ICC reviewing potential changes to the current two-ball rule in ODI playing conditions.

ICC Considers Tweaks to ODI Two-Ball Rule to Rebalance Bat and Ball

The ICC is weighing a change to the current two-ball rule in One Day Internationals as part of efforts to bring greater balance between bat and ball in the format. During meetings held this week in Harare, the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, chaired by Sourav Ganguly, proposed that from the 35th over of an innings, teams continue with only one of the two balls used up to that point.

Under the current playing conditions introduced in 2011, each innings begins with two new balls from either end, which continue throughout the 50 overs. The new recommendation keeps the two-ball start but suggests that after 34 overs—when both balls are 17 overs old—the fielding team select one ball to continue with. The unused ball would be retained as a spare.

The committee had earlier explored making the switch after 25 overs, but ultimately felt that the 17-over mark was a more suitable point of transition. Member boards have been invited to submit feedback by the end of April. If consensus is reached, the change could be formalized during the ICC’s annual general meeting in July. As it constitutes a playing conditions change, it would not require approval from the ICC board.

The move revisits ideas previously seen in ODI cricket. Before 2011, a mandatory ball change occurred after the 34th over, typically with a similarly used but cleaner ball to aid visibility, especially under lights.

Other Recommendations Under Discussion

Alongside the ODI adjustment, member boards will also provide feedback on a proposed 60-second stop clock in Test cricket to address slow over-rates. The timer, already in place in limited-overs formats, penalizes teams falling behind the rate by moving a fielder into the 30-yard circle.

The committee also discussed the idea of switching the Under-19 Men’s World Cup from a 50-over to a T20 format, though the proposal lacked significant support. Such a change would require full ICC Board approval.

Additionally, there was talk of introducing bonus points in the World Test Championship, but concerns over the complexity of implementation meant the idea didn’t gain traction.

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