ICC introduces major changes to cricket playing conditions from October 1

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a series of changes to cricket’s Playing Conditions, with the new regulations coming into effect on October 1, 2026.

The changes will apply to new international series beginning on or after October 1. Series that were already underway before the date will continue under the existing playing conditions.

5-run penalty for deliberate time-wasting by batters

Under the revised regulations, a batter who deliberately wastes time will initially receive a warning. A second offence will result in a final warning, while a third and subsequent offence will result in five penalty runs being awarded to the fielding team.

Repeated incidents may also result in further disciplinary action under the ICC Code of Conduct.

Pink ball permitted in day Tests

Teams will now be allowed to use a pink ball in day Tests to reduce interruptions caused by poor light.

Both teams must agree to the use of the pink ball before the start of the match. Once the decision is made, the pink ball must be used for the remainder of the match, and teams cannot switch from a red ball to a pink ball after play has begun.

Play can continue after a wicket in the final over

A wicket falling during the final over of the day will no longer automatically bring play to an end.

If weather and playing conditions permit, the remaining deliveries of the over will be completed before the scheduled close of play.

New ball specifications for women's cricket

The ICC has introduced clearer specifications for the size and weight of balls used in women's, men's and junior cricket.

The separate standards are intended to bring greater consistency to the ball used in women's cricket.

Clarification on overthrows

The revised laws provide greater clarity on when a deflection or misfield should be classified as an overthrow.

An overthrow will apply when a fielder throws the ball towards the stumps in an attempt to prevent runs or effect a run-out and the ball subsequently travels away.

A routine misfield while attempting to stop the ball, or a ball that gets away while being passed to another fielder, will not automatically be classified as an overthrow.

Full control of the ball required for run-outs and stumpings

Fielders must have complete control of the ball when breaking the stumps for a run-out or stumping.

A batter will not be given out if the stumps are broken when the fielder has merely touched the ball without having full control of it.

Greater clarity on when the ball is finally settled

The updated conditions also clarify when an umpire can consider the ball to be "finally settled."

The ball does not necessarily have to be in the hands of the bowler or wicketkeeper. The umpire can determine, based on the circumstances, when the ball has come under sufficient control to be considered finally settled.

15-minute interval in T20 internationals

The interval between innings in T20 internationals will now be 15 minutes.

In matches where playing time has been lost, the interval can be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes.

Head coaches allowed onto the field during drinks breaks

During scheduled drinks breaks in ODIs and T20 internationals, the head coach or a designated representative will be permitted to enter the field and discuss strategy with the players.

Leg-side wide provision made permanent

The leg-side wide provision that had previously been introduced on a trial basis in ODIs and T20 internationals has now been incorporated permanently into the Playing Conditions.

The ICC said the changes are aimed at making international cricket more efficient, clearer and better suited to the modern game.