ICC Announces the Provision of Electronic Clock with an Aim to Speed up the Game

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced an electronic clock for Full Member Men's ODIs and T20Is, which will be used on a trial basis between December 2023 and April 2024. This initiative aims to reduce time wastage by the fielding side and improve the pace of the game. The stop clock will be displayed on the ground, counting down from 60 to zero seconds.

What's the Purpose?

The purpose of the stop clock is to restrict the amount of time taken between overs. If the fielding side fails to start a new over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed, they will receive two warnings and eventually a five-run penalty

ICC's Initiative -

This rule change was approved by the ICC's chief executives committee and is part of a broader effort to enhance the spectator experience and regulate the pace of play. The stop-clock trial will begin with the first T20I between West Indies and England on December 12, 2023. The ICC has also introduced a penalty for fielding teams that fail to start the final over by docking one fielder from outside the 30-yard circle. However, this new rule change does not apply to Test matches, which have experienced a recent decline in overrate.

Conditions in which the clock can be cancelled (if already started):

Here are the situations where the stop clock will be paused, even if it has already started:

• New batter: When a new batter arrives at the crease between overs.
• Drinks break: When an official drinks break is announced.
• Injury treatment: If an umpire approves on-field treatment for an injured batter or fielder.
• Force majeure: If time is lost due to circumstances beyond the fielding team's control.

Starting the clock: The third umpire decides when to start the clock. This happens either:

• Dead ball: After the last ball of the previous over is declared dead.
• Review completed: After any umpire or player review of the previous over's final ball is completed.

Unprepared teams: If the fielding side is ready to resume within the 60-second timeframe, but the batting team is not, the umpires will assess if the provisions for "batter wasting time" apply.