The International Cricket Council's (ICC) annual conference concluded in Barbados last week, with high on the agenda changes to be made to regulations of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is), with the aim of bringing a better balance between bat and ball. This was on the back of a high-scoring World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in the winter, and the recent ODI series between England and New Zealand which say run scoring records being smashed.
The ICC decided that the following regulation changes will take effect in ODIs and T20s for series starting on or after 5th July 2015.
- No compulsory catches in overs 1-10 (ODIs)
- No batting Powerplay between overs 15-40 (ODIs)
- Five Fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle in overs 41-50 (ODIs)
- All “no balls”, not just “foot fault” resulting in a free hit (ODIs & T20Is).
Making the game easier to follow and bringing a balance between bat and ball
These changes made to the playing conditions were part of recommendations made by the ICC’s cricket committee in the May, the ICC’s cricket committee is headed by former India captain Anil Kumble. The ICC chief executive Dave Richardson believes the changes made to regulations will make it easier for spectators to follow the game whilst maintaining a balance between bat and ball.
On the decision to remove the batting powerplay, Richardson claims that bowlers were on a hiding to nothing, teams that were set for a good score on a good wicket, would let loose in the final 15 overs, taking advantage of any gaps in the field, especially as most teams would wait until the very last moment they could take their batting powerplay. Therefore really attacking the bowlers in the final 15 overs.
Richardson and ICC believe that in making these changes, they ensuring that ODI cricket will retain its attacking, aggressive and thrilling brand, which has recent become the hallmark of 50-over cricket and set the world of cricket on a positive path to the next World Cup in England in 2019.