ILT20 Season 5 introduces new batter zone Wide rule and two-way 60-second stop clock

The upcoming fifth season of the International League T20 will feature significant changes to its playing conditions, with a new "batter zone" to determine Wide deliveries and the extension of the 60-second stop clock to the batting side.The revised regulations, which come into effect from the opening match on November 21, aim to ensure greater consistency in umpiring decisions and maintain a faster pace of play.The introduction of the batter zone marks one of the biggest changes. Under the new rule, a delivery will be called Wide if the entire ball passes outside the designated zone between the off-side and leg-side wide lines at the popping crease. A delivery passing above the standing batter’s head height will also be deemed a Wide.The rule will apply even if a batter moves across the crease to reach the delivery, provided no part of the ball passes within the designated zone and the batter makes no contact. An exception will apply to reverse sweeps and switch hits, for which the existing off-side Wide lines will be used.Another notable change concerns the 60-second stop clock, which will now apply to both batting and fielding teams. Previously enforced only on the fielding side, the regulation requires both batters to be ready for the next over within 60 seconds of the previous over ending.Teams will receive two warnings per innings. From the third offence onwards, the fielding side will be awarded five penalty runs. Certain situations, including injury treatment, strategic time-outs, weather interruptions and third-umpire reviews, will be exempt.The playing conditions also strengthen opportunities for regional cricketers. Each Playing XI must include at least two UAE players, two Afghanistan players and one player from an ICC Associate Member nation. This minimum combination must be maintained during substitutions and Super Sub changes, with specific provisions for concussion replacements.The fifth edition of the tournament will run from November 21 to December 20, 2026, featuring six franchises and several prominent international players.