DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced key updates to the playing conditions for men’s T20 Internationals, with major changes set to take effect from July 10, 2025.
The revisions focus on refining power play calculations in rain-affected or reduced-overs matches and providing greater clarity around concussion substitutions.
A standout modification pertains to how power play overs are calculated. Under the previous system, power play lengths in shortened matches were rounded to the nearest full over—an approach that sometimes created imbalances in fielding restrictions.
To address this, the ICC will now round power play durations to the nearest ball, ensuring they consistently represent around 30% of the innings, as intended in a full 20-over format.
For example: In a 5-over innings, the power play will now last 1.3 overs (1 over and 3 balls). A 10-over match will feature a 3-over power play. A 17-over game will see a power play of 5.1 overs.
Umpires will signal the conclusion of the power play during the relevant over, allowing fielding sides to adjust field placements accordingly. This ball-based approach to power plays has been implemented in England’s T20 Blast for several years with notable success.
These amendments are part of the ICC’s ongoing efforts to improve fairness, consistency, and clarity in the shortest format of the game, especially in matches impacted by interruptions.
Another important update relates to concussion substitutes. Teams will now be required to name five specific concussion replacement options before the start of each T20I match. These options must cover different roles: one batter, one wicketkeeper, one all-rounder, one spin bowler, and one pace bowler. This rule aims to ensure fairness and transparency, especially in overseas conditions where squad sizes might be limited. Some flexibility will be allowed for associate nations if they face difficulties naming five specific replacements.
The ICC has also reinforced the rule regarding ball condition. If a team is found to have intentionally applied saliva or any other external substance to alter the ball’s condition, the ball will be immediately replaced, and further action may be taken under the Code of Conduct.
For now, these changes apply only to men’s T20Is. The ICC has stated that a revised set of conditions for women’s T20Is will be released in October 2025. These updates are designed to make the shortest format of the game fairer and more consistent, especially in matches affected by weather and concerning squad regulations.
