ICC introduces stop clock rule in men's ODIs, T20Is; confirms terms of Sri Lanka Cricket suspension
PTC Web Desk: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board convened on Monday and made significant decisions regarding the regulation of time in men's ODI and T20I cricket matches and addressed the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Confirming the terms of SLC's suspension, the ICC Board allowed Sri Lanka to continue participating in international cricket, both in bilateral series and ICC events. However, the ICC will now oversee funding to SLC, and Sri Lanka won't host the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024, which has been relocated to South Africa.
SLC faced suspension due to internal conflicts following the appointment of an interim committee by Sri Lanka's sports minister, leading to disputes within the organisation. The political turmoil arose after Sri Lanka's poor performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023, resulting in their suspension and subsequent reinstatement by court order.
In another decision, the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) approved the trial introduction of stop clocks in men's ODI and T20I cricket starting from December 2023. This measure aims to regulate the time between overs, imposing a 5-run penalty if the bowling team fails to commence the next over within 60 seconds after the previous one.
Moreover, the CEC endorsed initiatives to promote the development of female match officials by ensuring equal match day pay for ICC umpires across men's and women's cricket. Additionally, starting January 2024, every ICC Women's Championship series will feature one neutral umpire.
Further changes were approved concerning pitch and outfield monitoring regulations, simplifying assessment criteria and adjusting the threshold for venues at risk of losing international status from five to six demerit points over a five-year span.
The ICC Board also ratified new gender eligibility regulations for international women's cricket following a thorough 9-month consultation process with stakeholders. The policy prioritizes safeguarding the integrity, safety, fairness, and inclusivity of the women's game, barring any male-to-female individuals who have undergone male puberty from participating in international women's cricket, regardless of surgery or gender reassignment.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice emphasised that these changes in gender eligibility regulations were scientifically grounded and aligned with core principles, focusing on maintaining the integrity of the international women's game while promoting inclusivity within the sport.
- ANI
