
The proposed modification, which was suggested by the ICC Cricket Committee, aims to improve bowlers’ effectiveness by permitting reverse swing, according to Cricbuzz.
The bowling teams would begin with two new balls under this modification, but they would only utilize one after the 25-over mark.I
Changes to the 2-ball rule in a One-Day Internationals
The two-ball rule is not completely eliminated by the proposed change; however, reverse swing will be reinstated, which is currently impossible when the ball retains its shine. Under these recommendations, teams would have to decide which of the two balls to continue with.
In contrast to the current rules, which allow each ball to last for 25 overs, the change hopes for a ball to last no longer than 37-38 overs by the time 50 overs have been bowled.
Expert opinions
In ODIs, experts question the 2-ball rule. The two-ball rule has been criticized by several experts, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
He described it as a “recipe for disaster,” arguing it prevents the ball from aging enough to reverse swing, which is crucial during death overs.
Brett Lee, a former fast bowler for Australia, agreed with Tendulkar about keeping the balance between the bat and the ball in one-day internationals.
Clock implementation
For Test matches, the ICC looks into in-game clocks. The ICC is considering in-game clocks for Test matches in addition to the modification to the two-ball rule. A 60-second upper limit between each over would be set by the proposed rule, similar to the change in white-ball formats. During these matches, the Cricket Committee aims to complete 90 overs per day, which may speed up game completion times.
Format change
ICC considers T20 format for Under-19 World Cup
Separately, world cricket administrators are also mulling a switch to T20 format for the Under-19 World Cup.
Stakeholders have debated the proposal, with some advocating for the junior World Cup to remain a 50-over competition. However, proponents of the T20 format contend that it is comparable to the current format of women’s Under-19 World Cup competition.