The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a number of new rule changes that will apply to all three formats of men's international cricket: Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

 

Changes in ODI Ball Usage

Currently, a new ball is used from each end for 25 overs. Under the new rule, both balls will now be used until the 34th over. From the 35th over onward, teams must choose one of the two balls to continue with until the end of the innings.

 

If the match is reduced to 25 overs or fewer, only one ball will be used throughout the game.

 

The ICC says this change is aimed at helping bowlers, especially in the final overs of the game, by allowing reverse swing. This has become rare in recent years because of the constant use of newer balls.

 

Concussion Substitute Rules Updated

Under the latest change, teams must name five specific concussion substitutes before the toss. The list must include one batter, one all-rounder, one wicketkeeper, one fast bowler, and one spinner.

 

In the past, teams were allowed to name a concussion substitute during the match without sharing a list in advance.

 

Bunny Hop Catches Now Illegal

The ICC, along with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has also changed the rule about airborne catches near the boundary, often called "bunny-hop" catches.

 

Now, any catch where a fielder jumps from beyond the boundary without first touching the ground inside the field and redirects the ball while still in the air will be considered illegal.

 

For a catch to be valid, the fielder must first touch the ground inside the field while making contact with the ball.

 

However, if a fielder touches the ball inside the field, goes outside the boundary due to momentum, and then comes back in to complete the catch, that will still be allowed.

 

This rule will officially come into effect in October 2026, but the ICC will start using it in match conditions starting next week.

 

When will the rules apply?

The new rules will be applied on different dates for each format:

Test matches: from June 17

ODIs: from July 2

T20 Internationals: from July 10