The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made changes to over-rate sanctions in Test cricket, reducing fines for slow over-rates. Players will now be fined five percent of their match fee for bowling five overs short, as opposed to the previous 100 percent fine.
The decision aims to strike a balance between maintaining over-rates and ensuring fair remuneration for players. The ICC denied claims that the changes were influenced by pressure from Cricket Australia and the ECB during the Ashes series. Geoff Allardice, the ICC CEO, clarified that the recommendation came from the men’s cricket committee and was approved by the Chief Executives Committee.
It is still a concern. We have not yet found the right combination in terms of points and penalties. Australia missed the first WTC final due to over-rate penalty points. We are considering other measures, including in 50-over cricket, such as having an extra fielder inside the circle if the over-rates are slow – Geoff Allardice
