The ICC is thinking of altering the current two-ball playing conditions for ODIs.
In an effort to bring bat and ball back into balance in the format, the ICC is thinking about changing the current two-ball playing conditions in ODIs. During this week’s ICC conference in Harare, it was suggested that only one ball from the 35th over of an innings be used.
The Sourav Ganguly-led ICC men’s cricket committee recommended the change to board chief executives. As is now the case, each innings will begin with two new balls. However, the recommendation states that after the 34th over, when both balls will be 17 overs old, the fielding side will be free to choose which ball they want to continue with. The ball that is not selected will then be retained as a backup in case it becomes necessary.
After 25 overs, the cricket committee contemplated changing the ball sooner. However, ESPNcricinfo is aware that this did not sit well with the committee, which believed it was more suitable to use a ball for 17 overs before picking which to use. By the end of this month, boards are supposed to provide their input on the change. At the ICC’s annual general meeting in July, if there is agreement, it will probably be formalised in the playing conditions. The ICC board will not need to approve it because it is a change in the playing conditions.
The ICC introduced the current playing condition in October 2011 after it had previously been used at other events, most notably the 1992 World Cup. Following the 34th over of an innings, ODI playing conditions required a mandatory ball change for a few years until 2011. This was done to replace the ball with one that was similarly used but cleaner and easier to see, as the balls were getting harder for batters to spot.
Additionally, boards will think about and offer input on the introduction of a 60-second stop clock in Test cricket. Since last year, teams who fall behind in T20Is and ODIs have been penalised by bringing one extra fielder within a 30-yard circle in an effort to fight slow over rates.
Additionally, the committee discussed moving the Under-19 Men’s World Cup from the current 50-over format to T20. However, there was little support for that and no clear consensus. In any event, the ICC board would need to formally approve such a change.
The World Test Championship bonus-points award was also addressed by committee members, however it was generally believed that it would be too difficult to implement.
