8/3/2019 The International Cricket Council

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently revised a few rules governing the

One-Day game. These rules came into effect starting with the ongoing India-

England ODI series, and will be applicable to every international match in the

future. Here's a list of these changes:

- Two new balls will be used in every innings, i.e., a new ball will be introduced at

either end. So both opening bowlers will now have the opportunity to bowl with a

brand new ball. This will lead to lesser wear and tear of the ball. This works in

favour of the batsmen as the ball would be more visible even during the death

overs. Also, this move could mean reverse swing--which typically requires a 30 to

35-over-old ball--could become a thing of the past in ODIs.

- A batsman will be given out if he obstructs the field. In other words, an umpire

can declare a batsman out if he thinks he deliberately got in the way of a throw or

fielder during a run-out. The implementation of this rule is up to the umpire, and it

brings with it a human element to a game that has increased its reliance on

technology over the last couple of years. However, many players have deemed this

rule vague, and claim that this could result in unfair decisions.

- Teams have to take the second and third powerplays between the 16th and the

40th overs of the innings. This will quicken the pace during the listless middle overs

that normally see batsmen scoring about four to five runs per over without taking

risks. This could also result in teams scoring totals in excess of 300 more often than

they have in the past.

- Batsmen will not get runners anymore. An injured batsman will either have to

play through the pain or will have to retire hurt. He may try to return to the crease

at a later stage should he feel up to it. While not many current players--at least the

good ones--use runners, this will encourage batsmen to tread carefully and also

concentrate on their fitness. Some say this is discriminatory as bowlers are allowed

to leave the field and have substitutes field for them while this new rule targets

batsmen.

Another recent rule update pertains to the much-debated Umpire Decision Review

System (UDRS). The ICC has decided that this system will be used in a match (or

series) only if both the teams approve its usage. So, it's safe to say that MS Dhoni

and co will not be able to blame this system anymore! However, the ICC has made

it clear that UDRS will be used in ICC events.

That's it--now all that's left is to see how these rule changes impact the game!