Cricketopia@CricketopiaCom
The 10 major updates highlighted below.
1. Standardised Women’s & Junior Balls
New ball categories - Size 1, 2, and 3,have been introduced. Size 1 remains the men’s ball, while tolerance limits for women’s and junior balls are now uniform.
2. Laminated Bats Allowed
Type D laminated bats can now be used in adult cricket. This is expected to reduce costs without giving players any major performance advantage. Usage levels will depend on national boards.
3. Final Over Must Be Completed
In multi-day matches, if a wicket falls in the last over of the day, the over will still be completed instead of ending early.
4. Short Running Clarified
Batters can abandon a run without penalty if not done to deceive umpires. However, if short running is deliberate, the fielding team can decide which batter takes strike.
5. Boundary Catching Rule Updated
Fielders who jump from outside the boundary can only touch the ball once while airborne. After that, they must remain inside the boundary or it counts as a boundary.
6. Overthrow Clearly Defined
An overthrow is now officially defined as a throw aimed at the stumps to attempt a run-out or stop runs. Other mistakes like misfields will not be treated as overthrows.
7. New Definition of ‘Ball Finally Settled’
The ball will be considered dead if it is controlled by any fielder or lying still, not only when held by the bowler or wicketkeeper.
8. Wicketkeeper Position Relaxed
Keepers can now stand in front of the stumps during the bowler’s run-up but must be fully behind the stumps once the ball is released.
9. Hit Wicket Clarified
A batter can be out hit wicket if they lose balance after playing a shot and hit the stumps. However, they are protected if pushed into the stumps by another player or equipment contacts someone before hitting the wicket.
10. Clear Definition of Ball Control
For run-outs and stumpings, fielders must have complete control of the ball, not just touch it. The control standard is similar to that required while taking a catch.
