In a move set to reshape how One Day Internationals and Test matches are played, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved significant rule changes that will come into effect starting this June and July.
The changes—unveiled after the ICC’s latest meeting—target two core areas: the use of cricket balls in ODIs and the process for naming concussion substitutes across formats.
ODIs: A Swing Back to the Past
Beginning July 2, 2025, ODIs will feature a notable shift in ball usage. Under the current system, two new balls are used—one from each end—throughout the 50 overs. But starting next month, this will change.
Going forward, two balls will still be used, but only for the first 34 overs. From the 35th over until the end of the innings, only one of the two balls will be selected and used from both ends.
This adjustment, which subtly echoes the single-ball era, is designed to help fast bowlers reclaim some of the lost edge in the latter stages of ODIs. With the older ball more likely to reverse swing, this could shift the balance slightly back in favor of the bowlers—something teams have been lobbying for in recent years.
Concussion Substitutes: Clearer Rules, Defined Roles
In another key update, the ICC has revised the concussion substitute policy for all international formats.
Starting June 17, 2025, in Test matches—and later for ODIs (from July 2) and T20Is (from July 10)—teams will be required to pre-name five specific concussion substitutes before the toss. These five must cover key roles: a wicketkeeper, a batter, a seam bowler, a spinner, and an all-rounder.
This move aims to prevent ambiguity in mid-match concussion replacements and ensure fairer, role-matched substitutions. The previous policy, while allowing for concussion subs, left room for interpretation about who could replace whom—often leading to disputes and scrutiny.
No Ball Rule Changes for Tests—Yet
While the new concussion sub rule will apply to Test cricket starting June 17, there were no ball usage changes announced for the format. The traditional red ball structure remains untouched—for now.
What This Means for Teams
For captains and coaches, these changes bring both tactical shifts and logistical challenges. ODI teams may need to rethink death-overs strategies, particularly in how they manage bowlers who excel with an older ball. Meanwhile, squads will need to plan their 15-man rosters more meticulously, ensuring they’ve got credible options to fit the concussion sub categories.
For fans, the rule tweaks could spice up what many have seen as increasingly batter-friendly ODIs, while also improving clarity around player welfare.
As the countdown begins to the new rules taking effect, all eyes will be on how these changes play out on the field—and whether they succeed in striking the competitive balance cricket’s been striving for.
