ICC change playing regulations

The ICC decided at its annual meeting, held at Lord’s, to make a series of changes to playing regulations, the most notable being a mandatory change of ball after 35 overs of each innings in one-day internationals. The replacement will be a clean used ball.

In addition an extra fielder will be allowed outside the fielding circle during the second or third power play in an ODI.

If an ODI innings is reduced, the number of overs making up each of the three powerplays will be reduced proportionately.

Should a bowler bowl a front foot no-ball in a ODI, the next delivery will be deemed a free hit and the batsman cannot be dismissed by the bowler from that delivery.

Minimum boundary sizes in all international matches will be increased with the square boundary measuring at least 150 instead of 140 yards from one side of the ground to the other and the straight boundaries 70 instead of 65 yards.

The meeting also revealed that Zimbabwe Cricket reported it is not yet ready to return to Test cricket. It was agreed ZC would report back when it felt ready to step up so that the ICC board could make a decision on the matter.

In relation to allegations of financial irregularities levelled against ZC, it was agreed there would be an independent audit of ZC’s accounts by an internationally recognised firm.

The results of that audit will be presented to the next meeting of the ICC Board in October.