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ICC Introduces New PowerPlay Rules and Concussion Protocols for Shortened T20Is
Major Overhaul in T20I Playing Conditions from July 2025
In a significant development ahead of the busy international calendar, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced key changes to the Playing Conditions for T20 Internationals, set to take effect from July 10, 2025. These changes aim to ensure fairness, consistency, and a more proportionate application of rules—especially in rain-affected or shortened matches.
The most notable update revolves around PowerPlay calculations in reduced T20I matches, with updates also impacting concussion replacements and how illegal use of saliva or substances on the ball will be handled moving forward.
PowerPlay Overs Now Calculated to the Nearest Ball
ICC Moves from “Over Rounding” to Precise Ball-Based Formula
Under the previous regulations, PowerPlay overs in reduced matches were calculated by rounding to the nearest over. This sometimes led to disproportional advantages in shortened games. For instance, a match reduced to 9 overs had 3 PowerPlay overs—constituting 33% of the total innings, significantly higher than the intended 30% ratio seen in full-length matches.
From July 10, PowerPlay overs in shortened innings will be rounded to the nearest ball to reflect more accurate percentages. This new system, already in use in England’s T20 Blast, ensures a fairer representation for both batting and bowling sides.
For example:
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In an 8-over match, PowerPlay will end after 2.2 overs (14 balls).
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In a 9-over match, it will end after 2.4 overs (16 balls).
“This method has worked well in domestic T20 leagues like the T20 Blast. Umpires will signal the end of PowerPlay based on the exact number of balls, even if it cuts into an over,” the ICC stated.
You can read more about the T20 Blast’s rule structure here.
Concussion Replacements Must Be Pre-Nominated
In another critical update, the ICC now mandates that all Men’s T20I teams must submit a list of five potential concussion replacements before the match begins. The list should ideally cover:
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One wicketkeeper
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One batter
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One fast bowler
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One spinner
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One all-rounder
This ensures a level playing field and removes the home team advantage of having a larger replacement pool.
“The emphasis is on like-for-like replacement. The referee will review whether the nominated player mirrors the injured one’s skill set before approving the change,” said the ICC.
Special Consideration for Associate Nations:
Teams with limited resources, especially touring squads with only 14 players, may name any three non-playing members—doubling one or two of them across roles to fulfill the five-player requirement. The referee may also permit exceptions under special circumstances.
Guidelines for Dual-Role Nominations
If a player is nominated for multiple categories (e.g., an all-rounder as both a batter and spinner), and he replaces a batter, the match referee may prohibit him from bowling to maintain balance.
This structured nomination ensures replacements remain functional equivalents and do not create unfair advantages.
Saliva Use on Ball: New Safeguards Introduced
The ICC has introduced stricter language to prevent teams from intentionally altering the ball’s condition using saliva or any substance in an attempt to force a replacement ball.
“If saliva or any other substance is applied to manipulate the ball’s condition, it must be replaced under normal circumstances. But this clause prevents strategic misuse for tactical advantage,” said the ICC.
This change fortifies the laws on ball tampering and upholds sporting integrity in limited-overs formats.
Implementation and Future Plans
These revised conditions apply only to Men’s T20Is as of now. The ICC has clarified that Women’s T20I Playing Conditions will be updated in October 2025.
These changes come in the wake of increasing focus on fairness and standardization across global cricket, especially as teams deal with unpredictable weather and player safety protocols.
Read our detailed explainer on DLS method in T20 cricket.
Visit the official ICC Playing Conditions page
