Cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is continuing its efforts to modernize cricket in line with changing times. From increasing prize money for women cricketers to offering equal pay alongside men, ICC has been taking several progressive steps. Now, it's gearing up to introduce major changes in the traditional Test format as well.
During the ongoing meeting in Zimbabwe, chaired by Jai Shah, several important topics are on the discussion table. Among the key proposals being considered are:
Abolishing the Two-Ball Rule in ODIs
Introducing an Under-19 T20 World Cup (like in ODIs)
Introducing a timer to regulate over rates in Test matches
Currently, each team uses two new balls from either end in a 50-over ODI match. This practice has drawn criticism from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and other former players. Their concern: since the ball remains shiny and hard for longer, it becomes difficult for fast bowlers to generate reverse swing, especially in the latter half of the innings. After 25 overs, when the new ball comes into play again, batters gain the upper hand and dominate with big shots. In an effort to balance things out between bat and ball, ICC is now seriously considering scrapping the two-ball rule.
Slow over rates in IPL have already resulted in heavy fines for several captains, which has, in turn, brought in significant revenue for the BCCI. Encouraged by this, ICC now wants to implement a similar timer rule in Test cricket. The timer method, already in effect in T20s and ODIs, has shown good results. According to the proposed rule, the next over must begin within 60 seconds of completing the previous one. The goal is to ensure teams stick to the ICC's requirement of 90 overs per day in Test matches. Many former players believe that this timer initiative could be a step in the right direction to maintain the pace and flow of the longest format.
The ICC already conducts the Under-19 World Cup in the ODI format, which is quite popular across both men's and women’s categories. With the rising popularity of the T20 format and the explosion of franchise cricket, ICC is planning to globalize T20s even further by introducing a men’s Under-19 T20 World Cup. So far, the women’s U-19 T20 World Cup has been held twice — once in 2023 in South Africa and the next is scheduled for 2025 in Malaysia. Discussions are currently underway to bring the same format to the men’s youth category as well.
All these proposals — especially introducing a timer in Tests and scrapping the two-ball rule in ODIs — are expected to be finalized and officially announced during the ICC meeting taking place from April 10 to 13. If implemented, they could significantly reshape how the game is played across formats.
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