ICC Set to Reassess Two-Ball Rule in Possible ODI Revamp

To give bowlers a fair shot, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is thinking of changing the regulations for ODI cricket in the use of two new balls.

The proposed adjustment aims to offer bowlers an advantage by returning the possibility of reverse swing, even though it doesn't completely reverse the current Playing Conditions (PCs). The recommendation will be discussed at the current ICC sessions in Zimbabwe.

The ICC Cricket Committee is said to be behind the plan to phase out the second new ball in ODIs. According to the proposed modification, teams would begin with two fresh balls but would have to select one to use going forward after the 25-over mark. This indicates that although the regulation isn't being completely abandoned, it would aid in bringing back reverse swing, a feature that has been absent because of the longer shine on two more recent balls.

Legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar have criticized the two-ball rule, saying it is bad for the game. According to Tendulkar, using two new balls keeps them from getting old enough to perform reverse swing, which is an essential talent, particularly in the last overs. In ODIs, he has long argued for a better bat-ball balance.

The use of countdown clocks in Test cricket, which provide a 60-second limit between overs, is another important regulation that is being debated. Limited-overs forms already use these clocks, which have sped up games. With this action, the ICC Cricket Committee hopes to guarantee that 90 overs be bowled daily in Test matches.