The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a set of new rule changes that will be applied across all three formats of men’s international cricket—Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is). These updates cover ball usage regulations in ODIs, revised protocols for concussion substitutes, and a clarification on the legality of airborne boundary catches.
In a significant adjustment to ODI playing conditions, the current practice of using two new balls from each end for 25 overs will be revised. Under the new rule, both balls will now be used until the 34th over. From the 35th over onwards, only one of the two balls will be selected by the bowling side to be used for the remainder of the innings. In matches reduced to 25 overs or less, only one ball will be used throughout. The ICC stated that this change aims to help bowlers, especially in achieving reverse swing during the death overs, a feature that has diminished in recent years due to the constant use of newer balls.
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Another key change focuses on concussion substitute policies. Teams will now be required to submit a list of five designated substitutes before the toss. This list must include a batter, an all-rounder, a wicketkeeper, a fast bowler, and a spinner. This replaces the earlier system where teams could name a substitute during the match as needed.
In addition, the ICC has also updated its stance on controversial airborne catches at the boundary. The new rule, introduced in collaboration with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), declares it illegal for a player to jump from beyond the boundary rope and catch or deflect the ball mid-air without first touching the ground inside the field of play. However, fielders who initially make contact inside the boundary and then complete the catch after going out and returning will still be allowed.
These rule changes will come into effect on June 17 for Tests, July 2 for ODIs, and July 10 for T20Is. The boundary catch regulation will be enforced in ICC playing conditions from next week and formally adopted into the Laws of Cricket from October 2026.
