The ICC has introduced revised Playing Conditions covering time-wasting, cricket-ball specifications, fielding regulations and a trial allowing pink balls in daytime Test matches. File photo by Shiek Mohamed

The International Cricket Council has introduced a series of changes to its Playing Conditions aimed at addressing time-wasting, standardizing cricket-ball specifications and clarifying several fielding regulations.

The changes apply to international series beginning on October 1, 2026, or later, while series already in progress 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 come into effect on October 1.

One of the most significant changes in men's cricket concerns batters who are not ready to face the next delivery within the prescribed time. A first offense will result in a warning, followed by a final warning for a second offense. A third and each subsequent offense will result in five penalty runs being awarded to the fielding side. Code of Conduct provisions may also be applied in cases of repeated offenses.

The ICC has also introduced tighter specifications for the size and weight of balls used in women's international cricket. Previously, manufacturers have at times produced a single ball for women's and junior cricket. The revised regulations establish three distinct size and weight specifications for men's, women's and junior cricket.

Several fielding-related provisions have been clarified. An overthrow is now defined as 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, does not constitute an overthrow.

Umpires will also have greater discretion in determining when a ball is "finally settled", a provision that can be particularly significant on the final delivery of a close match. The ball does not necessarily have to be in the bowler's or wicketkeeper's hands to be considered 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 as it breaks the stumps will not constitute holding it.

In Test cricket, a trial will allow pink balls to be used in daytime matches by mutual agreement to reduce the loss of play because of bad light. The decision must be made before the Test begins and, once agreed, applies for the entire match. A switch between red and pink balls after the match has started will not be permitted.

Another Test change means the final over of the day's play will not automatically end when a wicket falls if the over remains incomplete and conditions allow play to continue.

In ODIs and T20Is, the changes include a fixed 15-minute T20I interval, which can be reduced to 10 minutes when playing time has been lost. The "Head Coach or their designate" may enter the field during drinks intervals, while the leg-side wide trial has been made a permanent part of the ODI and T20I Playing Conditions.

ICC Men's Cricket Committee chair Sourav Ganguly said the changes were designed to address the needs of the modern game while maintaining consistency and integrity.

ICC General Manager – Events and Operations Gaurav Saxena described the process as collaborative, with discussions focused on evolving the Playing Conditions while preserving clarity and integrity.

The revised regulations will govern international series beginning from October 1 and are intended to provide greater consistency in match administration across formats.