T20 cricket was invented to quicken up the game. The format promised thrills at a breathtaking speed. But along its way, the element of speed started dissipating from the game. Teams started taking the game’s pace for granted. The explosion of data and strategy slowed down the game considerably. T20I format lost its very essence.
Didn’t the ICC take any measures?
The ICC did try its best to penalise the teams with fines. Repeated offenders were handled match bans. But that didn’t force teams to take the overs-rate seriously. They continued to play the game at their own laborious pace.
What is their latest step to tackle the issue?
ICC on Friday announced the new playing conditions for the T20 International cricket. The changes will be effective for both the men’s and women’s T20 internationals. For the first time ever the game will feature in-match penalties. As per the new rule, if a fielding team fails to complete the overs in the scheduled time one fewer fielder will be permitted outside of the 30-yard circle for the remaining overs of the innings of the T20I match.
The official statement:
ICC’s statement read, “The over rate regulations are captured in clause 13.8 of the playing conditions, which stipulate that a fielding side must be in a position to bowl the first ball of the final over of the innings by the scheduled or rescheduled time for the end of the innings. If they are not in such a position, one fewer fielder will be permitted outside of the 30-yard circle for the remaining overs of the innings.”
The ICC cricket committee recommended this technical change to the ICC. This particular rule was inspired by ECB’s ‘Hundred’. The Hundred had successfully implemented the rule. The game’s ultra-shortest format finally saw quickfire action. ICC was keen to follow this measure to reinvent the format.
ICC’s media release:
The media release from the ICC stated, “The change was recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee, which regularly discusses ways to improve the pace of play in all formats, after considering reports on the effectiveness of a similar regulation that was included in the playing conditions for the Hundred competition conducted by the ECB.”
The other big change:
ICC announced another major change in this format. There will be an optional drinks break of Two Minutes and Thirty-Seconds. The statement read, “In another change, an optional drinks break of two minutes and thirty seconds may be taken at the mid-point of each innings subject to agreement between Members at the start of each series.”
From when will these changes be implemented:
The new rule will come into effect from the T20I game between the West Indies and Ireland [Men]. Sabina Park, Jamaica will host the match on January 16, 2022. While the change in rule will be implemented for women’s cricket starting the game between South Africa and West Indies. This game will be played on January 18, 2022, at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
