What is Stop Clock rule and when is it being implemented from? - All you need to know about ICC's new rule

To streamline the pace of limited-overs cricket between full members, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to implement the Stop Clock rule permanently, with its trial phase giving promising results. Introduced in December 2023, this innovative rule has already showcased its potential in ensuring the timely completion of matches, saving approximately 20 minutes per One Day International (ODI) encounter.

The Stop Clock rule will be integrated into the standard playing conditions for all ODI and T20I matches from June 1, 2024, which means most of the matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA will have the imposition of this rule.

After each over, a 60-second countdown clock will appear on the stadium big screen. If the fielding side doesn't start the next over before the clock hits zero, they will receive an initial warning. A second violation will earn another warning, but any subsequent delays will result in a five-run penalty each against the bowling team's total.

Also Read: ICC to finalise Stop Clock rule in limited-overs cricket

The clock will stop in certain situations like when a batter gets injured, or during drinks breaks, or when a new batter first takes a strike. It also pauses for occurrences outside the fielding team's control.

The first four matches of the T20 World Cup 2024, involving some non-Full Members like the USA, Canada, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, and Oman, won't operate under the Stop Clock rule. However, when Sri Lanka take on South Africa on June 2 in New York, it will mark the first Stop Clock game of the tournament.

It is being surmised that the rule aims to discourage delay between overs and keep the game moving at a steady pace, benefiting both fans in attendance and TV audiences. Some argue loss of concentration was the bigger factor in slow over rates versus purposeful time-wasting.

Meanwhile, India will be taking on Ireland in their first game of the tournament on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.

Also read: ICC set to release additional tickets for 13 games including Semifinals on March 19