from December 2023 to April 2024, covering approximately 59 international fixtures.
The revised playing conditions will take effect starting with the first T20I clash between West Indies and England on December 12, 2023.
Under clause 41.9 of the updated Men’s ODI and T20I playing conditions, specifically addressing time wastage by the fielding side, the electronic clock is introduced through sub-clause 41.9.4.
The fielding side is required to commence a new over within 60 seconds of the conclusion of the preceding over. An electronic clock will be prominently displayed at the ground, counting down from 60 to zero.
The purpose of the stop clock is to minimize the duration between overs. Failure by the fielding side to initiate their next over within 60 seconds will result in two warnings and eventually a five-run penalty.
Exceptions to the time limit are outlined in the sub-clause, allowing the clock to be canceled under specific circumstances, such as a new batter entering the wicket, an official drinks interval, on-field treatment of an injury, or uncontrollable circumstances affecting the fielding side.
The responsibility for initiating the clock rests with the third umpire, who determines the start time either when the last ball of the previous over is declared dead or when any umpire or player review from the final ball of the previous over is completed.
If the fielding side is prepared to resume within the stipulated time but the batting team is not ready, the umpires will assess the situation to determine if provisions related to batter time wasting are applicable.
Wasim Khan, the ICC General Manager – Cricket, emphasized that the effectiveness of the stop clock trial will be evaluated at the conclusion of the trial period.
“The stop clock trial in white ball international cricket follows the introduction of a successful new playing condition in 2022, which resulted in the fielding team only being allowed four fielders outside of the inner circle if they were not in a position to bowl the first ball of their final over in the stipulated time. The outcomes of the stop clock trial will be assessed at the end of the trial period.”
