New Cricket Rules from June 2025: Changes in Old Ball Usage, Concussion Substitutes & Boundary Catches

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is introducing several new rules from June 2025 aimed at making cricket more balanced and thrilling. These changes will affect both white-ball and red-ball formats, ensuring fair competition between bat and ball.

Key changes in ODIs:

• The controversial two-ball rule will be modified. Until now, two new balls were used from each end throughout the innings, which reduced swing and seam movement for bowlers. From July 2, 2025, in the ODI series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, two balls will be used only up to 34 overs. From the 35th over till the end of the innings, only one ball will be used from both ends.

• The fielding side will choose which of the two balls to use for the final overs.

• If the match is shortened to less than 25 overs per side due to rain or other reasons, only one ball will be used for the entire innings.

Changes in concussion substitute rules:

• Teams must now name five potential concussion substitutes before the match, including specific roles: a wicketkeeper, batsman, fast bowler, spinner, and all-rounder. This will streamline the concussion replacement process and maintain team balance.

Boundary catches and DRS protocols:

• ICC will soon update teams about new guidelines regarding catches taken near or on the boundary line and changes to the Decision Review System (DRS).

Implementation in Tests:

• The new Test match rules will come into effect after the World Test Championship concludes in 2025.