ICC introduces penalties for slow batters and a pink-ball Test trial
New international series face revised playing conditions from October 1, including time-wasting penalties and changes to the final over of a Test day.
Batters who repeatedly delay play in men's international cricket can now cost their side five runs under playing conditions announced by the International Cricket Council on October 1. The changes apply to series starting that day or later; series already under way retain their previous rules.
A batter who is not ready within the permitted time receives an initial warning, then a final warning. A third offence, and each subsequent one, awards five runs to the fielding team.
Tests also gain a trial allowing pink balls in daytime matches if both sides agree before play begins. The choice must last the entire match; teams cannot switch balls midway because of fading light.
A wicket during the final over no longer automatically ends a Test day's play when deliveries remain and conditions permit continuation. The ICC also tightened women's ball specifications and clarified that run-outs and stumpings require a fielder to have full control of the ball.