Every system has their loopholes, and in order to fix them, rule makers frequently modify them or add new ones. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made certain changes to the rules in order to address the gaps suggested by the MCC (Men’s Cricket Council), which is led by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. These laws will come into effect from October 1.
Here’s all you need to know about the new amendments:
A Permanent Ban On The Use Of Saliva To Shine The Ball
Players used to apply saliva to the ball in the pre-covid era to keep it intact and shining. Shining the ball is a skill that was needed in a player in cricket, particularly in Test cricket. Saliva was the main contributor to swinging that red-leather and making it swing reversely in the later stages. However, because Covid-19 is a virus that spreads from person to person, the ICC prohibited the use of saliva. As players began to use sweat as a replacement, this law has now become permanent in the cricket world in order to avoid the spread of infections.
New Batter Will Take The Crease
Earlier, after a batter was caught, the batters would switch creases while the ball was in the air to stop a new batter or a tailender to face the ball. There’s no need in switching sides before the catch now, because the next batter will take the position of the batter who was dismissed.
Mankading Is Legitimate; Except It Won’t Be Called Mankading
The term ‘Mankad’ is used when the bowler runs-out the non-striker before releasing the ball. Many cricketers felt that this was an unjust move that was against the spirit of the game. However, the ICC has ruled it legitimate, and it is now classified as a run-out category. Although the bowlers continue to warn the batters, they are now free to use this to show any batter the path to the dressing room.
ODI and Tests To Have “Timed Out”
The batters used to take a lot of time going on the pitch whenever the wicket fell. But now, the ICC has stated that no one would be granted more than two minutes to get to the pitch and prepare to face the ball. Previously, the time limit was three minutes, but it has now been decreased to two minutes in both Tests and ODIs. The time limit in the T20 internationals, stays the same, at 90 seconds.
Five-Run Penalty For Unfair Field Movement
The captains or the wicket-keepers must now take a step back because this rule applies to them. Field movements in between the bowler’s run-up will be regarded as an unfair method of moving the field. Previously, the delivery was classified a ‘dead ball,’ which still remains the same, but the batting team will now get a five-run bonus if the fielders move.
No-ball, If The Batter Moves Out Of The Pitch To Play The Shot
If the batter purposely travels further than the confined 22-yards, the umpire must label the delivery as a “dead ball.” A ‘No-ball’ will also be called if a bowler delivers a delivery that forces the striker to move off the pitch. The free-hit on the no-ball rule will automatically apply here.
Over-Rate Penalty To Be Introduced In ODIs As Well
The first and last deliveries of the innings must be bowled inside the time limit. This rule was implemented in January of this year. If a team fails to bowl the overs in the allotted time, they will be penalized by keeping one less player outside the 30-yard circle, limiting them to four players instead of the maximum of five. This rule will also be applied in One-Day Internationals following the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League 2023.
Bowler Attempting The Run-Out From The Run-Up
To clear up any doubt, the ICC has adopted this rule now that mankading is permitted. This rule specifies that if a bowler attempts a run-out before getting into the bowling position or reaching the delivery stride, the delivery will be considered as a ‘dead ball.’ For example, say a fast bowler notices the batter advancing and attempts to throw the ball from his run-up. The batter will not be dismissed since the bowler can only run-out when in his delivery stride.
These are the changes that will go into effect in October and will also be used in the Australia T20 World Cup. Hope that these changes result in a more fair and spirited game of Cricket.
