As the spotlight remains on the Indian Premier League (IPL), the International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively working behind the scenes to restructure international cricket. A significant focus is on revamping the One Day International (ODI) format, which has faced growing criticism for being too favorable to batters. The ICC is now considering changes that could restore some balance between bat and ball—news that could come as a relief to bowlers around the world, including Indian pacer Mohammed Shami.

The current ODI rule, introduced in October 2011, mandates the use of two new balls—one from each end—for the entire 50-over innings. While this was initially intended to maintain the ball's hardness and visibility, it has unintentionally made life difficult for bowlers. Reverse swing, a crucial weapon for pacers in the latter stages of an innings, has almost disappeared. At the same time, spinners have struggled to extract any help, especially on flat, batting-friendly pitches.

Recognizing this imbalance, several cricketers, including Shami, have urged the ICC to reconsider the rule. Their request is to create conditions that once again allow for reverse swing and give bowlers a fair chance, particularly during the middle and death overs. If implemented, the proposed changes could revive the art of reverse swing and bring more excitement and competitiveness back into the ODI format.

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Sourav Ganguly-led committee brings crucial rule change recommendation for ODI cricket 

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has been re-appointed as the chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. Joining him on the panel are notable names from the cricketing world, including Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman—who has also been re-appointed—and Jonathan Trott. The committee represents a diverse mix of cricketing experience across different eras and regions.

Under Ganguly's leadership, the newly formed committee has reportedly submitted several key recommendations to the ICC. Among them is a significant proposal to change an existing rule in One Day Internationals (ODIs), aiming to bring more balance between bat and ball and enhance the competitiveness of the format.

One ball can be used from 35th over

While each innings of the ODI innings now starts with two new balls, it will continue according to the new men's cricket committee, but with some tweaks. At the end of the 34th over, while each ball will be 17 overs older, the bowling side can choose which one of the two balls can be used for the last 16 overs of the innings. The other ball will be kept as the reserve ball in case it is needed.

After this recommendation, each cricket board is expected to bring the feedback by the end of this month. The ICC Annual General Meeting will be organised in July. If the boards give positive signals on this recommendation, it can be formalised in the playing conditions during the ICC AGM. ICC's board approval not required for this, as it is about the playing-condition change.