International Cricket Council (ICC) A significant adjustment has been announced for men’s T20 International Powerplay Rules, which aims to bring more fairness and continuity to small matches by weather or other obstructions. This change, which is effective from July 2, 2025, is part of a broad set of updates for sports status for international cricket.
ICC Powerplay Gives Mathematical Makeover
Traditionally, a standard 20-over T20I consists of the first six overs in the powerplay, during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. However, when the matches are shortened, the previous system will score the Powerplay period in the nearest over. This sometimes causes inconsistent gains or disadvantages, as a ball can swing the balance of power between the bat and the ball.
Under the new rule, Powerplay will now be a goal on the nearest ball, not the nearest over. For example, in the eight-over innings, the powerplay will run for 2.2 overs (14 balls), and in nine overs, it will be 2.4 overs (in 14 balls and 3 balls in 3 overs). This ensures that Powerplay covers about 30% consecutive innings, which maintains the intended balance regardless of the length of the match. The ICC has cited the successful use of this approach in the England T20 blast, where ending the powerplay partway through an over has not caused any problem for players or officials.
Here is the updated powerplay list for short T20I:
| Match low (over) | Powerplay over |
| 5 | 1.3 |
| 6 | 1.5 |
| 7 | 2.1 |
| 8 | 2.2 |
| 9 | 2.7 |
| 10 | 3 |
| 11 | 3.2 |
| 12 | 3.4 |
| 13 | 3.5 |
| 14 | 4.1 |
| 15 | 4.3 |
| 16 | 4.5 |
| 17 | 5.1 |
| 18 | 5.2 |
| 19 | 5.4 |
Also read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 for Canada Seal Qualification Bahmas after winning
What does these changes mean for sports?
This may seem twice technical, but its effect can be felt in the heat of the action. Teams will need to customize their strategies, as the captain and bowlers should now know deeply about the exact moment when fielding restrictions change-this is the mid-over. The batsmen will also have to adjust their views, knowing that the window for aggressive sports against limited fielders may be closed soon.
This change is part of a comprehensive effort by the ICC to modernize and correct the game. Along with the powerplay adjustment, the first other updates include the introduction of a stop clock in Test cricket to control over-rates, the increased fairness in the catch review for no-ball and new rules for full-time sports replacement in domestic first-class cricket. While some of these have already been implemented World test championship cycleWhite-ball changes-as the powerplay will be applicable from Twik-July.
Also read: The top 5 oldest captain to win an ICC title ft. Temba Bavuma