The International Cricket Council (ICC) has authorized a number of changes to the playing conditions for men’s T20 Internationals (T20Is), one of the most significant of which is the introduction of the powerplay rule for reduced-match games. These updates will be effective from July 2025.
What’s Changing in the Powerplay Rule?
In the past, when a T20I match was shortened due to weather or other delays, the powerplay duration was rounded to the closest complete over. This practice tended to create imbalances, either handing the batting team or the bowling team an unintended benefit.
With the new amendment, the ICC has made the decision to include the powerplay duration calculated in terms of the nearest ball, not the nearest over. This change adds greater precision and justice to the fielding restrictions in a reduced game.
Why This Change Matters
In a regular 20-over T20 game, the initial 6 overs constitute the powerplay, during which there are only two fielders permitted outside the 30-yard circle. This accounts for 30% of the innings.
With the new system:
If an innings is cut to 8 overs, the powerplay would now be for 13 balls (2.1 overs) rather than rounding off to 2 or 3 overs.
In a 9-over innings, the powerplay will be 14 balls long.
Through this ball-based calculation, the powerplay ratio will be much closer to the original 30%, making the game more balanced for both sides.
Practical Example of the New Rule
For example, in an 8-over match, the powerplay will end after the second delivery of the third over. Here, the bowling team will be permitted to include three more fielders outside the 30-yard circle, taking the total from two to five.
This strategy seeks to implement fielding restrictions proportionately and openly, particularly during rain-affected matches where every ball counts.
Proven in Practice: England’s T20 Blast Approach
The ICC emphasized that this method isn’t entirely unfamiliar. It has already been used effectively in England’s domestic T20 Blast league, with umpires and players having easily adjusted to it.
According to its official statement, the ICC stated:
“Stopping the powerplay halfway through an over is not complicated and nothing new. It has never presented a problem for umpires or players domestically.”
This revision is a product of extensive discussions and has now been supported by the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee.
Objective Behind the Rule Change
The ICC’s goal with this update is to:
Increase equity in truncated matches.
Ensure fielding restrictions stay balanced, no matter how long the match lasts.
Introduce consistency in applying powerplays across the world.
These revisions demonstrate ICC’s interest in maintaining the sport honest, lively, and in accordance with contemporary match situations, particularly in weather-sensitive parts of the world where rain-soaked matches are frequent.
Final Thoughts
With the game of cricket changing, so should its rules. The ICC’s updated powerplay calculation for shortened T20Is marks a progressive move toward greater fairness and precision. By employing the closest ball instead of rounding to overs, the new method provides a more rational and fair approach for the benefit of both players and spectators.
