The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a major change to the powerplay regulations in T20 Internationals.

Traditionally, the powerplay spanned six overs, but in matches where overs are reduced due to rain or other interruptions, the powerplay duration will now be adjusted proportionally. Typically, the powerplay covers about 30% of a T20 match’s total overs.

ICC Revises Powerplay Rules in T20Is

Under the revised system, if a match is reduced to 19 overs, the powerplay will last for 5.4 overs. For a 15-over match, it will be 4.3 overs, and in an 8-over game, the powerplay will be 2 overs per side. These new rules will come into effect from July.

This adjustment isn't entirely new to cricket — it has already been successfully implemented in England’s T20 Blast, where both players and match officials have adapted to split powerplays seamlessly, even when they end mid-over.

Additionally, the ICC has decided to introduce the stopwatch rule, used in limited-overs formats to improve over rates, into Test cricket. This move is part of a wider effort by the ICC to modernize the game and enhance its pace and viewer engagement.

The ICC has introduced several updates to the playing conditions in men's international cricket, aiming to improve the pace and fairness of the game.

Key among these is the use of a stop clock in Test matches to monitor over rates. Additionally, catches taken on no-ball deliveries will now be subject to review for fairness, ensuring greater accuracy in decision-making.

Another significant update includes the allowance of full-time player replacements in domestic first-class matches for serious injuries. While many of these rules are already being followed in the 2025–27 World Test Championship, the changes for white-ball formats will officially take effect from July 2.