In-match penalty introduced to punish teams for slow over rates in T20Is

The Cricket's governing body on Friday (January 7) announced changes to T20I playing conditions that will come into effect from West Indies' one-off T20I match against Ireland. An in-match penalty for slow over-rates will be implanted for the game going forward. If it is found that the team won't be able to complete their final over in time, they will have to field with one less fielder outside the circle for the remaining balls.

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The governing council has also introduced an optional drinks interval midway through the innings. The rule will be seen in the bilateral T20 matches. Meanwhile, the in-match penalties will be imposed according to Article 2.22 of the  Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

"The over rate regulations are captured in clause 13.8 of the playing conditions, which stipulate that a fielding side must be in a position to bowl the first ball of the final over of the innings by the scheduled or rescheduled time for the end of the innings," the apex body stated, according to NDTV Sports.

"If they are not in such a position, one fewer fielder will be permitted outside of the 30-yard circle for the remaining overs of the innings," it added

The apex body further said that it always strives for changes in playing conditions to make the game faster and shorter for the viewers. The rule was first seen in the inaugural edition of the Hundred. The changes were recommended by the Cricket Committee, which regularly discusses ways to improve the pace of play in all formats, after considering reports on the effectiveness of a similar regulation that was included in the playing conditions for the Hundred competition conducted by the ECB.

The new rule change once again exemplifies the cricket governing body's vision to make the T20Is short, entertaining, and compact for the viewers.