ICC Considers Scrapping Two-New-Ball Rule in ODIs to Revive Reverse Swing
In a groundbreaking development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is deliberating the removal of the two-new-ball rule in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), aiming to restore balance between bat and ball. The rule, introduced over a decade ago, has faced criticism from players and experts for diluting the art of reverse swing—a thrilling aspect of the format. With each ball used for only 25 overs, opportunities for natural wear and tear have diminished, making death-over bowling predictable.
At the ongoing ICC meetings in Zimbabwe, chaired by SouravGanguly, a hybrid model has been proposed. Under this system, teams would start with two new balls but switch to one from the 25th over onward, allowing the retained ball to age naturally and reintroduce reverse swing into ODIs. This move aligns with calls from former players like RavichandranAshwin, who argued that the rule favors batsmen and reduces tactical depth.
Additionally, discussions include implementing in-game clocks in Test matches to control over rates and shifting the Men’s Under-19 World Cup to a T20 format. These changes aim to address evolving cricket dynamics while ensuring sustainability across formats.
The ICC’s decisions could mark a pivotal moment in reviving ODI cricket’s competitiveness and appeal.