What is the stop clock, and what is the penalty for slow over rates?
A · Advanced · How does a match work, and how is it won? · 18 of 20In ICC internationals, the fielding side must start each new over within 60 seconds of the last one ending. A clock on the ground counts up. Twice late in an innings brings warnings; the third time and each time after costs 5 penalty runs. In ODIs and T20 internationals, a side behind the clock at the end of its innings also loses a fielder from outside the circle.
How it works
- The clock starts when the over ends, or when a review of its last ball ends. It does not run when a new batter comes in between overs, for drinks, for treatment of an injury or for delays the fielding side cannot control.
- Required rates: 15 overs an hour in Tests, 14.28 in ODIs, 14.11 in T20 internationals, with time allowed for reviews, injuries and time wasted by the batting side.
- In-match penalty (ODIs and T20 internationals): if the fielding side is not ready to bowl the first ball of its final over by the scheduled end of the innings, only four fielders may stand outside the circle for the rest of the innings.
- Tests: a side that ends the match short of the required rate incurs a penalty over for each over short; the sanctions that follow are in ICC regulations not covered here.
- The current over rate is shown on the scoreboard or screen at least every 30 minutes.
Tricky cases
Does the clock run during a review?
No. It starts after a review of the over's last ball is complete.
Does the in-match penalty apply in a rain-shortened match?
Not if the innings is cut below 25 overs in an ODI or 10 in a T20 international, unless it was already applied.
Is the stop clock used in Tests?
Yes. The 60-second rule applies in all three ICC men's formats.
Why the rule exists
Slow play costs spectators time and can be used to frustrate the batting side. A visible clock and an in-game penalty make the cost felt during the match.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All ICC men's formats | 60-second stop clock; warnings, then 5 runs | PC-T, PC-O, PC-I 41.9.4 |
| ICC men's ODIs | Four outside the circle after the cut-off | PC-O 13.8 |
| ICC men's T20 internationals | Four outside the circle after the cut-off | PC-I 13.8 |
| ICC men's Tests | Penalty overs at the end of the match | PC-T 12.9.6 |
| The Laws | No clock; time wasting handled under unfair play | L41.9 |
From the rule book
ICC men's playing conditions, clauses 12.8 (Test 12.9), 13.8 and 41.9.4, October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ICC playing conditions (PDF).