In a bid to address several key issues in the cricket matches, International Cricket Council has brought a new set of rules. The changes will be applicable to all the international series starting from now onwards. The alterations in the rules are concerned with issues like dimensions of the bat, Decision Review System, grounding, leg by on no-ball, sending a player off the field, and much more.
Although the ongoing India-Australia Series will continue to follow the old rules, the test series between South Africa and Bangladesh and the one between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will abide by the modified rules.
File Photo (Image Courtesy: Hindustan Times)
Enlisted below are the highlights of the new set of rules that have been introduced by the ICC:
Sending Players off the field
Until now, any kind of misbehavior on the part of the players was handled by the umpires by putting fines and bans. However, from now on, any player who attempts to assault or threaten another player, umpire, or spectator will be immediately sent off the field.
No-ball Rules
As per the new rule, any bowler who delivers a deliberate front-foot no-ball will be guilty of “unfair play” and won’t be allowed to bowl for the remaining portion of the innings. Besides, if a ball bounces more than once before reaching the batsman, it will be declared as a no-ball. Also, the byes and leg byes scored off a no-ball will be scored separately.
Bat Dimensions
The thickness of the bat can’t be more than 40 mm, while the overall depth should be less than 67 mm. In order to check if the bat is legal, umpires will be provided with a new bat gauge.
DRS
The DRS can now be availed by Twenty-Twenty Internationals but in tests, the teams cannot get reviews back after the completion of 80 overs. In addition, a team will not lose a review if it’s struck down because of the umpire’s call.
Catch on the boundary
The fielder in contact with the ball must be either grounded inside the boundary or his/her last contact with the ground before touching the ball must be inside the boundary.
Dismissal of the batsman
A batsman can be declared run-out, catch out, or stumped even if the ball comes in contact with a helmet worn by any fielder or wicketkeeper. Adding to this, if the batsman comes in contact with the ground with his/her bat beyond the crease and it bounces up when the wickets are broken, he/she will be not out.
Bails
In an attempt to prevent serious injuries to the wicketkeepers, the bails can now be tethered to the stumps. The decision to use or not use the tethered bails now rests with the host countries.
