ICC's New Stop Clock Rule in Test Cricket: Time Limit, How It Works and Penalties Explained
- The ICC has implemented a stop clock in Test matches to combat slow over rates, beginning with the current World Test Championship cycle spanning 2025 to 2027.
- This update, building on the earlier adoption of the stop clock in white-ball cricket, mandates that the fielding team must commence the subsequent over no later than one minute after the conclusion of the preceding one.
- Umpires will give two warnings for delays, and if the fielding side breaches the time again, the batting team receives a five-run penalty, resetting every 80 overs.
- Alongside the stop clock, new playing conditions include easing the saliva rule that prohibits ball replacement unless the ball's condition is significantly altered, with deliberate saliva use resulting in a five-run penalty for the fielding side.
- These updates aim to enhance fairness and pace of play across formats, with several already effective in the current WTC cycle and further white-ball changes starting July 2, 2025.
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ICC announces multiple changes in cricket, including ‘stop clock’, short run rule and more
The ICC's Test Match Playing Conditions state that "the fielding side shall be ready to start each over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed. An electronic clock will be displayed at the ground that counts up seconds from zero to 60.”
ICC's New Test Cricket Rules: Stop Clocks and Strategic Batting Decisions | Sports-Games
The ICC has introduced significant rule changes in Test cricket for the 2025-27 World Test Championship. Key updates include a stop clock to enforce faster over rates and giving fielding teams control over which batsman faces deliveries after a deliberate short-run. The rule changes aim to enhance match efficiency and gameplay strategy.
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