ICC Clarifies Powerplay Rules for Reduced T20 Matches After Overhaul of Test Regulations

ICC Finalises Powerplay Rules for Shortened T20Is, Introduces Stop Clock in Tests.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced precise guidelines for powerplay overs in T20 Internationals affected by rain or other interruptions. The changes, aimed at standardising playing conditions in shortened matches, will come into effect from July.

Previously, powerplay overs in reduced-overs matches were often rounded off. Under the new system, the fielding restrictions will now follow a detailed breakdown based on the number of overs per innings. For instance, an eight-over innings will now feature exactly 2.2 overs of powerplay, rather than the earlier rounded-off figure of three overs.

The new powerplay chart includes:

5 overs: 1.3 overs

6 overs: 1.5 overs

7 overs: 2.1 overs

8 overs: 2.2 overs

9 overs: 2.4 overs

10 overs: 3.0 overs

11 overs: 3.2 overs

12 overs: 3.4 overs

13 overs: 3.5 overs

14 overs: 4.1 overs

15 overs: 4.3 overs

16 overs: 4.5 overs

These adjustments ensure fair application of fielding restrictions regardless of innings length.

Overhaul in Test Match Rules
The ICC has also introduced notable changes to Test match playing conditions for the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle. Chief among them is the introduction of a 60-second stop clock between overs to combat slow over rates—mirroring a rule already in place in white-ball cricket.

According to the rule:

The fielding side must be ready to begin a new over within 60 seconds of finishing the previous one.

An electronic clock at the ground will count from zero to 60.

Teams will be given two warnings. A third violation will result in five penalty runs awarded to the batting side.

The clock resets after 80 overs have been bowled in the innings.

Additionally, a new short-run rule has been introduced: if a batter deliberately runs short, the fielding captain can now choose which batter will face the next delivery, aimed at preventing manipulation of strike.

The updated rules are already in effect and debuted during the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle, marking the start of the new WTC cycle.