ICC's new rules: 5-run penalty for slow batters, separate balls for women's cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced new playing conditions aimed at speeding up the game.

The rules will apply to international series starting on or after October 1, while series already underway will continue under the old rules.

In men's cricket, if a batter is not ready by the time the bowler reaches the start of their run-up, the bowling-end umpire will issue a first warning and, on a second instance, a final warning. From the third instance onward, the fielding side will be awarded a 5-run penalty for every delay. Repeated delays may also attract further action under the code of conduct.

Separate specifications for ball size and weight have been set for men's, women's and junior cricket.

A throw at the stumps to prevent a run or effect a run-out will now be the only kind of throw counted as an overthrow. A misfield, such as when a fielder stops the ball or passes it to another fielder, will not be counted as an overthrow.

The rules governing use of the pink ball in Test cricket have also been changed.