The rule change that is altering one-day cricket

Dubai: A new rule introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in July 2025 is altering the dynamics of one-day cricket, favoring fast bowlers and making it harder for batsmen to dominate the closing overs. The rule allows captains to choose one of the two white balls used during an innings after 34 overs, giving it more time to age and develop reverse swing.

This change was aimed at balancing the power of bat and ball, allowing bowlers more opportunities to generate unpredictable swing. Since the rule change, data shows that half of fast bowlers' deliveries in the final 10 overs have swayed by more than one degree, compared to 35% in the previous 18 months. Fast bowlers' economy rates during the final five overs have dropped from 8.40 to 7.95 runs per over, and their bowling averages have decreased from 19.2 to 18.3.

These statistics indicate that the change is affecting tactics, with fast bowlers increasingly opting for fuller deliveries to exploit the movement of the older ball. England coach Brendon McCullum emphasized the growing importance of the ball after his team's defeat by Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's success against the conditions helped secure a 16-run victory.

While the rule makes batting more challenging, teams must adapt their strategies, especially in the first 34 overs when both balls are used. As the next ODI World Cup approaches, managing the older ball could become crucial in determining match outcomes. The intention behind the rule was to give bowlers a better chance against aggressive batting, and early evidence suggests the change is achieving that goal.