ICC's New Five-Run Penalty: What Batters Must Know Before 2026

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-03

The ICC has introduced a five-run penalty for batters who waste time repeatedly in an innings. The change, along with a separate ball size specification for women's cricket, takes effect from October 1, 2026. ### What the New Time-Wasting Rule Says Under the revised playing conditions, a batter who is not ready to face the ball within the prescribed time receives a warning for the first offence. A second offence brings a final warning. The third offence, and every one after it, costs the batting side five penalty runs, which the umpire awards to the fielding team. The bowler's end umpire handles the process. On each occasion, the umpire informs the non-striker, each incoming batter, the fielding captain and the other umpire about what has happened. Condition 41.10.3 of the playing conditions covers the full sequence. ### How the Rule Works in Multi-Day Cricket The prescribed time is largely the period a fielding team and bowler need to get ready for the next delivery. Once the bowler reaches the top of the run-up, the batter is generally expected to be set to receive the ball. A dismissal is the main exception. An incoming batter gets two minutes to enter the field and prepare for the first ball, and a batter who fails to do so risks being timed out. In multi-day matches, the warnings reset after every 80 overs. The count starts again for each further 80-over block of the same innings, so a batter who collects two warnings in one block begins afresh once that block ends. ### Ball Specifications and Other Changes in the ICC Release Women's cricket now has its own ball size and weight. The ICC said manufacturers had often produced a single ball for both women's and junior cricket. The new limits set three distinct specifications, one each for men's, women's and junior cricket. The release also lists amendments that had been 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, and the over continues. Umpires have more freedom to decide when a ball is finally settled, a call that 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 also clarified the requirements for a run-out or stumping. The fielder or wicketkeeper must have complete control of the ball, and touching it while breaking the stumps does not count as a dismissal. ### What This Means for Players and Fans These changes are designed to speed up the game and reduce delays, making cricket more exciting for fans. Players will need to adapt their routines, especially in multi-day formats where the reset after 80 overs could lead to strategic thinking. For fans, the new rules could mean less downtime and more action. The five-run penalty adds a tangible consequence for time-wasting, which might discourage teams from deliberately slowing the game. As the October 1, 2026, implementation date approaches, teams and players will likely adjust their strategies. Coaches might emphasize quicker readiness and better time management. ### Final Thoughts The ICC's new playing conditions mark a significant shift in cricket's approach to time-wasting. With penalties and updated specifications, the game aims to be fairer and more engaging. Stay tuned for more updates as the cricketing world adapts to these changes.