The ICC has announced interim rules to resume Cricket

The International Cricket Council has decided on new interim rules that will apply to Test matches once the international cricket resumes. Here are the changes that we would see in the near future:

Substitution of players who show COVID-19 symptoms

“Teams will be allowed to replace players displaying symptoms of COVID-19 during a Test match. In line with concussion replacements, the Match Referee will approve the nearest like-for-like replacement,” the ICC stated in a press release.

"However, the regulation for COVID-19 replacements will not be applicable in ODIs and T20Is,” it added.

Five-run penalty

The-Anil Kumble led Chief Executive's Committee (CEC) has now ratified the ban on use of saliva on the cricket ball. The reason why saliva is banned is that it is known to be an agent that can spread the virus from person to person. Violating this code multiple times can play a critical role in the match as it will result in the team receiving a warning. 

“Players will not be permitted to use saliva to shine the ball. If a player does apply saliva to the ball, the umpires will manage the situation with some leniency during an initial period of adjustment for the players, but subsequent instances will result in the team receiving a warning,” the ICC said.

Repeated offence by the bowling side will result in a 5-run penalty to the batting side.

“A team can be issued up to two warnings per innings but repeated use of saliva on the ball will result in a 5-run penalty to the batting side. Whenever saliva is applied to the ball, the umpires will be instructed to clean the ball before play recommences,” the parent body stated.

No neutral match officials

Given the current situation that the world is facing the system of appointing neutral match officials will be revoked.

“The requirement to appoint neutral match officials will be temporarily removed from the playing conditions for all international formats owing to the current logistical challenges with international travel. The ICC will be able to appoint locally based match officials from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials and the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials,” the ICC said.

DRS (Decision Review System)

Since there will be no neutral match officials. The umpires who officiate domestic games and aren't a part of the ICC Elite Panel will be officiating. As a result, an additional DRS review has been allocated to the teams in each inning.

”Keeping in mind that there may be less experienced umpires on duty at times. This will increase the number of unsuccessful appeals per innings for each team to three for Tests and two for the white-ball formats.”

3+1 logos will be allowed on the Test match apparel

The ICC has also made some changes to the apparel rules by allowing the Test match jerseys and sweaters to have an additional logo on the chest.

“A logo, not exceeding 32 square inches in size, may be placed on the chest of the Test match shirt and sweater in addition to the three other logos allowed as per regulations. As of now, logos on chests are only allowed in ODIs and T20Is," media release added.

[ICC media release]