The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced a few significant updates to the international cricket laws and playing conditions. The ICC also made revisions to the ODI ball usage and other sections of the game. Recent changes in these rules and playing conditions aim to improve player safety while balancing ball and bat.
Let’s check out the new icc rules and how these changes will impact international cricket going forward.
Major Changes Made to the Concussion Sub Rule
Pre-nominations
Fresh changes to the concussion sub rule will require teams to submit a list of five (5) nominated players pre-toss to the Match Referee. This requirement aligns with the MCC Law 24.4.2 stated below:
24.4.2
Prior to the toss, each team must supply the Match Referee with a list of five nominated substitutes, comprising:
- one Wicket‑keeper
- one Specialist Batter
- one Fast Bowler
- one Spin Bowler
- one All‑rounder
Similar player replacement
The rule further mandates teams to replace a fielded player with a sub possessing similar qualities in line with Laws 24.4.3 and 24.4.4 stated below:
24.4.3
The Concussion Substitute must be a “like‑for‑like” replacement in role and ability. The Match Referee in consultation with the on‑field umpires and medical staff shall approve the nominated substitute under Playing Condition 1.2.8.1 and 1.2.8.2 to ensure fairness.
24.4.4
Once approved, the Concussion Substitute may bat, bowl and/or keep wicket in place of the concussed player for the remainder of the match, subject to any additional restrictions imposed by the Match Referee.
The ICC permitted a sweeping change to concussion sub rules from June 17, 2025 for Tests. Other formats like ODIs (effective from July 2, 2025) and T20Is (from July 10, 2025) will also adopt these changes.
Why is There a Concussion Substitute Rule in Cricket?
The need for concussion substitutes became necessary after the ICC recognised an urgent need for better player safety against injuries in play. ICC officials introduced the “Like-for-Like” concussion subs to allow teams switch potentially-injured players with a similar cricketer in their lineup. However, these subs have led to disputes in some situations over the years.
Concussion awareness rules in the ICC gained more attention in 2019 while aligning with the ICC Playing Conditions 1.2.8.1and 1.2.8.2 quoted below:
1.2.8.1
“In assessing whether the nominated Concussion Replacement should be considered a like for like player, the ICC Match Referee should consider the likely role the concussed player would have played during the remainder of the match…”
1.2.8.2
“If the ICC Match Referee believes that the inclusion of the nominated Concussion Replacement … would excessively advantage their team, the Match Referee may impose such conditions upon the identity and involvement of the Concussion Replacement…”
Recent changes to the concussion sub rule aim to guarantee player safety across formats while ensuring fair play during games.
Bunny Hop Catch Ban Becomes Active After Changes to MCC Laws
The ICC recently placed a total ban on bunny hop catches in international cricket. The ban takes effect immediately.
What is a bunny hop catch?
The bunny hop catch occurs when a fielder:
- jumps from inside the boundary while attempting to catch balls mid-air
- crosses the boundary rope while still in control of the ball
- tosses the ball while outside and re-enters the boundary to complete a catch
What MCC Law made bunny hop catches legal?
Law 19.5.2 covers the conduct around bunny hop catches in all forms of cricket:
19.5.2
A fielder is considered to be grounded beyond the boundary if their last point of contact with the ground before their first contact with the ball was not entirely within the boundary.
19.5.2.1
A fielder may make one airborne contact with the ball originating from a jump that began inside the boundary, provided that they land inside the field of play immediately after that contact.
19.5.2.2
Any subsequent airborne contact with the ball while still outside the boundary will be deemed a boundary under Law 19.1.
19.5.2.3
These provisions apply equally to all fielders involved in a relay or team effort to complete a catch near the boundary.
When is the bunny hop catch ban set to take effect?
The bunny hop catch ban is already active after amendments to the MCC Laws were made public. These amendments will appear in the MCC’s Laws from October 2026; however, it is set to feature actively across all formats from June 17, 2025.
Revisions to Two-Ball ODI Rule Set to Take Effect from July 2025
Men’s ODIs began using just two balls throughout 50 overs since 2011. One of these balls went to each side and remained unchanged from start to finish. Analysts argued against this practice for years, and believe the rule favours batters after balls lose their form under extreme wear.
New regulations under cricket laws aim to fix the issue by:
- introducing two new balls for bowling at each end between Overs 1 and 34
- allowing the fielding team to choose one of two balls already in use within Overs 35 and 50
- ensuring the chosen ball will remain in use for the completing innings.
Any shortened game (within 25 overs) per side pre-toss will see only one ball used throughout the innings.
