In a bid to enhance the tempo of play in international cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to implement a trial of a stop clock in Full Member Men’s ODI and T20I matches. This trial period, spanning approximately 59 fixtures, is scheduled to take place from December 2023 to April 2024.
The debut of the stop clock will be marked by the first T20I match between the West Indies and England on December 12 in Barbados. This innovative measure aims to regulate the time taken between overs, requiring the bowling team to initiate the first ball of their subsequent over within 60 seconds of the completion of the previous one.
Failure to adhere to this time limit for the third instance in an innings, following two prior warnings, will result in a five-run penalty imposed against the fielding team. The stop clock initiative is a strategic move by the ICC to address and mitigate delays during matches, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and engaging cricketing experience for fans worldwide.
Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager, emphasized the organization’s commitment to expediting the pace of play in international cricket. He highlighted the successful introduction of a new playing condition in 2022, restricting fielding teams to only four fielders outside the inner circle if they were unable to bowl the first ball of their final over within the stipulated time.
“We are continually looking at ways to speed up the pace of play across international cricket,” stated Wasim Khan. He added that the outcomes of the stop clock trial would be thoroughly assessed at the conclusion of the trial period, indicating a proactive approach by the ICC to evaluate and refine regulations for the betterment of the sport.