ICC committee recommends new rules in ODIs

The International Cricket Council's chief executive committee (CEC) has recommended use of two new balls from each end and the abolishing of runners in One-day Internationals (ODIs).

It has also recommended restricting the elective powerplays to between the 16th and 40th overs of each innings.

"CEC agreed with the ICC cricket committee's recommendations for the further enhancement of international 50-over cricket with the restriction of the elective powerplays to between the 16th and 40th overs of each innings and also to the use of two new balls per innings - one from each end. This will come into effect from 1 October," ICC said in a statement.

CEC agreed with the cricket committee's recommendation to abolish runners in international cricket.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "Even though the success of 50-over cricket during the World Cup was universally acknowledged, the CEC rightly supported the enhancements recommended by the Cricket Committee to strengthen the format further, including encouraging members to trial some specific innovations in their domestic cricket."

These innovations include a review of the maximum number of overs that a bowler can bowl; an increase in the number of short balls permitted per over from one to two; no compulsory requirement for close catchers; and a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle during non-powerplay overs.

The CEC, like the ICC Cricket Committee, was concerned at the slow over-rates in Test match cricket and agreed on stricter sanctions against captains for over-rate breaches.

"A captain will now be suspended for two over-rate breaches in a 12-month period in any one format of the game rather than the current position which is three breaches prior to suspension."

Other cricket committee recommendations including the continued research into the use of different coloured balls to facilitate day and night Test matches and the directive that batsmen can be given out for obstructing the field if they change their direction when running between the wicket to block a run-out chance, were also approved.