New playing conditions take effect from Bangladesh-NZ series

The new playing conditions for all three formats of international cricket -- including the contentious Decision Review System and stricter penalties for ball-tampering -- came into effect with the series between Bangladesh and New Zealand which started here today.
Bangladesh and New Zealand will play two Tests, three ODIS and a one off Twenty20 in a series which will conclude on November 6.
One of the most important amendments to the playing conditions pertain to changing the condition of the ball, which will be applicable in all three formats of the game.
"Clause 42.1 which deals with The Match Ball -- changing its condition, has been amended to provide clarity in situations where the condition of the match ball has been changed, and the umpires cannot identify the person responsible for changing the condition of the ball," the ICC said in a statement.

"If a team has changed the condition of the ball and no player has been witnessed changing the condition of the ball, the ball will be changed, and the captain issued a first and final warning."
Such a warning will apply for the remainder of a Test match or for the remainder of an ODI or T20I series.
If there is a further incident of the condition of the ball being changed, a five-run penalty will be awarded, the ball changed again and the captain will be held responsible and reported.
"If the condition of the ball has been changed and the player responsible can be identified then the ball will be changed, a five-run penalty will be awarded, and the player responsible will be reported.