Dubai, October 1, 2026: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a series of changes to its Playing Conditions aimed at curbing time-wasting, standardising ball specifications and clarifying fielding regulations.
The changes apply to all international series starting on October 1 or later, while series already underway will continue under the previous regulations.
The updated Playing Conditions for men’s and women’s cricket across all formats incorporate changes to the MCC Laws of Cricket that also come into effect on Thursday.
Among the key changes are penalties for batters who repeatedly waste time, tighter specifications for the size and weight of balls used in women’s international cricket, and a trial allowing pink balls to be used in daytime Test matches.
Time-wasting by batters
Under the revised men’s playing conditions, a batter who is not ready to face the ball within the prescribed time will receive a warning for the first offence, a final warning for the second and a five-run penalty for the fielding side for the third and every subsequent offence.
Code of Conduct provisions may also be invoked in cases of repeated offences.
Changes to fielding and ball regulations
The ICC has clarified the definition of an overthrow. An overthrow is an attempt to direct the ball towards the stumps to prevent runs or effect a run-out. A misfield, whether an attempt to stop the ball or pass it to another fielder, will not be considered an overthrow.
Umpires will also have greater discretion in determining when a ball is “finally settled”, particularly in situations such as the final delivery of a close match. The ball no longer has to be in the bowler’s or wicketkeeper’s hands to be considered finally settled.
For run-outs and stumpings, a fielder must have complete control of the ball for it to be considered held. Simply touching the ball with a hand while it breaks the stumps will not constitute control.
New Test match provisions
As a trial, pink balls may be used in daytime Test matches by mutual agreement between the teams to reduce the potential loss of playing time due to bad light.
The decision to use a pink ball must be made before the start of the Test and, once agreed, will apply throughout the match. Teams cannot switch from a red to a pink ball after play has begun.
Another change means the final over of a day’s play will not automatically end when a wicket falls if the over has not been completed and conditions remain suitable for play. The ICC said the change avoids leaving deliveries to be bowled the following day while allowing the fielding side to complete the over.
ODI and T20I changes
T20I matches will now have a fixed 15-minute interval, although this can be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes when playing time has been lost.
The ODI and T20I Playing Conditions have also been aligned to allow the head coach or a designated representative to enter the field during drinks intervals.
The trial concerning leg-side wides has now been incorporated permanently into the ODI and T20I Playing Conditions.
The ICC noted that the applicable changes had already been implemented in women’s cricket.
The updated Playing Conditions for men’s and women’s cricket across all formats are available in the Rules and Regulations section of the ICC website.
