The International Cricket Council has approved several rule changes for one-day international cricket.
In a move which will aid bowlers who are increasingly under fire from raising run rates, the ICC board has decided to get rid of the batting powerplay, and allow five fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last ten overs of an ODI innings. Additionally, the rule changes will see no catching fielders in the first ten overs of an innings.
The other notable change will see free hits awarded for all no balls in ODI and T20 internationals, not just when bowlers overstep - a logical move that will see dangerous waist-high full-tosses also result in the same penalty as a simple front-foot no-ball.
"What we tried to do is make the game simpler for the fan and at the same time try and at least claw back a little bit of balance in favour of the bowlers especially in the last ten overs of the innings," said ICC Chief Executive Dave Richardson.
The changes will take place from July 5.
