What is the Stop Clock Rule in Cricket?

During the 2024 T20 World Cup, India faced the USA in a group-stage match. While defending the target of 111 runs, the USA team was penalised, and 5 runs were handed to India as the USA failed to start their over on time for the third consecutive time in a row.

Just before the 16th over, India were handed 5 runs, which was a big morale booster for the Men in Blue. These runs were handed under the ‘Stop Clock ‘ rule which the ICC introduced before the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The 2024 T20 World Cup was the first such tournament where the ICC introduced it. The rule has had its share of advantages, as the teams want to get on with the game quickly without wasting time between the overs. The rule aims to reduce the wastage of time by ensuring that the match is completed on time.

Here’s a detailed explanation of the stop clock rule implemented in cricket.

 

Stop Clock Rule in Cricket

Under this rule, the fielding team needs to start the next over within 60 seconds after the previous over is completed, and the third umpire has to keep a tab after the completion of an over while the time is mentioned on the stadium’s screen.

If the bowling team fails to start the over three times in a row even after a warning, then five penalty runs are awarded. If a batter wants to change equipment, if there is a drink break, or if there is an injury break, then the rule won’t apply.

If the batter is not ready to bat and the bowler isn’t ready, then time will be deducted for the batting side. If the batting team surpasses their time by 2 minutes, and if the batting team is fielding second, that time will be reduced from the total time. In-game and financial penalties will be applied if the overs aren’t completed within the time period.

ICC’s experimental method, introduced in 2022, says if the fielding team does not complete their overs on time, then only one fielder will be allowed outside the circle in the last over. MCC’s World Cricket Committee, consisting of ex-players like Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara, introduced the rule to reduce time wastage.

 

First Introduction of Stop Clock

The rule was introduced in December 2023 during a 5-match T20I series played between England and West Indies.

 

ICC’s Take on the Stop Clock Rule

ICC’s general manager, Wasim Khan, stated that the body is looking to speed up the playing time. The rule was introduced in the white ball format in 2022, as the fielding team won’t be allowed to employ more than 4 fielders outside the inner ring if it can’t bowl the last over in time.

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