The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering scrapping the use of two new balls in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The proposed change aims to bring more balance to the game by helping bowlers generate reverse swing, though it won’t be a full departure from the current Playing Conditions. Additionally, the ICC is exploring the idea of conducting the men’s Under-19 World Cup in the T20 format and is also weighing the introduction of in-game clocks in Test matches to better manage slow over rates.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the ICC Cricket Committee is believed to have recommended phasing out the use of a second new ball in ODIs. Under the proposed change, teams may start with two new balls, but after the 25-over mark, only one ball would be used for the remainder of the innings. The bowling side would have the option to choose which of the two balls to continue with.
The aim behind this move is to bring back the art of reverse swing—something that’s become increasingly rare due to the constant shine maintained with two new balls. Rather than completely scrapping the two-ball rule from the Playing Conditions, the ICC is looking to tweak it in a way that makes reverse swing a real factor again.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Long-Standing Criticism of the Two-Ball Rule
Sachin Tendulkar has long been critical of the two-ball rule in ODIs, famously calling it a “prescription for disaster.” In a social media post from a few years ago, he pointed out that using two new balls doesn’t allow either to age enough to generate reverse swing a key weapon for bowlers, especially during the death overs. “Reverse swing acrucial component of the death overs has not been seen in a while.” he had remarked.
Since then, Tendulkar has consistently advocated for restoring the bat-ball balance in ODIs, which he believes has been skewed heavily in favor of the batsmen due to rules like the two-ball system.
Brett Lee had publicly backed Sachin Tendulkar’s concerns, reinforcing the notion that the two-ball rule had stripped ODIs of one of bowling’s most exciting elements reverse swing. With the Cricket Committee now led by Sourav Ganguly, it appears the issue has been thoroughly studied. Historically, umpires often had to replace the white ball around the 35th over due to deformation or discoloration. Under the newly proposed rule, the ball used after the 25-over mark would be about 37–38 overs old by the end of the innings unlike the current setup where each ball only lasts 25 overs, as two are used alternately from either end.
Another major change under review is the introduction of a time clock in Test matches. The committee has suggested a 60-second cap between overs to speed up play. Clocks are already being used in white-ball formats and have reportedly helped improve over rates. The aim in Tests is to ensure the completion of 90 overs in a day—something that has often proven challenging under current pacing.
Cricket authorities are thinking of switching the Under-19 World Cup to a T20 format. Any changes would start from the 2028 broadcast cycle.
