ICC to make stop clock rule a permanent fixture in limited overs cricket

The stop clock rule, currently under trial, is all set to be implemented permanently by the International Cricket Council in all limited overs fixtures, Cricbuzz reported on March 14, 2024.

The rule necessitates that the fielding team will not take more than 60 seconds or 1 minute between two overs.

At the end of an over, a stop-watch clock will be displayed on the on-field screen, switched on by the third umpire, requiring the on-ground officials to ensure the regulation is adhered to.

Failure to follow the sixty second rule after two warnings will result in a five-run penalty the third time, followed by a penalty for every breach by the fielding team.

In use since December 2023 on experimental basis, the rule's trial period ends in April 2024.

As per the report, it is now set to be a universal rule for all ICC white ball games and its use has also been approved for the T20 World Cup in June.

According to Cricbuzz, the rule was approved at the ongoing series of meetings of the ICC in Dubai.