ICC To Make Stop Clock Rule Permanent In ODIs, T20Is

The ICC had brought in the stop clock rule on experimental basis in December [X.com]The ICC had brought in the stop clock rule on experimental basis in December [X.com]

Introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the timely completion of cricket matches, the stop clock rule will now span over all white-ball internationals played between countries, stated a report in Cricbuzz. 

The ploy was given the nod on an experimental basis by the sport's governing body in December 2023 but will now become an integral part of the full-time playing conditions in ODIs and T20Is. 

As per the stop clock ruling, an electronic clock was displayed on the giant screen at all venues during T20Is to ensure teams are mindful of their over rate and matches could therefore conclude on the stipulated time. 

If teams fell behind the required over-rate, they were penalised during the game with one less fielder allowed outside the 30-yard circle for the remainder of the game, a rule introduced since early 2022 in both men's and women's T20Is. 


Stop Clock Rule To Prevail In ODIs Also

Now the ICC is considering establishing the stop clock rule as a part of the ODI regulations also, with the same 60-second mandate where teams must start off the next over by the end of the following minute. 

The ICC wants to curb the prevalent instances of over-rate breaches in 50-over internationals also ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan. 

In the immediate aftermath of giving permanence to the stop clock rule, it would be interesting to see how teams operate with it during the 2024 T20 World Cup to be held in June in the Caribbean & USA. 

The stop clock rule's trial period was due to end in April but the ICC Cricket Committee is understood to have found merit in giving it a permanent go for all white-ball internationals.