ICC has taken some strict actions to make cricket a little more disciplined game. In recent times, sledging has gone to the next level, thanks to the domestic T20 leagues where players have been involved in physical altercations; the ICC has decided to bring in some strict rules.
Most recently Ben Stokes was warned by the ICC as he had accumulated enough demerit points to get a one match ban for his behavior on the field. He was found guilty of using foul words on the field which was a little harsh on him. Players usually get emotional while playing as tensions are high on the field. In another incidence, Jason Holder was fined for shouting on his team mate for dropping a catch.
ICC has been trying to make the game violence free for a long time now, and with all the members agreeing on the new rule, they have decided to implement it in the upcoming program. Apart from this, ICC has also decided, that if a team chooses to take a review and the decision is upheld due to umpires call, then the team doesn’t lose its review. Other significant changes have been the standardization of the size of the bat, and the batsmen will have made his or her ground if the bat bounces after being grounded behind the crease.
India will play under these rules in the ODI series against New Zealand in October. India and Australia series will be played under the old rules as the series starts from 17th September. Initially, the ICC had decided to implement the rules from First October. But before that, Sri Lanka play Pakistan and Bangladesh play South Africa from 28th September.
The ICC then decided to implement the new rules from 28th September. A BCCI official said:
“Yes, the rules will come into effect when the double header Tests (Sri Lanka vs Pakistan and Bangladesh vs South Africa starts) start on September 28. The Australia vs India and England vs the West Indies limited overs series both start on September 17. While both the series will continue into October but you don’t want any confusion with regards to a different set of rules followed in the same series. Hence, this decision by the ICC.”