ICC Cricket Rules 2025 Explained: Stop Clock, Saliva Ban, DRS Reforms & More | Full List of Changes

Explore the ICC’s new cricket rules for 2025–27 including stop clock for slow over-rates, updated DRS reviews, saliva ban enforcement, and injury replacements in domestic matches.

ICC Announces Major Rule Changes for 2025: Stop Clock, DRS Updates, Saliva Ban & More

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a series of significant rule changes set to take effect during the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle and beyond. These updates aim to streamline gameplay, ensure fairness, and address long-standing issues across all formats.

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Here’s a summary of the Top 10 ICC Rule Changes for 2025:

1. Stop Clock in Test Cricket: To combat slow over-rates, the fielding side must begin a new over within 60 seconds. After two warnings, a third offense results in 5 penalty runs. The timer resets every 80 overs.
2. Saliva Ban Clarified: While the use of saliva remains banned, umpires now have the discretion to decide if a ball change is necessary—only if the ball’s condition is visibly affected.
3. Chronological DRS Reviews: In cases of multiple incidents during one delivery, the third umpire will address them in order of occurrence, enhancing review transparency.
4. ‘Out’ Stays for Secondary Dismissals: If a player is already declared out (e.g., caught), and a secondary dismissal mode (like LBW) is under review, the original out decision holds even if the second is umpire’s call.
5. Catch Review Allowed on No-Balls: Umpires will assess catch legitimacy even if the delivery is a no-ball. If caught cleanly, only the no-ball run is awarded.
6. Stricter Penalties for Deliberate Short Runs: If a batter intentionally runs short, the fielding captain can choose the next striker, and the batting team will lose five runs.
7. Full-Time Injury Substitutes Trial: First-class domestic matches will trial like-for-like replacements for players with serious external injuries—similar to the concussion substitute rule.
8. No Extra Runs on Clean No-Ball Catch: When a clean catch follows a no-ball, only one run (the no-ball penalty) is added—no runs for the dismissal.
9. Saliva Misuse Doesn’t Guarantee New Ball: Fielding teams can’t manipulate the saliva rule for ball changes. Umpires have the final say based on ball condition.
10. Fewer Controversies via Smarter DRS: Enhanced technology and revised DRS guidelines are expected to reduce review disputes and ensure faster, more accurate decisions.

These rule changes reflect the ICC’s focus on fairness, gameplay speed, and global consistency. Fans, players, and officials alike will see these reforms implemented in all ICC-governed matches starting in 2025.

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