The International Cricket Council (ICC) at its meeting has decided to scrap batting power- plays from one-day international cricket and relax field restrictions to provide some relief to bowlers. The meeting also ratified a number of proposed changes to the 50-over format, which come into effect from July 5.
Among them, the requirement to post catching fielders within the 30-yard circle in the first 10 overs has been dropped and five fielders will be allowed outside of it in the last 10 overs, rather than the previous maximum of four. "We have thoroughly reviewed the ODI format after a very successful ICC Cricket World Cup," ICC chief executive David Richardson said in a statement.
"There was no need to make any radical changes but we wanted to take this opportunity to make the format simpler and easier to follow for the public as well as maintaining a balance between bat and ball," he said. In another notable change, all no-balls by bowlers will hand a free hit to batters, as opposed to just foot-faults.
The ICC are looking at the size and build of bats also. Richardson also said the ICC might "tamper" with the seam on balls to see if bowlers could garner any additional aid.
