The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a key change in the rules for men’s T20 international matches, specifically focusing on how the powerplay is calculated when the number of overs in an innings is reduced.

 

According to ESPNcricinfo, under the new rule, the powerplay duration in shortened matches will now be calculated based on the nearest ball instead of the nearest over. This marks a shift from the earlier system, which often led to imbalances during shortened games.

 

Currently, in a full 20-over innings, the first six overs are designated as the powerplay, during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. However, under the revised rule, which will come into effect from July 2025, the powerplay will be adjusted more precisely in proportion to the reduced number of overs.

 

For example:

In an 8-over innings, the powerplay will consist of 2.2 overs (13 balls)
In a 9-over innings, it will be 2.4 overs (14 balls)

 

This adjustment ensures that the powerplay remains close to 30 percent of the total overs, maintaining a fair balance between bat and ball, even in shortened formats. The ICC believes this change will make the game more consistent and transparent in reduced-over situations.

 

The council has informed member nations that ending the powerplay partway through an over is not a new or difficult process. In fact, this approach has already been successfully used in England’s T20 Blast tournament for several years.

 

In its official statement, the ICC clarified, "This method has never posed any difficulty for players or umpires."

 

The ICC Men’s Cricket Committee has approved this proposal and has officially recognized it as the preferred method for determining powerplay duration in reduced T20 matches.

 

For clarity, the ICC explained that if an innings is cut to 8 overs, the umpire will signal the end of the powerplay after the second ball of the third over. From that point on, three additional fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle.