ICC Introduces New Powerplay Rule for Short T20 Matches

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially approved a set of new changes to the playing rules for men’s T20 International (T20I) matches. One of the biggest updates is related to how the Powerplay period will be calculated in shortened or rain-affected matches. These changes will come into effect from July 2025 and aim to make the game fairer and more balanced.

Previously, if a match was shortened due to weather or other reasons, the number of overs for the Powerplay was decided based on the nearest full over. For example, if the match was reduced to 9 overs per side, the Powerplay might be set at 3 overs, even if that wasn’t an accurate reflection of the original format.

Now, the new rule will change this system. Instead of using full overs, the Powerplay duration will be calculated based on the nearest number of balls. This will help keep the Powerplay in proportion to the full 20-over match — where the Powerplay normally lasts for the first 6 overs (or 36 balls), which is about 30% of the total innings.

How Will This Work in Real Matches?

Under the updated rule:

• If an innings is shortened to 8 overs, the Powerplay will last 2.2 overs, which means 13 balls.
• If a team gets to play 9 overs, the Powerplay will be 2.4 overs, or 14 balls.

This method ensures that the fielding restrictions stay fair, even in shorter games. The balance between bat and ball is better maintained, avoiding situations where teams either gain or lose an unfair advantage just because the Powerplay wasn’t properly adjusted.

Why Was This Rule Introduced?

The ICC stated that this isn’t a new or untested system. It has already been used successfully in England’s domestic T20 competition — the Vitality Blast — for several years. Players and umpires are already familiar with Powerplays ending in the middle of an over, so it won’t create any confusion or issues.

An example shared by the ICC explains it clearly:

“If an innings is reduced to 8 overs, the Powerplay will end after the second ball of the third over. After that, instead of two, teams can have five fielders outside the 30-yard circle.”

This change has been approved by the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee and will now be applied to all future men’s T20 International matches that are shortened due to external factors like rain or bad light.

This new rule is being welcomed as a smart and fair move by cricket experts and fans alike. It brings better consistency to how Powerplays are handled in shortened matches and avoids giving one team an unintentional advantage.

By focusing on the number of balls rather than overs, the ICC is showing its commitment to keeping the game balanced, exciting, and transparent — even when nature interrupts play.

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