Major ICC Rule Changes: ODI Two-Ball Rule and Strengthen Test Concussion Regulations from July 2025

The ICC is all set to bring in a major rule change in ODIs starting July 2025. The current two-new-ball rule will be dropped, and a new system will be introduced to give bowlers a better chance especially to bring back the art of reverse swing. This change comes after the BCCI took a similar step in the IPL, allowing teams bowling in the second innings to change the ball if there’s dew. That rule has already helped bowlers get more grip and keep the ball in better condition, especially in the death overs, making reverse swing a real weapon again.

Now, the ICC is trying to bring reverse swing back into the ODI format, which has become heavily tilted in favour of batters over the years. So far, ODIs have been played with two new balls one from each end, which means the balls stay too new to allow reverse swing. But starting this July, that will change. The game will still begin with two new balls, but only one of them will be used for the final 16 overs.

According to a note sent by the ICC to its members (as reported by Cricbuzz), “There will be two new balls for overs 1 to 34. After over 34 is completed and before the start of the 35th over, the fielding team will choose one of the two balls to be used for the remaining 16 overs. That ball will then be used from both ends unless it needs to be replaced. In matches reduced to 25 overs or less before the first innings begins, only one new ball will be used per innings."

The decision, which was first hinted at back in April, has now officially been approved by the ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC). It will come into effect during the upcoming Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODI series, starting July 2 in Colombo. For years, many cricketers and experts have voiced concerns over the use of two new balls in ODIs, arguing that it prevents reverse swing a crucial weapon for bowlers. Since each ball was only used for 25 overs, it never got rough enough on one side to reverse. But that’s finally set to change, bringing fresh excitement for bowlers and fans alike.

Explained: What the 2-Ball Rule Change Means for ODI Cricket

Stricter Concussion Substitute Rules and Updates to Boundary Catches & DRS

The World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final between Australia and South Africa, starting June 11 at Lord’s, will be played under the current ICC rules. But major changes are on the way. As per a report by Cricbuzz, new playing conditions will come into effect right after the final, starting with the first Test of the new WTC cycle on June 17 in Galle between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

One key change involves stricter rules for concussion substitutes. Teams will now be required to name five replacement players before the start of each match. These substitutes must cover different roles such as batting, pace bowling, spin bowling, wicketkeeping, and all-rounder duties to ensure balance and fairness during in-game replacements.

The ICC explained in a statement to its members that, “Under an exceptional and rare circumstance, if a concussion substitute player also gets concussed and needs replacing, the match referee will step in to handle the situation and may allow a replacement outside the original five nominated substitutes. The current like-for-like rule will continue to apply in such cases.

At present, teams don’t have to name a list of potential substitutes before a match. When a concussion occurs, umpires permit a like-for-like replacement, but the exact meaning of “like-for-like” hasn’t been clearly defined. This led to controversy during England’s tour of India, when Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube was concussed and replaced by Harshit Rana, a genuine pacer. Rana’s unexpected bowling proved highly effective and caused problems for England, sparking debate over the fairness of the substitution.

The ICC has also announced minor changes to boundary catches and the Decision Review System (DRS), though full details are still awaited. Meanwhile, a new working group will be formed soon to decide if the Men’s U-19 World Cup should be played as a T20 event, remain a 50-over tournament or follow a hybrid format. This decision is expected to be made during the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore scheduled for July 17–20.

ALSO READ: MI vs GT Highlights, IPL 2025 Eliminator: Rohit Sharma’s 81 Guides Mumbai Indians to Win, Set to Face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2