ICC Mandates Stop-Clock Rule from T20 World Cup 2024: What is it?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday that the use of stop clocks in limited-overs international matches will become mandatory starting from June 2024. This new rule will debut at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the West Indies and USA.

The stop-clock rule was initially introduced in December 2023 on an experimental basis to ensure the timely completion of matches. The ICC has decided to make this feature permanent in all One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) after seeing positive results from the trial period.

“Results presented to the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) demonstrated that approximately 20 minutes had been saved per ODI match. The feature has now been added as a mandatory playing condition in all Full Member ODI and T20I matches from 1 June 2024,” the ICC stated.

What is the Stop-Clock Rule?

1. Timing Over Starts: The stop-clock rule mandates that the fielding side must begin a new over within 60 seconds of the completion of the previous over.
2. Electronic Clock: The countdown will be displayed on an electronic clock at the ground, with the third umpire responsible for starting the clock.
3. Penalties for Delay: If the fielding team fails to start the new over within 60 seconds, they will receive two warnings. Following these warnings, a five-run penalty will be imposed for each subsequent incident of delay.

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Exceptions to the Stop-Clock Rule

The rule will not apply in the following situations:

1. New Batter: When a new batter comes to the wicket between overs.
2. Drinks Intervals: When an official drinks interval is called.
3. Injuries: If the umpires approve on-field treatment of an injury to a batter or fielder.
4. Uncontrollable Circumstances: Any time lost due to circumstances beyond the control of the fielding side.

T20 World Cup 2024 Playing Conditions

In addition to the stop-clock rule, the ICC has also finalized other playing conditions for the T20 World Cup 2024:

• Minimum Overs: A minimum of 5 overs must be bowled to the team batting second to constitute a game in the group stages and the Super Eight stages.
• Knockout Matches: For knockout matches, the minimum number of overs required is raised to 10.

These measures aim to enhance the efficiency and pace of the game, ensuring a better experience for both players and spectators.