ICC introduces five-run penalty for time-wasting batters from October
ICC introduces five-run penalty for time-wasting and allows pink balls in day Tests from October 1.
The International Cricket Council announced new playing conditions on Thursday that introduce a five-run penalty for batters who repeatedly waste time. The changes apply to all international series starting October 1 or later, while ongoing series continue under previous regulations.
A first offence draws a warning, a second offence a final warning, and a third offence triggers the five-run penalty to the fielding side. Repeated breaches may also attract Code of Conduct action. Tighter size and weight tolerances have been introduced for women's cricket balls, creating three distinct specifications for men's, women's and junior cricket.
Pink balls may now be used in daytime Tests if both teams agree before the match. The decision must apply for the entire Test and cannot be changed once play begins. The final over of a day's play will no longer end automatically at the fall of a wicket if conditions allow the over to be completed.
CricHubb Take
The pink-ball day Test trial addresses a practical scheduling problem that has cost hours of play in subcontinent conditions, but the mutual-agreement clause means adoption will depend on whether captains prioritise completion over tradition.