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In a bid to streamline and regulate the time taken between overs in men’s ODI and T20I cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has greenlit a trial of the “stop clock” mechanism. This experimental initiative is set to be implemented for a few months period starting from December 2023 to April 2024.
ICC’s innovative move: The essence of the “Stop Clock” trial
The key objective behind the “stop clock” trial is to enforce a time limit for the bowling team between overs. Specifically, the bowling side will be granted a fixed duration of 60 seconds to initiate the next over after the completion of the preceding one. Failure to adhere to this timeframe will result in significant consequences.
Consequence of delay: Five-run penalty in Men’s ODI and T20I Cricket
As part of the trial, if the bowling team fails to commence the subsequent over within the stipulated 60-second timeframe for the third time in an innings, a consequential five-run penalty will be imposed. This penalty will contribute directly to the batting side’s total, acting as a deterrent for delays in the game.
“The clock will be used to regulate the amount of time taken between overs. If the bowling team is not ready to bowl the next over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed, a five-run penalty will be imposed the third time it happens in an innings.” the ICC release stated.
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Trial run in the Caribbean: West Indies vs England ODI series as the inaugural test
The inaugural implementation of the “stop clock” trial will unfold during the upcoming three-match ODI series between West Indies and England, commencing on December 3. This series will serve as the initial testing ground for the effectiveness and impact of this innovative time management measure. The cricketing fraternity awaits the outcome of this experimental phase, anticipating potential improvements in the efficiency of match proceedings.
