Slow Over Rate Penalty Rules in Cricket

Q: How is the slow over rate penalty different in ODIs and Tests?

ODIs: 10%–20% match fee fines per over, fielding restrictions, and possible suspensions. Tests: 90 overs must be bowled per day; fines can go up to 100% of match fees , and captains may face bans.

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What is Slow Over Rate in Cricket?

Slow Over Rate Penalty Rules: Slow over rate in cricket refers to the failure of a bowling team to complete their required number of overs within the stipulated time. Maintaining the over rate is crucial to ensure the game progresses smoothly.

If a team fails to bowl the overs on time, they face penalties, fines, and even suspensions under ICC and domestic cricket regulations.

ICC Slow Over Rate Penalty Rules (2024)

As per ICC (International Cricket Council) guidelines, slow over rate penalties vary depending on the format of the game. Here’s a breakdown:

1️⃣ T20 Internationals (T20I) Slow Over Rate Rules

If the fielding team fails to start the last over by the scheduled cut-off time, they must field one fewer fielder outside the 30-yard circle for the remaining overs.
Players can be fined up to 20% of their match fees for every over not completed in time.
If slow over rates persist, the captain may face a suspension in future matches.

2️⃣ One Day Internationals (ODI) Slow Over Rate Rules

Teams must complete 50 overs within 3 hours and 30 minutes (excluding scheduled breaks).
Failure results in a 5-run penalty per over for the batting side in some competitions.
The fielding team is penalized with fewer fielders outside the circle in the final overs.
Captains face a one-match ban if the team repeatedly violates the rule.

3️⃣ Test Match Slow Over Rate Rules

Each day, teams must bowl a minimum of 90 overs in 6 hours of play (with extra time allowances for interruptions).
The penalty includes match fee deductions (up to 100%) for slow over rates.
Captains may face suspensions for repeated offenses.

How is Slow Over Rate Calculated?

The formula for calculating slow over rate is:

📌 Over Rate = Total Overs Bowled ÷ Total Time Taken (excluding allowances for weather, DRS, and injuries).

For instance, if a team bowls 45 overs in 3 hours (180 minutes), the over rate is:
👉 45 ÷ 3 = 15 overs per hour

If this is below the required limit (e.g., 16 overs per hour in T20s), penalties apply.

What Are the Consequences of Slow Over Rate?

Penalty Type	T20I	ODI	Test Cricket
Match Fee Fine	✅ 20% per over	✅ 10% per over	✅ Up to 100%
Fielding Restrictions	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Captain Suspension	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Points Deduction	✅ Yes (WTC)	✅ Yes (ODI Super League)	✅ Yes (WTC)

Recent Examples of Slow Over Rate Penalties (2024)

🔥 India vs. Australia (T20I 2024) – India was fined 40% of their match fee for missing two overs.
🔥 England vs. South Africa (ODI 2024) – England’s captain faced a one-match ban after three slow-over-rate offenses.
🔥 Ashes 2023 (Test Cricket) – Australia was penalized World Test Championship (WTC) points for slow over rates.

How Can Teams Avoid Slow Over Rate Penalties?

✔️ Proper field placements to reduce delays.
✔️ Quick bowling changes without unnecessary discussions.
✔️ Bowlers returning to the mark faster after every ball.
✔️ Minimizing time-wasting appeals and unnecessary delays.

FAQ

What is the slow over rate in cricket?

Slow over rate refers to the failure of a bowling team to complete the required number of overs within the stipulated time. If a team bowls too slowly, penalties are imposed.

What are the ICC penalties for slow over rate in T20 cricket?

If the bowling team fails to start the final over on time, they must keep one fewer fielder outside the 30-yard circle for the remaining overs.
Players can be fined up to 20% of their match fees per over short.
Captains may face suspensions for repeated offenses.

How is the slow over rate penalty different in ODIs and Tests?

ODIs: 10%–20% match fee fines per over, fielding restrictions, and possible suspensions.
Tests: 90 overs must be bowled per day; fines can go up to 100% of match fees, and captains may face bans.

Conclusion

Slow over rate penalties in cricket can impact match outcomes, player earnings, and team rankings. Captains must ensure their team maintains the required over rate to avoid costly fines and suspensions.

For official updates, visit ICC’s Official Playing Conditions.

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