Cricket’s new ‘Stop Clock’ rule: Know everything about ‘Stop Clock’ rule & its impact

Implemented on a trial basis from December 2023 to April 2024, the digital clock will be in operation across 59 matches. The rule was first applied during the initial T20I clash between England and West Indies on Tuesday, December 12, utilizing a stopwatch to monitor the time between overs.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a new ‘stop clock’ regulation in international cricket, effective from Monday, December 11, to address concerns regarding slow-over rates in international matches. Under the updated men’s playing conditions, an electronic clock will be utilized to monitor the time taken by the bowling side to commence a new over, aiming to penalize teams for time wastage.

Implemented on a trial basis from December 2023 to April 2024, the digital clock will be in operation across 59 matches. The rule was first applied during the initial T20I clash between England and West Indies on Tuesday, December 12, utilizing a stopwatch to monitor the time between overs.

As per clause 41.9 of the revised Men’s ODI and T20I playing conditions, addressing provisions against time wasting by the fielding side, the ICC has incorporated the clock under sub-clause 41.9.4, as stated in an official statement.

The clock rule grants the bowling side 60 seconds to initiate a new over, displaying the timer prominently on the big screen for everyone to observe. The fielding side must commence the next over within the prescribed time, receiving two warnings for non-compliance.

Failure to adhere to the rules on the third occasion results in a five-run penalty. The third umpire activates the clock immediately after the last ball of the preceding over is declared dead or after the completion of any review on the last ball.

In instances where the fielding team is prepared to bowl the next over within the specified time but the batting team is not, the umpires will assess the applicability of the clause for batters wasting time.

Nevertheless, certain exceptions exist within the rule, permitting the clock to pause in situations such as a new batter entering between overs, the consumption of a drinks interval, umpire-approved on-field treatment of a player, and circumstances beyond the control of the fielding side.