ICC to enforce new playing conditions from June 17 Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to enforce new playing conditions starting June 17 with the World Test Championship (WTC) Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle.

Among the key changes is the reintroduction of a single ball in One Day Internationals (ODIs), replacing the current practice of using two new balls per innings. This move aims to standardize gameplay and potentially impact match strategies.

"The International Cricket Council (ICC) will start implementing the new playing conditions from next month, including the return to a single ball in the ODIs."

Additionally, the ICC has revised concussion substitute rules to enhance fairness and clarity. Teams must now submit the names of five designated concussion replacement players to the match referee before the start of each match. These players must include one wicketkeeper, one batter, one pacer, one spinner, and one allrounder.

"The teams will be required to submit the names of five concussion replacement cricketers to the match referee before the start of a game. These players will have to be one wicketkeeper, one batter, one pacer, one spinner and one allrounder."

These changes will take effect immediately for Test matches from June and for international white-ball games starting July, aligning with the new WTC cycle.

"The new PCs will come into effect from the next cycle of the WTC. Precisely, the rules will be in force from the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (part of the WTC cycle), starting in Galle on June 17."

The ICC's updated playing conditions aim to ensure a fairer contest and clearer protocols around player safety, particularly concerning concussion substitutes, which have been a focus for the sport's governing body.

The current rules will remain in place for the ongoing Test between Australia and South Africa starting June 11 at Lord's, with the new regulations applying thereafter.

"The current rules will apply to the , which begins on June 11 at Lord’s between Australia and South Africa. The new rules will come into effect from the next cycle of the World Test Championship."

The ICC will enforce new playing conditions starting June 17 with the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Test in Galle, including a single ball in ODIs and revised concussion rules requiring teams to name five replacement players before matches, aiming for fairer gameplay and clearer concussion protocols.