ICC Unveils Major ODI Rule Changes: Single Ball Returns & New Concussion Policy

ICC’s New Ball Rule: What Changes at Over 35?

The ICC announced that in ODIs, two new balls will be used from overs 1 to 34. After the 34th over ends and before the 35th over begins, the fielding team will pick one of those two balls to use for the rest of the innings (overs 35 to 50). This single chosen ball will be used from both ends unless it needs to be replaced. If the match is shortened to 25 overs or fewer per side before it starts, each team will get only one new ball for their innings.

If a ball needs to be replaced at any point, the replacement ball will be as close in condition as possible to the one being replaced. The ball not chosen for overs 35 to 50 will be kept as a spare ball.

ICC's New Concussion Rule: Pick 5 Backup Players

In another update, the ICC changed the concussion substitute rule. Now, each team must name five potential concussion substitutes before the game starts: one wicketkeeper, one batter, one fast bowler, one spinner, and one all-rounder.

In rare cases, if a concussion substitute also gets injured and needs replacing, the match referee can allow a replacement outside the original five nominated players. The like-for-like rule will still apply.

These new rules won’t apply to the World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa. They will start from the next WTC cycle, beginning with the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle on June 17.