ICC's Bold New Rule: Five-Run Penalty for Slow Batters

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The ICC introduces a five-run penalty for slow batters and new ball specs for women's cricket, effective October 1, 2026. Here's what you need to know.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rolled out a game-changing rule: batters who waste time will now cost their team five runs. This new penalty, along with updated ball specifications for women's cricket, kicks in on October 1, 2026. It's a move designed to speed up play and keep fans engaged. ### What the New Time-Wasting Rule Says Under the revised playing conditions, if a batter isn't ready to face the ball within the prescribed time, they get a warning. A second offence? Another warning. But a third offence—and every one after that—means the batting side loses five runs. The umpire awards those runs to the fielding team. The bowler's end umpire manages this process. Each time, they inform the non-striker, any incoming batter, the fielding captain, and the other umpire. Condition 41.10.3 of the playing conditions spells out the full sequence. ### How the Rule Works in Multi-Day Cricket In multi-day matches, the warnings reset after every 80 overs. So if you pick up two warnings in one 80-over block, you start fresh once that block ends. The prescribed time is basically the period a fielding team and bowler need to get ready for the next delivery. Once the bowler reaches the top of their run-up, the batter is expected to be set. The only exception is a dismissal. An incoming batter gets two minutes to enter the field and prepare for the first ball. Fail to do that, and you risk being timed out. ### Ball Specifications and Other Changes Women's cricket now has its own ball size and weight. Previously, manufacturers often produced a single ball for both women's and junior cricket. The new limits set three distinct specifications: one for men's, one for women's, and one for junior cricket. The ICC release also lists other amendments approved earlier: - Pink balls can now be used in daytime Tests. - A wicket in the final over of the day no longer ends play automatically in multi-day matches; the over continues. - Umpires have more freedom to decide when a ball is finally settled. This call can matter most on the last delivery of a close game. The ball no longer has to be in the hands of the bowler or wicketkeeper for that decision. - The ICC has clarified the requirements for a run-out or stumping. The fielder or wicketkeeper must have complete control of the ball. Touching it while breaking the stumps does not count as a dismissal. > "These changes are about keeping the game fair and exciting for everyone," said an ICC spokesperson. "We want to see cricket played at a good pace, and these rules help achieve that." ### What This Means for the Game For players, especially batters, this means adjusting their routines. No more lengthy mid-pitch chats or excessive glove adjustments. Umpires will be watching closely, and the threat of five penalty runs could swing a match. For fans, it promises faster, more action-packed games. The new ball specifications for women's cricket also ensure that the game is tailored appropriately, which is a step forward for inclusivity. As cricket evolves, these changes aim to strike a balance between tradition and modernity. Whether you're a player or a spectator, it's worth keeping an eye on how these rules shape the future of the sport. For more sports news and updates, visit JeetWin Blog!

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