The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced new playing condition changes for T20 internationals, which will come into effect from July 2025. These changes mainly concern Powerplay overs in rain-affected or shortened T20 matches, along with some updates to concussion substitute rules.
Revised Powerplay Overs for Reduced T20 Matches
Earlier, there was confusion about how many overs would be designated as Powerplay in matches shortened due to rain or other reasons. Now, the ICC has clearly defined this. For example:
- In an 8-over match, the Powerplay will be 2.2 overs, during which only 2 fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
- Previously, this would have been just 2 overs of Powerplay.
Here’s the updated chart for Powerplay overs based on innings length:
| Innings Overs | Powerplay Overs |
|---|---|
| 5 | 1.3 |
| 6 | 1.5 |
| 7 | 2.1 |
| 8 | 2.2 |
| 9 | 2.4 |
| 10 | 3 |
| 11 | 3.2 |
| 12 | 3.4 |
| 13 | 3.5 |
| 14 | 4.1 |
| 15 | 4.3 |
| 16 | 4.5 |
| 17 | 5.1 |
| 18 | 5.2 |
| 19 | 5.4 |
This change removes any ambiguity and ensures transparency in fielding restrictions for shortened T20 matches.
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Clarity on Concussion Substitutes
The ICC has also updated the rules around concussion replacements. Now, all teams must name 5 players before the match who can be used as concussion substitutes. These must include:
- 1 Wicketkeeper
- 1 Batter
- 1 Fast Bowler
- 1 Spinner
- 1 All-Rounder
A player can be nominated for multiple roles, such as an all-rounder being eligible as both a batter and a bowler. However, if that player replaces a batter, the match referee can restrict him from bowling, and vice versa.
If a visiting team only has 14 players, they may name 3 players from outside the playing XI. Out of these, 2 players may be nominated for dual roles. If there’s an eligible player present in the host country, they may also be named.
The concussion substitute must be a “like-for-like” replacement. For example:
- A batter should be replaced by another batter,
- A bowler by a bowler, and so on.
The match referee has the final authority to decide if the replacement is truly like-for-like.
If a batter is named as a wicketkeeper, the referee may ask him to keep wickets, or may allow someone else from the playing XI to do so.
Even if the substitute is not part of the official playing squad, a team can still nominate any eligible player. In exceptional cases, the referee may approve a replacement who isn’t in the pre-submitted list but is mentioned on the nomination form.
These new regulations aim to standardise procedures, reduce confusion, and make the game fairer and more transparent in unpredictable match situations.