ICC Introduce New Cricket Rules

Cricket is becoming a popular and popular around the world. The introduction of Twenty20 Cricket format had took the game to a new level. Tournaments like Twenty20 World Cup, Indian Premier League etc were very successful. But not only Twenty20, also the traditional Test and One-Day Cricket matches are also gaining their popularity.

To make the game more attractive, the Cricket governing body ICC Chief Executives' Committee had met in June and unanimously approved certain rule changes.

1. The batting team will decide when to introduce either the second or the third Powerplay during their innings. The amendment to the Powerplay rule also allows the captain three fielders outside the 30-yard circle during the second and third Powerplay. The previous rule allowed the captain to have two fielders in the outfield during the first powerplay, and three in the others.

2. Umpires can now consult the third umpire on whether or not a catch was taken cleanly. "Following such consultation, the final decision will be made and given by the bowler's-end umpire. Should the bowler's-end umpire still not be able to decide, a not-out decision shall be given."

3. The ICC also decided to retain the free-hit rule as well as the mandatory changing of the ball at the start of the 35th over of an innings.

4. The committee also aimed to curb players from taking comfort breaks during a match by stating that substitute fielders will be only permitted in cases of injury, illness or other wholly acceptable reasons, which should be limited to extreme circumstances.

5. The interval rule, implemented in June, which allowed the umpires to reduce the length of time between innings in an ODI, if the innings of the side batting first is delayed or interrupted, was also retained.

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