ICC brings in new rules to Playing Conditions covering time-wasting, ball specifications and fielding rules

• First Offence: An official warning will be issued.
• Second Offence: A final warning will be given.
• Third and Subsequent Offences: Five penalty runs will be awarded to the fielding side.

The ICC also noted that repeated violations could lead to disciplinary action under the Code of Conduct provisions.

Clarification on Overthrows and Fielding

The new rules seek to eliminate ambiguity in several technical areas of the game. For instance, the definition of an overthrow has been tightened. An overthrow is now strictly defined as an attempt to direct the ball toward the stumps to prevent runs or effect a run-out. Crucially, a simple misfield—whether intended to stop the ball or pass it to a teammate—will no longer be classified as an overthrow.

Furthermore, the rules regarding fielding control have been clarified to ensure fairness during run-outs and stumpings:

• Fielder Control: To be considered "held," a fielder must have complete control over the ball. Simply touching the ball with the hand as the stumps are broken is insufficient to establish control.
• Ball "Finally Settled": Umpires now have broader discretion to determine when a ball is "finally settled." The ball no longer needs to be in the hands of the bowler or wicketkeeper to meet this criteria, a change that could prove decisive in tight finishes.

Innovations in Test and Limited Overs Cricket

The ICC is also introducing experimental measures and format-specific adjustments to enhance the spectator experience and player safety.

The Pink Ball Trial in Test Cricket

In a move to combat the loss of play caused by poor lighting conditions, the ICC has introduced a trial allowing the use of pink balls in daytime Test matches. This is subject to the following conditions:

• The use of the pink ball must be mutually agreed upon before the match begins.
• Once the decision is made, it must be used for the entire duration of the match.
• Teams cannot switch from a red ball to a pink ball once the match has commenced.

End of Day Play and Overflows

To maintain the drama and reward fielding efforts, the final over of a day's play will no longer automatically end just because a wicket falls. If the weather and conditions permit, play will continue until the over is completed, preventing the unnecessary loss of time that occurs when deliveries are simply carried over to the next day.

Updates for ODI and T20I Formats

For shorter formats, the ICC has introduced several logistical refinements:

• T20I Intervals: A fixed 15-minute interval is now standard, which can be reduced to a minimum of 10 minutes if time has been lost.
• Coach Access: In both ODIs and T20Is, the Head Coach (or a designated person) is now permitted to enter the field during drinks intervals.
• Leg-side Wides: The trial for leg-side wides has been made a permanent fixture in these formats.

Standardizing Equipment for Women and Juniors

Recognizing a historical lack of distinction in equipment, the ICC has introduced tighter tolerances for the size and weight of cricket balls. Previously, manufacturers often produced a single type of ball for both men's and women's cricket. Moving forward, there will be three distinct specifications for men’s, women’s, and junior cricket to ensure the game is played with appropriate equipment for all categories.