Cricket New Rules: As of February 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has not announced any new rules specific to international cricket for the year. However, there are notable developments within domestic leagues and discussions that may influence the future of the sport:
Indian Premier League (IPL) Alignment with ICC Code of Conduct
Starting from the 2025 season, the IPL will adopt the ICC’s Code of Conduct regulations. This means that ICC-sanctioned penalties for Level 1, 2, or 3 offenses will be enforced during the tournament. Previously, the IPL had its own Code of Conduct, but moving forward, the playing conditions will align with ICC T20 International regulations.
Proposed Two-Tier Test Structure
The ICC is considering a two-tier structure for Test cricket, aiming to have top teams like India, Australia, and England play against each other more frequently. This proposal has faced criticism from cricketing legends such as Sir Clive Lloyd, who argue that it could marginalize teams like the West Indies by relegating them to a lower division, thereby limiting their development opportunities.
Dedicated Fund to Support Test Cricket
To bolster the traditional format amidst the rise of T20 leagues, the ICC plans to introduce a dedicated fund to increase match fees for Test players to at least $10,000 per match. This initiative aims to retain player interest in Test cricket by offering financial incentives comparable to those in shorter formats.
While no new rules have been officially implemented for international cricket in 2025, these discussions and changes within domestic leagues indicate a dynamic landscape that could influence the future governance and structure of the sport.