Sports

ICC Modifies Two-Ball Rule and Strengthens Concussion Protocols

Published

1 year ago

June 15, 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced significant updates to the playing conditions for men’s international cricket. Key adjustments include modifications to the two-ball rule for ODIs and improvements to the concussion-substitute protocol.

These changes will take effect on June 17 for Test matches, July 2 for ODIs, and July 10 for T20Is, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.

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Currently in ODIs, two new balls are used from the start of the innings—one from each end. The updated rules will keep this in place until the end of the 34th over. After that, the bowling team must select one of the two balls to use for the remaining 16 overs from both ends.

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The ICC stated this change aims to “restore the balance between bat and ball.” In ODIs that are reduced to 25 overs or fewer before the innings begins, only one new ball will be used throughout.

Changes have also been made to concussion substitute protocols. Teams must now submit a list of five substitute players to the match referee before the game, categorized by position: one wicketkeeper, one batter, one seam bowler, one spin bowler, and one all-rounder.

This measure is designed to eliminate confusion and ensure equitable like-for-like replacements.

This adjustment comes in response to earlier controversies this year, notably when India substituted allrounder Shivam Dube with bowler Harshit Rana during a T20I against England, where Rana achieved decisive figures of 3/33, sparking debates about fairness surrounding the change.

If a concussion substitute suffers a head injury, the match referee may allow a replacement from outside the nominated five while still adhering to the like-for-like principle.

Fielding regulations have also been updated, as the MCC has prohibited the previously allowed “bunny hop” beyond the boundary line for completing catches, further clarifying what constitutes a legal dismissal.

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 day ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.