According to reports, the ICC might make the Stop Clock rule permanent in limited-overs cricket to improve match pace.
Reportedly, the International Cricket Council (ICC) might permanently implement the Stop Clock rule in one-day internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 internationals (T20Is). This comes after a successful trial period that began in December 2023.
According to Cricbuzz, the ICC is satisfied with the trial’s progress and is prepared to make the Stop Clock rule a permanent fixture in all limited-overs international matches.
Slow-over rates have long been a concern for the ICC, hindering the sport’s global appeal. “We are continually looking at ways to speed up the pace of play across international cricket. The stop-clock trial in white-ball international cricket follows the introduction of a successful new playing condition in 2022, which resulted in the fielding team only being allowed four fielders outside of the inner circle if they were not in a position to bowl the first ball of their final over in the stipulated time,” said ICC General Manager Wasim, as quoted by The Hindu.
The Stop Clock aims to improve the pace of play in limited-overs cricket. Fielding teams will strictly have 60 seconds between overs to bowl the first ball of the next over. An electronic timer, monitored by the third umpire, will count down from 60 seconds. If the fielding team fails to bowl the first ball before the timer reaches zero, they will face penalties.
The penalty system follows a two-warning approach. The on-field umpires will issue two warnings to the fielding side for exceeding the 60-second limit. However, any subsequent delays will result in a harsher punishment—a five-run penalty awarded to the batting team.
Hence, building on the 2022 rule limiting fielders outside the circle in final overs, the ICC’s new 60-second Stop Clock rule aims to further intensify matches, with its debut at the upcoming T20 World Cup starting June 2nd.
Last Updated on March 15, 2024
