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ICC Imposes New Time-Wasting Penalties for 2026

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 4:51 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The ICC announced new playing condition changes for series starting October 1, 2026.
Batters not ready for next delivery receive a warning, then a final warning.
A third time-wasting offence gives five penalty runs and may trigger Code of Conduct action.
Teams may agree to a pink ball in daytime Tests, with the colour fixed once play starts.
Women’s cricket balls must weigh 5-5.25 ounces and measure 21.5-22 cm, from men’s and junior balls.

History

Historical Context

In October-December 2015 the ICC sanctioned the first day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, where Australia defeated New Zealand 2–0 and 20 of 22 players praised the pink-ball experiment. The match’s strong attendance spurred broader adoption, and the ICC’s 2026 playing-condition overhaul now codifies night-time tests, penalty warnings and gender-specific ball specifications.

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Story summary

The ICC announced new playing condition changes for series starting October 1, 2026.
Batters not ready for next delivery receive a warning, then a final warning.
A third time-wasting offence gives five penalty runs and may trigger Code of Conduct action.
Teams may agree to a pink ball in daytime Tests, with the colour fixed once play starts.
Women’s cricket balls must weigh 5-5.25 ounces and measure 21.5-22 cm, from men’s and junior balls.

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