The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced three big rule changes in international cricket, starting from June 2025. These changes aim to make the game more fair, safe, and easy to follow for players and fans.

The first change is about boundary catches. Earlier, fielders could jump outside the boundary and tap the ball mid-air to complete a catch, known as “bunny hops.” Now, such catches are banned. A fielder must be fully inside the field before touching the ball. If not, it will be counted as a boundary. Relay catches will follow the same rule.

The second rule is for One Day Internationals. Currently, two new balls are used — one from each end. From 2nd July 2025, this will continue only till the 34th over. After that, teams must pick one ball to use from both ends. In 25-over matches or shorter, only one ball will be used. This rule helps balance batting and bowling.

The third rule is about concussion substitutes. Teams must now declare five substitute players — one batter, one bowler, one wicketkeeper, one spinner, and one all-rounder — before the match. If any player gets a head injury, only someone from this list can replace them. This rule begins on 17th June in Tests, 2nd July in ODIs, and 10th July in T20Is.

These rules were introduced to stop confusion and unfair play, and to keep the spirit of the game strong.

Tags

• icc new rules
• bunny hop catch
• relay catch

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