The stop clock is a timer used in international limited-overs cricket that gives the fielding side 60 seconds to start the next over. After two warnings, a further breach costs the fielding side five penalty runs.
Where it started
The ICC announced a trial on 11 December 2023, covering full-member men’s ODIs and T20Is, from the first T20I between West Indies and England on 12 December 2023. The trial was to run to April 2024 and cover about 59 fixtures. The ICC said results would be reviewed afterwards. Wikipedia’s article on the rule cites reports from March 2024 saying it would become permanent in white-ball internationals; this guide does not give the exact date it took effect.
How the clock works
Per the ICC’s announcement, the fielding side is expected to start a new over within 60 seconds of the end of the previous one. A countdown from 60 to zero is displayed at the ground. The third umpire decides when the clock starts: either when the final ball of the previous over is called dead, or when any review from that ball is finished. The rule sits in clause 41.9 of the playing conditions, with the clock under sub-clause 41.9.4.
Warnings and the penalty
The fielding side gets two warnings. If it is late a third time, five runs are added to the batting side’s total. The five runs are an extra and are not credited to the batter.
When the clock can be cancelled
The ICC listed four situations in which a running clock can be cancelled:
- a new batter comes in between overs;
- an official drinks interval is called;
- the umpires approve on-field treatment for an injured batter or fielder;
- the lost time was caused by circumstances beyond the fielding side’s control.
A simple example
A T20I over ends and the clock starts at 60. The bowler’s field changes take time and the next over begins at 65 seconds. That is a breach. If it is the side’s first or second, it receives a warning only. If it happens a third time, the batting side gains five runs, which can matter in a close chase.
Tests
The clock has also been discussed for red-ball cricket. Wikipedia says warnings in Tests are reset once an innings reaches 80 overs, citing the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 playing conditions, but it does not say how the rule is applied in a Test, so we leave the detail out here.
Version note
The facts above come from the ICC’s December 2023 trial announcement. Playing conditions are revised periodically, so check the current ICC playing conditions for any change since.
Frequently asked questions
How many warnings does the fielding side get?
Two. After that, a further breach costs five penalty runs, according to the ICC's trial announcement.
Who starts the clock?
The third umpire, when the final ball of the previous over is dead or any review from it ends.
Can the clock be stopped?
Yes: for a new batter between overs, an official drinks interval, approved injury treatment, or time lost beyond the fielding side's control.