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The ICC has mandated the use of stop clocks in the white-ball fixtures starting from the T20 World Cup 2024 which is slated to take place in America and West Indies in June. The stop clock, used between the overs, was introduced on a trial basis in December 2023 and now, cricket's global governing body has mandated the method from June 2024.
In an ICC’s annual board meetings, the decision was taken to apply the stop clock method, which states that the fielding side is expected to start a new over within the time limit of 60 seconds that would be displayed in the stadium. On the stadium screens, an electronic clock will count from 60 to zero between the overs and the fielding side should start the next over within the regulated time otherwise some penalties will be imposed on the fielding side.
According to the board, if a fielding side fails to do so, they will receive two warnings from the officials and if the subsequent breach happens, it will lead to a five-run penalty per incident to the bowling side. After a trial was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024, the ICC saw positive results and confirmed an average of 20 minutes saved per inning with the implementation of this method.
What are the exemptions to this rule?
The ICC has also clarified the circumstances where the rule doesn’t apply. According to the directives of the cricket’s principal board, there would be few exceptions to this rule, and if the clock has already started, it can be cancelled in the following circumstances:
- When a new batter comes to the wicket between overs
- An official drinks interval has been called
- The umpires have approved the on-field treatment of an injury to a batter or fielder
- The time lost is for any circumstances beyond the control of the fielding side.
