The ICC has approved a new change in powerplay rules for men’s T20 internationals, especially for games where overs are reduced due to rain or other reasons.
In a regular T20 match of 20 overs, the first six overs are the powerplay, where only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. But in shorter matches, this powerplay used to be rounded off to the nearest over. Now, starting from July, the powerplay will be calculated more accurately — rounded to the nearest ball instead of the nearest over.
For example, if an innings is reduced to 8 overs, the powerplay will now last for 2.2 overs, which means two balls into the third over. In a 9-over game, the powerplay will be 2.4 overs. This ensures the powerplay covers roughly 30 percent of the innings, keeping things fair for both teams.
The ICC said this method has already been used successfully in England’s T20 Blast. Players and umpires have managed it without any problems. The ICC Men’s Cricket Committee has now agreed to make this the standard method going forward.
So in the 8-over match example, umpires will allow fielders to move outside the circle after the second ball of the third over.
Other changes include the use of a stop clock in Test cricket to improve over rates, the ability to review catches for no-balls, and allowing full-time player replacements in domestic first-class matches. The white-ball changes will start from July 2, while some red-ball changes have already begun under the new World Test Championship cycle.
