In T20 cricket, the first 6 overs of an innings are usually considered the powerplay. However, when a match is shortened due to rain or other interruptions, the situation becomes chaotic. To resolve this issue, the ICC is introducing a new rule, which will be implemented starting from the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka series in July.
According to the new rule, if a match is reduced to 8 overs, then the powerplay will last for 2.2 overs. If the match is 14 overs long, then the powerplay will extend up to 4.1 overs. During this period, a maximum of two fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Roughly 30 percent of the total deliveries in a shortened match will now fall under the powerplay.
The ICC has stated that this ball-based powerplay system has already been used for many years in England’s T20 Blast tournament. Players and umpires have not faced any issues with powerplays ending mid-over. Now, the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee has adopted this approach as the standard.
This new rule in T20 cricket will come into effect on July 2. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play a 3-match T20I series from July 10, and this series will mark the beginning of the new powerplay rule in international cricket.
In addition to the powerplay change, the ICC has also introduced several other updates:
Introduction of a “stop clock” in Test cricket to control over rates,
Use of review for no-balls in determining the fairness of catches,
And allowing full-time player replacements in domestic first-class cricket.
