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

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-03

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rolled out a new set of playing conditions, and batters who like to take their sweet time at the crease are now on notice. Starting October 1, 2026, repeated time-wasting will cost the batting side five penalty runs. That's right—five runs gifted to the opposition, just because you weren't ready. ### What Exactly Triggers the Penalty? Under the revised conditions, the process is simple but strict. If a batter isn't ready to face the ball within the prescribed time, they get a warning. A second offense? Final warning. But the third time—and every time after that—the umpire awards five penalty runs to the fielding team. The bowler's end umpire manages the whole sequence, informing the non-striker, incoming batters, the fielding captain, and the other umpire each time. It's all laid out in Condition 41.10.3. So, what's the prescribed time? Basically, it's the period the fielding team and bowler need to get ready for the next delivery. Once the bowler hits the top of their run-up, the batter is expected to be set. The only exception is a new batter coming in after a dismissal—they get two minutes to enter the field and prepare, or they risk being timed out. ### How It Works in Multi-Day Cricket In Test matches and other multi-day games, 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. It's a clean slate, but don't push your luck. ### Ball Specs and Other Changes You Should Know Women's cricket now has its own ball size and weight. The ICC pointed out that manufacturers often used the same ball for women's and junior cricket, which wasn't ideal. Now there are three distinct specifications: one for men, one for women, and one for juniors. The ICC also approved several other tweaks that are worth noting: - Pink balls can now be used in daytime Tests. That's a first. - A wicket in the final over of the day no longer automatically ends play in multi-day matches. The over continues. - Umpires have more freedom to decide when a ball is finally settled. This can be crucial 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 call. - The requirements for a run-out or stumping have been clarified. The fielder or wicketkeeper must have complete control of the ball, and just touching it while breaking the stumps doesn't count as a dismissal. > "These changes are designed to keep the game moving and ensure fairness across all formats," an ICC spokesperson said. "We want to see cricket played at a good pace, and these rules give umpires the tools to make that happen." ### What This Means for Players and Fans For players, it's a clear message: be ready. The days of deliberately slowing things down to frustrate the opposition or kill time are numbered. For fans, it means less waiting and more action. The five-run penalty could swing a tight match, so teams will need to adapt quickly. And it's not just about time-wasting. The ball specifications for women's cricket show the ICC is paying attention to the unique needs of the women's game. It's a step toward more professionalism and tailored equipment. So, whether you're a batter who likes to take a stroll, or a fan who wants to see continuous play, these new rules will affect how the game unfolds. Starting October 2026, every second counts—literally. For more sports news and updates, stay tuned to our blog.