ICC has announced new rules for men’s international cricket, bringing changes to how the game is played in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. These updates aim to make matches fairer for both bowlers and batters and improve how teams handle player injuries.
The rule changes will come into effect on different dates for each format:
- Test matches from June 17, 2025
- ODIs from July 2, 2025
- T20Is from July 10, 2025
One major change in One Day Internationals is related to the use of cricket balls. Until now, ODIs used two new balls, one from each end, for the first 25 overs. From July, both balls will now be used until the 34th over, after which only one of them will be used to complete the innings. This is expected to help bowlers generate reverse swing in the final overs, something that had become rare due to harder, newer balls.
Another important change involves concussion substitutes. Teams must now submit a pre-decided list of five players who can act as substitutes in case of head injuries.
The list should include one batsman, one all-rounder, one fast bowler, one spinner and one wicketkeeper. This rule will add more structure and transparency to the substitution process, which was previously flexible.
The ICC says these decisions were made to keep the sport evolving and to ensure fairness and competitiveness in all matches.
