ICC Revises T20 PowerPlay Rules for Shortened Matches, Enhances Concussion Protocol

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced alterations to the Playing Conditions for Twenty20 Internationals, primarily affecting the calculation of PowerPlay overs. This adjustment ensures greater accuracy in matches with reduced innings.

PowerPlay overs in T20Is will now be rounded to the nearest ball, not over, for better proportional accuracy © Getty

Previously, the first six overs constituted the PowerPlay, roughly 30% of a standard 20-over innings. However, when innings are shortened, rounding the PowerPlay to the nearest over could create imbalances.

Now, the PowerPlay length will be calculated to the nearest ball, providing a more precise proportional distribution.

In scenarios where the batting team's overs are reduced, the PowerPlay overs will be adjusted according to the following table. This rule applies to both the first and second innings.

For example, an 8-over innings will now have a PowerPlay lasting 2.2 overs, and a 9-over innings will have 2.4 overs. This methodology maintains the intended 30% proportion.

The ICC stated that this system has been successfully implemented in the T20 Blast in England for several years, without causing issues for players or officials. Umpires will signal the end of the PowerPlay mid-over, allowing additional fielders to move outside the inner circle.

Concussion Replacements

The ICC has mandated that teams identify and name potential concussion replacements before each Men's T20I match. This levels the playing field by preventing home teams from having an unfair advantage due to a larger available player pool. Teams are required to nominate the following replacements:

• One wicketkeeper
• One batter
• One seam bowler
• One spin bowler
• One all-rounder

Associate Member teams facing difficulties in identifying five specific concussion replacement players will have special considerations. Teams can nominate a batter as a replacement wicketkeeper. However, the match referee retains the discretion to decide whether the nominated batter must keep wicket or allow another player from the starting XI to do so. The primary objective is a like-for-like replacement, preventing teams from gaining an unfair advantage.

Players can be nominated for multiple categories. For instance, an all-rounder nominated as a batter replacement might be restricted from bowling by the referee. Concussion replacements are not restricted to the playing squad, and teams can nominate any eligible player.

The overarching principle remains a like-for-like replacement, with the referee making decisions based on the specific circumstances.

Examples:

• Home Team: Can nominate from a broader pool of players, even those outside the selected squad.
• Away Team: Typically limited to the 14 players in the touring squad, with potential for double nominations.

Under exceptional circumstances, the match referee may consider a replacement player not initially nominated.

Saliva Ban

The ICC has addressed the use of saliva on the ball. If saliva or any other substance is used to alter the ball's condition, the ball must be replaced. However, to prevent teams from deliberately applying saliva to force a ball change, this new clause allows for discretion in ball replacement.

These changes are currently applicable only to Men's playing conditions, with updates for Women's playing conditions expected in October. The new playing conditions will take effect on July 10, 2025.