ICC mulls key tweak to two-ball rule in ODIs

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating scrapping the use of two new balls in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). While not a total U-turn from the existing Playing Conditions (PCs), the move is aimed at providing impetus to bowlers by facilitating reverse swing.

The world body is also considering introducing in-game clocks in Test matches to manage over

rates and is exploring the idea of having the Under-19 World Cup for men in the T20 format, reports Cricbuzz.

The move to phase out the second new ball in the ODIs is understood to be a recommendation from the ICC's Cricket Committee. The bowling sides can start with two new balls but can use only one ball from the 25-over mark. The bowling side would have the option to choose

which of the two balls to continue with. In effect, the ICC is not entirely reversing the two-ball rule in the PCs, but is aiming to reintroduce the prospect of reverse swing that is not possible when the ball retains the shine.

Many experts

have been criticising the two-ball rule,

with Sachin Tendulkar

calling it a recipe

for disaster.