ILT20 Season 5 introduces a new wide batter zone rule and a two-way 60-second stopwatch

ILT20 Trophy (Photo: CREIMAS ILT20) The upcoming fifth season of the International League T20 will feature significant changes to its playing conditions, with a new ‘batter zone’ to determine Wide deliveries and an extension of the 60-second mark on the batting side.The revised rules, which will come into effect from the opening match on November 21, aim to ensure greater consistency in refereeing and maintain a faster pace of play.The introduction of the batter’s zone marks one of the biggest changes. Under the new rule, a delivery will be called Wide if the entire ball passes outside the designated zone between the offside and the feet wide lines in the crease. A delivery passing above the head of the standing batsman will also be considered a Wide.The rule will apply even if the batsman moves across the wicket to reach the ball, provided that no part of the ball passes in the designated zone and is not touched by the batsman. The exception will be for reverse sweeps and switch hits, for which the existing off-side wide lines will be used.Another notable change is to the 60-second stopwatch, which will now apply to both batting and fielding teams. The regulation, previously enforced only on the field side, requires both batsmen to be ready for the next over within 60 seconds of the end of the previous over.Teams receive two warnings per shift. Starting with the third offense, the playing side will be awarded five penalty runs. Certain situations, including injury treatment, strategic timeouts, weather interruptions and third umpire evaluations, will be exempted.Playing conditions also enhance opportunities for regional cricketers. Each playing XI must include at least two players from the United Arab Emirates, two players from Afghanistan and one player from an associated ICC member state. This minimum combination must be maintained during Super Sub substitutions and changes, with specific provisions for concussion substitutions.The fifth edition of the tournament will be held from November 21 to December 20, 2026 and will feature six franchises and several major international players.