ICC to Discuss ODI Rule Adjustments, Test Match Pace, and U19 World Cup Structure

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to hold its annual conference in Singapore from July 17-20, where key decisions regarding the sport’s future are anticipated.

The meeting will be presided over by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who recently assumed the position.

This year’s conference is expected to feature important discussions and potential revisions to the game’s playing regulations and management systems.

A key focus will be the review of recommendations from the ICC Cricket Committee, headed by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.

ODI Playing Conditions

One notable suggestion involves modifying the current One-Day International (ODI) rules to use just one ball from the 25th over onwards. This proposal aims to encourage reverse swing, which has become less common with the existing two-ball rule.

Test Cricket Over Rates

Furthermore, the conference will consider implementing in-game clocks in Test matches to ensure that 90 overs are completed each day. This system would mirror the over-rate regulations used in shorter formats, with a strict 60-second gap between overs.

U-19 Men’s World Cup Restructuring

Another significant proposal involves restructuring the U-19 Men’s World Cup.

The ICC is contemplating changing the tournament from the traditional 50-over format to a T20 format, aligning it with the newly launched U-19 Women’s World Cup.

Chief Executives’ Committee Elections

This year’s gathering will also include elections for the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC), where three representatives from ICC Associate Members will be selected.

The election will be conducted by a voting body of 45 Associate Members, with the new appointees serving a two-year term.

Governance Reform Proposals

The meeting might also address governance reform suggestions presented by the World Cricket Association (WCA), previously known as the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA).

These include calls for an overhaul of ICC governance structures and a review of the sport’s financial distribution model.

While these suggestions have been acknowledged, there has been no indication that the ICC Board has formally addressed them. Sources suggest that acceptance is unlikely due to limited support from major full member boards.