By Akshat Jain | Updated: April 12, 2025 11:48 AM IST
In this collection of pictures we shall know the rule that could be changed by the ICC in ODI cricket. Interestingly, that rule will give big weapons to the bowlers.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering changing the rules with the use of two new balls in ODI cricket to balance the game for bowlers. According to Cricbuzz, this is not a change to the current playing conditions, but a potential change is designed to give bowlers an edge by reintroducing the possibility of reverse swing.
Additionally, the ICC is exploring the introduction of an in-game clock for Test matches to help regulate over rates and is also evaluating the idea of switching the Men's Under-19 World Cup to a T20 format. The recommendation will be reviewed during the ongoing ICC meetings in Zimbabwe. The proposal to phase out the second new ball in ODIs has reportedly come from the ICC Cricket Committee.
As per the suggested change, teams will start with two new balls but will have to opt for a new ball from the 25th over onwards. This means that the rule is not being scrapped completely but it will help reintroduce reverse swing - a feature that had vanished due to the long-term shine on two new balls.
The two-ball rule has been criticised by many, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who have called it detrimental to the game. Tendulkar argued that using two new balls prevents them from getting old enough to allow reverse swing, a crucial skill especially during the final overs. He has long advocated for a better balance between bat and ball in ODIs.
Sachin Tendulkar had said in a comment on social media a few years ago, "Having two new balls in ODI cricket is a perfect recipe for disaster, as each ball is not given enough time to reverse. We have not seen reverse swing for a long time, which is an integral part of the death overs." Former fast bowler Brett Lee has also publicly supported Tendulkar's stand on the matter. The Cricket Committee headed by Sourav Ganguly has done a thorough evaluation.
In the past, the white ball would often wear out or discolour by the 35th over, forcing umpires to replace it. Under the proposed system, one ball could be used for 37-38 overs till the end of an innings, as against the current system where two balls are used for just 25 overs. Another important rule being discussed is the use of a countdown clock in Test cricket, with a 60-second limit between overs. These clocks are already being used in limited-overs formats and have helped increase the pace of matches.
The ICC Cricket Committee aims to ensure that 90 overs are bowled every day in Test matches through this move. The ICC is also considering a change to the format of the men's Under-19 World Cup, possibly turning it into a T20 tournament. While some officials prefer to retain the traditional 50-over format, others point to the success of the Women's Under-19 World Cup, which is already held in T20 format. The two editions played so far - 2023 (South Africa) and 2025 (Malaysia) - have both used the shorter format. Any format change for the men's edition would only take effect from the 2028 broadcast cycle.