In a significant move aimed at restoring balance between bat and ball in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), the International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating a key revision to the two-ball rule.
The proposal, currently under discussion at the ICC meetings in Zimbabwe, could mark a major shift in how ODI cricket is played.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC’s Cricket Committee has recommended that only one of the two new balls be used from the 25th over onwards in an innings.
Bowling sides would still begin with two new balls but must choose one to continue with from the halfway mark of the innings. This change is aimed at facilitating reverse swing, which has virtually disappeared in recent years due to the consistent shine and condition of both balls.
The current two-ball rule has faced criticism from several former players. Legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar had earlier called it “a perfect recipe for disaster,” saying: “Each ball is not given the time to get old enough to reverse. We haven’t seen reverse swing—an integral part of the death overs—for a long time.” Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee also publicly supported Tendulkar’s concerns.
Chaired by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, the ICC Cricket Committee has reportedly studied the issue in depth. In earlier years, white balls often became discoloured or disfigured by the 35th over, prompting replacements mid-innings. Under the new proposal, a single ball could last up to 37–38 overs, reintroducing late-innings swing as a tactical weapon for bowlers.
In addition to the ODI revision, Cricbuzz also reports that the ICC is considering introducing over clocks in Test cricket, with a 60-second limit between overs. This measure, already trialed in limited-overs formats, aims to improve over rates and help ensure that 90 overs are bowled in a day.
Both recommendations are expected to be tabled during the ongoing ICC meetings in Zimbabwe. If approved, they could bring about a notable shift in the dynamics of international cricket, especially in the 50-over format.
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