In Short
- ICC has specified the exact number of powerplay overs for shortened T20 innings
- Powerplay durations now range from 1.3 to 4.5 overs, depending on innings length
- A stop clock has been introduced in Test matches to curb slow over rates
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced updated Playing Conditions for T20 internationals, specifying exact powerplay durations for matches shortened due to weather or other interruptions. The new rules come into effect from July and aim to provide consistency in fielding restrictions across varying match lengths.
Under the revised regulations, an eight-over innings will now include a 2.2-over powerplay, during which only two fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Previously, truncated games often applied rounded-off powerplay overs, such as three overs for an eight-over innings.
The ICC table on its website said for a six-over innings, 1.5 overs will be of powerplay; 2.1 overs of powerplay for a seven-over innings, 2.2 overs for an eight-over innings whereas a nine-over innings will have 2.4 overs of powerplay.
For shorter innings, the powerplay overs scale accordingly:
- 5 overs: 1.3 overs
- 6 overs: 1.5 overs
- 7 overs: 2.1 overs
- 8 overs: 2.2 overs
- 9 overs: 2.4 overs
- 10 overs: 3.0 overs
- 11 overs: 3.2 overs
- 12 overs: 3.4 overs
- 13 overs: 3.5 overs
- 14 overs: 4.1 overs
- 15 overs: 4.3 overs
- 16 overs: 4.5 overs
These adjustments are intended to ensure fair and standardised playing conditions regardless of the match duration.
Meanwhile, in Test cricket, the ICC has introduced several new measures as part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Among the most significant is the implementation of a stop clock to address slow over rates – a feature already used in limited-overs formats.
According to the updated Test Match Playing Conditions, the fielding side must be ready to begin a new over within 60 seconds of completing the previous one. An electronic clock will be displayed at the ground, counting from zero to 60.
“The fielding side shall be ready to start each over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed,” the ICC stated. “An electronic clock will be displayed at the ground that counts up seconds from zero to 60.”
Teams will receive two warnings for delays. A third infraction will result in the batting side being awarded five penalty runs. These warnings will reset once 80 overs have been completed in the innings.
Additionally, the new playing conditions now allow the fielding captain to choose which batter takes strike in the event of a deliberate short run – a move designed to discourage tactical misuse.
The updated rules came into force with the start of the new WTC cycle in Galle, with Sri Lanka hosting Bangladesh in the opening Test of the two-match series.
