The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced several significant rule changes in men's international cricket, including the implementation of a stop clock in Test matches and updated protocols for the Decision Review System (DRS). These reforms aim to improve match flow, uphold fairness, and ensure consistency in the decision-making process.
The stop clock, initially trialled in white-ball cricket, will now be extended to Test matches as part of the new 2025&ndash;27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Under this rule, the fielding team must begin a new over within 60 seconds of the previous over ending. Two warnings will be given for delays; any further violation will result in a five-run penalty. Warnings will reset after every 80 overs.
<h3 dir="ltr">New DRS Protocol</h3>
The DRS has also been tweaked to better reflect the on-field umpire&rsquo;s decision. In cases where the batter is given out caught, but replays show no bat contact, the third umpire will now assess a potential leg-before-wicket (LBW) dismissal if the ball hits the pad. If the original decision was "out" and ball-tracking returns an "umpire's call", the batter will still be declared out, aligning more closely with the spirit of the original decision.
<h3 dir="ltr">Other Key Changes:</h3>
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Saliva Rule: Use of saliva is still banned, but changing the ball for a violation is now optional, not mandatory. 
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Catches on No-Balls: The fairness of a catch will be reviewed even if the delivery is a no-ball. 
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Deliberate Short Runs: Batters making deliberate short runs will be penalised. The fielding side can choose who takes the strike, in addition to the existing five-run penalty. 
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Injury Substitutes Trial: Domestic first-class cricket will trial full-time injury substitutes (excluding muscular injuries). Replacements must be like-for-like, similar to concussion protocols. 
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These rule changes mark a shift towards faster gameplay, greater clarity in reviews, and a more strategic approach to match conduct. While Test match updates are already in effect with the ongoing WTC cycle, the white-ball changes will be implemented from July 2, 2025.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Stop Clock for Tests, New DRS Protocols Among Major ICC Rule Updates

White-ball changes effective from July 2; Test rules implemented with WTC 2025-27 cycle

Stop Clock for Tests, New DRS Protocols Among Major ICC Rule Updates

White-ball changes effective from July 2; Test rules implemented with WTC 2025-27 cycle

June 26, 2025 | 19:13 IST