ICC Rules Explained: Complete & Updated Regulations for Test, ODI, and T20 Formats (2025 Guide)

Cricket is often known as Gentleman’s game but it can be played by everyone for which it is important to know the ICC Rules. ICC continuously changes these rules over time and in response to evolving situations to ensure fair play, maintain a competitive level of cricket and incorporate significant innovation. It is not only important for all international cricketers to follow these rules but every cricket lover, be it a club or academy player, a domestic player or just a cricket analyst or a social media influencer, must know the ICC rules.

Here, all the cricket rules have been broken down according to each format, by reading which all the rules can be understood. Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 cricket—all covered, so you can stay informed and get the most out of the game like a real cricket expert.

Introduction to ICC and Cricket Formats

After all, what is this ICC? The International Cricket Council is the governing body of cricket globally, managing international tournaments, regularly updating the rules, and ensuring fair play. According to the ICC, cricket can currently be played in three formats, and these three formats have been played internationally in many international matches. These three formats are described below.

• Test Cricket: Tests are the longest matches, lasting five days and each team gets to play two innings.
• One Day International (ODI): A 50-over per side format that balances strategy and pace, usually completed in a single day.
• T20: There are 20 overs in each innings and the match is completed in 3 to 4 hours.

Each format follows certain important rules that regulate innings, years, field restrictions, and player conduct. It is very important to understand the rules which are explained in the passage.

Updated Rules for Test Cricket (2025)

All the ICC rules of cricket have been explained below in terms of test cricket:

Match Duration and Structure:

• Test matches are played over 5 days.
• Each team has two innings.
• A minimum of 90 overs must be bowled per day.

Playing Conditions:

• Wearing white clothes is mandatory
• There are no fielding restrictions and the captain can place the fielders anywhere.
• If a team is 200 runs behind after its first innings, then the team must follow on and play its second innings at the same time.

Umpire and Technology Use:

• The team gets 2 Decision Review System (DRS) in each innings.
• Hawk-Eye and UltraEdge technology are used for LBW and close catch decisions.

Player Conduct:

• Code of Conduct enforced by ICC; includes fines, suspension points, and warnings.

Updated Rules for ODI Cricket (2025)

All ICC rules have been explained below in terms of ODI cricket.

Overs and Innings:

• Both teams play 50 overs in each innings.
• Fielding restrictions include Powerplays:
  • First 10 overs: Only 2 fielders outside 30-yard circle.
  • Overs 11–40: Maximum 4 fielders outside 30-yard circle.
  • Final 10 overs: Maximum 5 fielders outside 30-yard circle.

Tie Resolution:

• If the match is tied, there will be a Super Over. This is a one-over match, with the winning team being declared the winner.

Player Substitutions:

• COVID-era concussion substitutes and tactical substitutes are now standard, allowing fair play in case of injuries.

Bowling Regulations:

• Each bowler can bowl 10 overs.
• No-balls and free hits are strictly enforced for overstepping.

Updated Rules for T20 Cricket (2025)

T20 cricket is all about speed, innovation, and entertainment. ICC Rules for T20 cricket are Explained below.

Overs and innings:

• Each team has to play 20 overs in an innings
• The match ends within 3 to 4 hours, which is quite good for the viewers.

Fielding Restrictions:

• Powerplay: First 6 overs only 2 fielders outside 30-yard circle.
• Remaining overs: Maximum 5 fielders outside the circle.
• Powerplay is quite entertaining for viewers.

Bowling Rules:

• Each bowler can bowl a maximum of 4 overs
• Super Over resolves ties in knockout matches.

Player Conduct and Technology:

• DRS can be used, though limited to one review per team per innings.
• Use of LED stumps and UltraEdge is common for precision decisions.

Key Differences Between Formats