The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a major change to the playing conditions in men’s T20 Internationals, specifically altering how powerplays are calculated when innings are shortened due to rain or other disruptions.
Effective from July 2025, the new rule will calculate the powerplay based on the nearest ball, rather than rounding to the nearest complete over—a move designed to maintain the balance and fairness of matches.
Traditionally, a 20-over T20I innings includes a six-over powerplay, during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Under the revised rule:
- An 8-over innings will now have a 2.2-over (13-ball) powerplay.
- A 9-over innings will feature a 2.4-over (14-ball) powerplay.
This adjustment ensures that the powerplay retains its proportion—roughly 30% of the innings—even in shortened games.
The ICC stated that this method, already in use in England’s T20 Blast competition, has proven effective and straightforward for both players and officials. It allows for the powerplay to end mid-over, ensuring smoother adaptation to reduced playing time without disrupting the competitive balance.
For example, in an eight-over game, the powerplay will end after the second ball of the third over, after which the fielding side can place up to five fielders outside the circle.
The change was approved by the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee and will now serve as the standard method for determining powerplay durations in curtailed T20Is.
