The International Cricket Council (ICC) is weighing a potential change to the current two-ball rule in One Day Internationals (ODIs) to restore a fairer contest between bat and ball. The proposal suggests that from the 35th over onward, only one ball will be used — chosen by the fielding side from the two that were used for the first 34 overs.
The ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, chaired by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, floated the idea during meetings in Harare this week. The plan aims to counter the batting dominance that emerged since the introduction of the two-ball rule in 2011, which has reduced reverse swing and wear on the ball — key tools for bowlers in the latter stages of an innings.
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Member boards are expected to submit their feedback on the proposal by the end of April. If broadly supported, the new rule could be implemented at the ICC’s annual meeting in July, without needing board-level approval since it falls under playing conditions.
Aside from the ball rule, the ICC is also collecting views on a proposed 60-second stop clock in Tests to address slow over-rates, and has shelved ideas such as switching the U-19 World Cup to a T20 format or adding bonus points to the World Test Championship due to lack of consensus.
