Dubai, 31 May : The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to implement revised playing conditions beginning June 2025 for Test matches and July 2025 for all international white-ball games. A key change is the overhaul of the ball usage rule in One Day Internationals (ODIs), aimed at restoring balance between bat and ball and encouraging reverse swing.

Currently, ODIs are played with two new balls used simultaneously from each end. Under the new rule, two balls will still start the innings, but after the 34th over, the bowling side will select one of the two balls to be used from overs 35 to 50. The selected ball will then be used from both ends for the remainder of the innings.

The ICC explained, “Two new balls will be used from overs 1 to 34. Before the start of over 35, the fielding side must choose one of them to continue the innings. That ball will then be used from both ends for the remaining overs unless it requires replacement. In matches reduced to 25 overs or less per side before the first innings begins, only one new ball will be used per innings.”

If a ball change is required, the replacement must be in similar condition to the one it replaces. The unused ball from overs 35–50 will be added to the reserve pool of replacement balls.

Another notable update is to the concussion substitute rule. Teams must now name five designated concussion substitutes before a match begins—one batter, one wicketkeeper, one pace bowler, one spinner, and one all-rounder.

“In rare and exceptional situations where a concussion substitute also sustains a concussion and needs replacing, the match referee will manage the situation and may approve a substitute outside the pre-named list, following existing like-for-like replacement protocols,” the ICC clarified.

These changes will not apply to the upcoming World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa. They will instead take effect from the next WTC cycle, starting with the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle on June 17.