The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced new rule changes that will apply to all three formats of men’s international cricket — Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
One of the major changes affects the use of balls in ODIs. Instead of using two separate balls for 25 overs each, both balls will now be used until the 34th over. From the 35th over onward, teams must select one of the two balls to use for the remainder of the innings. In matches shortened to 25 overs or fewer, only one ball will be used.
The ICC stated that this adjustment is intended to support bowlers, particularly in encouraging reverse swing towards the end of an innings — a feature that had diminished due to newer balls being used throughout.
In another change, teams will now be required to submit a list of five designated concussion substitutes before the toss. This list must include a batter, an all-rounder, a wicketkeeper, a fast bowler, and a spinner. Previously, teams could name substitutes during the match without prior declaration.
These new rules will be implemented from June 17 for Test matches, July 2 for ODIs, and July 10 for T20Is.
Separately, the ICC, in collaboration with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has banned the ‘bunny-hop’ method of boundary catching. Catches in which a fielder jumps from beyond the boundary without making prior contact inside the field of play will no longer be considered valid.
For a boundary catch to count, the fielder must have first touched the ball while grounded within the field. However, fielders who touch the ball inside, go beyond the boundary due to momentum, and return to complete the catch will still be allowed to do so.
Although this rule will come into official effect from October 2026, it will be reflected in ICC playing conditions starting next week.
