The trial phase for the stop clock rule, currently in progress, is poised to transition into a permanent fixture within international cricket.
Its implementation has been greenlit for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in June, following approval.
Initially introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on an experimental basis last December, this regulation is now slated to be integrated into the standard playing conditions of the game.
This rule mandates the display of an electronic clock between overs and will not only be applicable in Twenty20 Internationals but also across all white-ball cricket formats, including One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
Its principal aim is to ensure the punctual completion of matches.
Per the rule, the fielding team will have a 60-second window between overs, during which they must commence the subsequent over before the countdown expires.
This 60-second countdown will be enforced between each over of a T20I or an ODI, with penalties for any breaches.
The responsibility for enforcing this rule rests with the umpires, who will have the third umpire activate the timer.
The on-field umpires will issue two warnings to the fielding side before imposing a five-run penalty for a third offense or any subsequent violations.
The decision to employ the timer lies with the umpires, who also possess the authority to determine whether delays are attributable to batsmen, DRS calls, or unforeseen circumstances.
Originally trialed by the ICC from December 2023, the trial period was slated to conclude in April.
However, indications suggest that both the ICC and its cricket committee have recognized the value in making the rule a permanent fixture.
It will now apply universally to every ICC white-ball game.
The approval for this rule came during the ongoing series of meetings of the ICC in Dubai.
The ICC Board and the influential IBC board of the ICC are scheduled to convene on Friday.
It’s understood that as of now, there have been no discussions regarding the Champions Trophy.
Whether the board members will address this issue remains a point of interest, particularly due to Pakistan’s designation as the host country and the anticipated refusal of India to tour, a decision that led to a hybrid model for last year’s Asia Cup.
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