ICC Announces Significant Changes to Men's ODI Rules: Two-Ball and Concussion Protocols

The ICC's recent changes to ODI and concussion-substitute playing conditions represent significant shifts in response to ongoing concerns about balance and fairness in men's international cricket. Here's a breakdown of the key changes and their implications: 🏏 1. Change to the Two-Ball Rule in ODIs Previous Rule: Two new balls were used simultaneously (one from each end), meaning each ball was in play for only 25 overs. New Rule (Effective July 2, 2025): Two new balls will still be used from overs 1 to 34. From over 35 onwards, the bowling side will choose one of the two balls, which will be used from both ends for the remaining 16 overs (overs 35–50). If ODI is reduced to 25 overs or less per side (before first innings starts): Only one new ball will be used for the innings. Purpose: Rebalance bat and ball: Under the old rule, the ball rarely reversed or wore out, aiding batters too heavily. This new system allows for some natural wear, helping bowlers (especially spinners and reverse swing bowlers) regain some influence late in the innings. Likely Impacts: Increased reverse swing potential in the death overs. Greater role for spinners and variation bowlers in overs 35–50. Reduced boundary-hitting ease due to older, softer ball conditions. 🧠 2. Updated Concussion Substitute Protocol (Across Formats) New Requirement (Effective June 17 for Tests, July 2 for ODIs, July 10 for T20Is): Teams must pre-nominate five players by role before the toss: 1 wicketkeeper 1 batter 1 seam bowler 1 spin bowler 1 allrounder Background: Triggered by controversy during India vs England T20I (Jan 2025), where India replaced Shivam Dube (batting allrounder) with Harshit Rana (bowling allrounder), raising questions of tactical advantage under the guise of a concussion sub. New Safeguards: Prevents mismatched replacements that could tilt the game unfairly. Match referee will only allow like-for-like replacements from pre-declared roles. If the substitute player also suffers concussion, match referee discretion will apply to select a suitable replacement from outside the pre-named five. 📏 3. Catch Rule – Boundary "Bunny Hop" Outlawed Clarification: The MCC has ruled out jumping from the field of play, touching the ball mid-air while airborne beyond the boundary, and then completing the catch inside. Why it matters: Ensures fairer, simpler interpretations of boundary catches. Eliminates exploits that were technically legal but counterintuitive to the "spirit" of a fair catch. 🧩 Conclusion These changes reflect the ICC’s ongoing effort to: Rebalance the contest between bat and ball in ODIs. Clarify concussion protocols to avoid tactical exploitation. Standardize catch laws to reflect fairness and simplicity. Expect captains, coaches, and analysts to now adjust strategies — especially in ODI death-over plans, concussion sub preparations, and boundary fielding tactics.