The new rules introduced by the ICC in the three formats of cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made several changes to the playing conditions of international cricket. New provisions have been added to several important issues including time delay, size and weight of the cricket ball, overthrow and runout-stumping. In addition, the world cricket governing body has clarified some existing rules.

The ICC has released updated playing conditions for all editions of men's and women's cricket. The new rules will come into effect for international series starting on or after October 1. However, series that started before that will continue to follow the old rules.

ICC Men's Cricket Committee Chairman Sourav Ganguly said the new changes have clarified the ball, fielding and speeding up the match. He said the rules have been updated to keep them in line with the demands of modern cricket.

The significant changes in the new rules are:

Penalty to the batter for wasting time

The umpire will give the batter a first warning if he is not ready to face the ball within the stipulated time. A final warning will be given if the same offence is committed a second time. The fielding team will be awarded 5 penalty runs for the third and subsequent offence. Repeated offences may also be punished as per the ICC Code of Conduct.

Ball size fixed in women's and junior cricket

There were already specific limits on the size and weight of the ball used in men's cricket. Now, the ICC has set separate standards for the size and weight of the ball for women's and junior cricket as well. In particular, the size and weight limits for the ball used in women's cricket have been further specified.

The definition of overthrow is clearer.

If the ball is thrown towards the stumps with the intention of preventing a run or getting a run out, it will be considered an overthrow. However, if it is a simple misfield while trying to stop the ball or if there is a mistake while passing the ball to a teammate fielder, it will not be called an overthrow.

Changes to the rules for when the ball is 'settled'

The umpire has been given more freedom to determine when the ball is fully 'settled'. This rule can have an impact, especially on the crucial last ball of the innings. The new rule no longer requires the ball to be in the bowler's or wicketkeeper's hands for it to be 'settled'.

Explanation of 'held' ball in runout and stumping

If a fielder breaks the stumps while taking the ball in his hand during a run-out or stumping, it is considered a legally 'held' ball if the fielder has full control over the ball. This means that the ball cannot be considered to be in control simply because the ball is in contact with the hand at the moment of breaking the stumps.

These ICC changes will apply to all three formats of cricket and will be effective for new international series starting from October 1.