Five penalty runs! ICC introduces stop clock, new rules for Test cricket in 2025-27 WTC cycle

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented new rules for Test cricket, including a stop clock system and fielding team's choice of striker in cases of deliberate short runs. These changes are part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.The new regulations took effect during the first Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Galle, marking the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship.The stop clock system, similar to limited-overs cricket, has been introduced to address slow over-rate concerns in Test matches.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!"The fielding side shall be ready to start each over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed. An electronic clock will be displayed at the ground that counts up seconds from zero to 60," ICC stated, as quoted by PTI.Teams will receive two warnings for exceeding the time limit. A third violation results in five penalty runs awarded to the batting side.The ICC has specified that these warnings will reset after 80 overs are completed.Reports also indicate that umpires are no longer required to change the ball upon discovering saliva on it, although the ban on saliva usage remains active.There are suggestions that teams might deliberately apply saliva to force a ball change. However, the current Test cricket playing conditions document does not mention this modification.For decision review situations where both players and on-field umpires make referrals, the ICC has established that these will be handled in chronological order based on when they occur.