ICC Announces Major Cricket Rule Changes: 5-Run Penalty for Wasting Time and Pink Ball in Day Tests

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced significant amendments to the playing conditions of international cricket. These updated guidelines aim to enhance the pace of the game, maintain audience engagement, and eliminate ambiguities on the field. Teams and players across the globe will now need to adapt swiftly to these revised standards to avoid severe penalties. Under the newly implemented protocols, teams that attempt to waste time or delay proceedings will face strict consequences. If a batsman fails to get ready within the stipulated time frame, warnings will be issued initially, followed by harsh penal actions for repeat offenses.

According to the updated regulations, if a batsman wastes time and incurs a third warning from the umpires, the fielding side will be awarded 5 penalty runs. This rule is designed to ensure that matches progress smoothly without unnecessary interruptions.

Furthermore, the ICC has approved trials for using pink balls in daytime Test matches, subject to mutual consent between the competing teams. This initiative intends to mitigate the loss of playing time caused by poor lighting or fading daylight.

Former India captain and ICC Men's Cricket Committee Chairman Sourav Ganguly emphasized that these measures are essential to keep the sport aligned with modern requirements, improving clarity and match flow.