Effective October 1, 2026, the ICC has updated its playing conditions, introducing a five-run penalty for batters who waste time on three separate occasions within a single innings, alongside distinct ball specifications for women’s cricket.
Additional modifications previously approved include the use of pink balls in daytime Test matches and the elimination of automatic stumping when a wicket falls in the final over of a multi-day match.
Under the new regulations, a batter delaying play within an 80-over block receives a warning for the first offense, a final warning for the second, and five penalty runs for the third and any subsequent offenses. “Prescribed time” refers to the duration required for the fielding side and bowler to prepare for the next delivery; batters are generally expected to be ready when the bowler begins their approach. An exception exists following a dismissal, granting the incoming batter two minutes to take guard before facing a timing-out risk.
Umpires issue two warnings before deducting runs, with the reset occurring after every 80 overs in multi-day cricket. Condition 41.10.3 states: “If the striker is not ready as required in 41.10.2 and so delays play:”
Women’s cricket will now feature a uniform ball, separating it from junior cricket. Manufacturers previously often produced a single ball for both categories, but new limits establish three distinct size and weight specifications for men’s, women’s, and junior cricket.
Further updates grant umpires greater discretion in determining if a ball is finally settled, a crucial factor in close matches, as the ball no longer needs to be held by the bowler or wicketkeeper. The ICC has also clarified that run-outs and stumpings require the fielder or wicketkeeper to have complete control of the ball; merely touching the ball and breaking the stumps is insufficient.
