News by “M.Sheharyar”
In a significant move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared the permanent integration of stop clocks in all limited-overs international fixtures starting from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
The decision to make stop clocks mandatory was taken on March 15 during the annual Board meetings. This initiative aims to streamline match proceedings and save time.
The trial run of this rule took place during the three-match ODI series between West Indies and England in December last year.
Initially, the trial period was set for six months, starting from December 2023 and concluding in April 2024.
However, the encouraging outcomes from the trial led the ICC to enforce the stop clock rule as a standard playing condition for international limited-overs matches.
According to the ICC’s press release, “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.”
Under the stop clock rule, which was trialed in men’s white-ball cricket, the fielding side must commence a new over within 60 seconds of the completion of the previous over.
An electronic stop clock will be visibly displayed on the ground, with the third umpire responsible for initiating the countdown.
The clock will countdown from 60 seconds to zero. Failure by the fielding side to complete their over within the time limit will result in two warnings.
Subsequent violations of the 60-second rule will incur a five-run penalty per incident.
The ICC clarified, “There are a few exceptions to this rule, and the clock, if already started, can be canceled in certain situations.”
“These include, when a new batter comes to the wicket between overs, an official drinks interval has been called, the umpires have approved the on-field treatment of an injury to a batter or fielder, and the time lost is due to circumstances beyond the control of the fielding side.”
