Five-Run Penalty for Time-Wasting – ICC Introduces New Playing Conditions

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a series of changes to its Playing Conditions, including new measures to reduce time-wasting and clarify several aspects of the game. The new regulations will apply to international series starting on October 1, 2026 or later, while ongoing series will continue under the previous regulations.

Under the new rules, in men's cricket, 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 will be issued for the second offence, while five penalty runs will be awarded to the fielding side for the third and every subsequent offence. Repeated offences may also result in action under the ICC Code of Conduct.

The prescribed time is primarily based on the time required for the fielding team and bowler to prepare for the next delivery. The batter is generally expected to be ready to face the ball when the bowler begins the run-up.

However, when a batter is dismissed, the incoming batter will have two minutes to enter the field and prepare to face the first delivery. Failure to do so could result in the batter being timed out.

In multi-day cricket, the warnings for time-wasting will reset after 80 overs and again after each subsequent block of 80 overs in the same innings.

Meanwhile, women's cricket will have more clearly defined specifications for the size and weight of cricket balls. The ICC has introduced three separate specifications for men's, women's and junior cricket.

Umpires will also have greater discretion in determining whether a ball is "finally settled". Under the updated conditions, the ball does not necessarily have to be in the bowler's or wicketkeeper's hands for it to be considered finally settled.

The ICC has also clarified the requirements for a run-out or stumping. The fielder or wicketkeeper must have complete control of the ball. Merely touching the ball with the hand while breaking the stumps will not be sufficient.

There are also important changes to Test cricket. As a trial, pink balls may be used in daytime Test matches by mutual agreement between the two teams, particularly to reduce the loss of playing time due to poor light. The decision must be made before the start of the Test and cannot be changed once the match has begun.

In addition, the fall of a wicket during the final over of the day's play will no longer automatically bring the day's play to an end. If the over has not been completed and weather and playing conditions remain suitable, the remaining deliveries can be bowled before play is called off for the day.

The ICC said the changes are aimed at reducing unnecessary delays, improving the pace of the game and providing greater clarity around several areas of the Playing Conditions.