Slow over-rate will lead to on-field penalties in T20Is - ICC

Tags: Sports News

ICC has introduced an in-game penalty for slow overrates in both men's and women's T20I, to come into affect this month. As per the overrate regulations of the ICC, a fielding side should be in a position to bowl the first ball of the final over of their innings by the scheduled time for the end of the innings. On failing that, teams will be allowed one less fielder - four instead of five - outside the 30-yard circle for the remainder of the innings. The existing sanctions include demerit points and financial penalties on teams and their captains. 

• The third umpire, through a timer keeps tab of the time. In case of any stoppages, the third umpire will rework the end time and let on-field officials know.
• The ICC also introduced an optional drinks interval midway through the innings in bilateral T20Is as part of its updated playing conditions
• The change was recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee, which regularly discusses ways to improve the pace of play in all formats.

The one-off T20I between West Indies and Ireland at the Sabina Park Stadium(Kingston, Jamaica) on January 16 will be the first men's fixture where these new rules will be used. Two days later, it will be used for the first time in the women's game, in the first T20I between South Africa and West Indies in Centurion(South Africa).