ICC amends powerplay, fielding, free hit rules in ODI

In what will come as a relief to bowlers, ICC has decided to get rid of catchers in the first ten overs, removed the batting Powerplay and also allowed five fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last ten overs of an innings in one-dayers.

The ICC also said that all "no balls" and not just over stepping by the bowlers will result in a free hit in both ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals. The rule changes will come into effect for series starting on or after July 5.

The ICC board during its Annual Conference here adopted these recommendations which were made by the ICC's cricket committee headed by the former India captain Anil Kumble in Mumbai this May.

"We have thoroughly reviewed the ODI format after a very successful ICC Cricket World Cup. There was no need to make any radical changes to what has proved to be a vibrant and popular format but we wanted to take this opportunity to make the format simpler and easier to follow for the public as well as maintaining a balance between bat and ball," ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.

"In making these adjustments, we have tried to ensure that ODI cricket retains the attacking, aggressive and thrilling brand, which has recently become the hallmark of 50-over cricket and sets us on a positive path to the next World Cup in England in 2019."
The ICC Board also reviewed and adopted the Integrity Working Party's recommendations to allow a greater role for a central Anti-Corruption Unit and pave the way for greater coordination of preventative and investigative activity around the world with a unified vision to 'keep cricket clean'.

ICC Chairman N Srinivasan said: "This has been an extensive exercise, which clearly reflects our seriousness, endeavor and commitment to addressing and eradicating the menace of corruption from cricket. The successful implementation of these recommendations will help reduce the threat level but we need to remain vigilant and maintain a zero-tolerance approach."

The ICC also reiterated its earlier position that the appointment of an Interim Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) by the Government of Sri Lanka was a breach of the ICC's constitution and urged them to hold free and fair elections before the next ICC Board meeting in October.

The ICC Board decided that a considerable amount of time should be set aside at the next Board meeting for directors and chief executives to discuss issues relating to bilateral cricket, including enhancing the context and value of Test and ODI series.

The ICC also approved a new strategy that covers four broad areas of activity -- making Cricket attractive, protecting Integrity, delivering major events, improving the quality and reach of international cricket.