The ICC introduced in-match penalties for slow-over rates across Men's and Women's T20Is. There is also provision for an optional drinks break at the midpoint of an innings.
As per the new over rate regulations, a fielding side must bowl the first ball of the final over of an innings by the scheduled time for the end of the innings. Otherwise, they will only be allowed four fielders, instead of five, outside the 30-yard circle for the remainder of the innings.
Changes to T20I Playing Conditions come into effect https://t.co/RevgbZWOAl via @ICC
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) January 7, 2022
The regulation of forcing an extra fielder into the ring as a penalty for slow over rates was first seen in the T20 Blast in 2020. It expanded to all domestic limited-overs competitions in England in 2021.
The ICC has also introduced an optional drinks break midway through the innings in bilateral T20Is. Teams can opt for a two-and-a-half-minute break at the midpoint of each innings, if both sides agree at the start of each series.
The new regulations will begin on 16 January, with a one-off Men's T20I between West Indies and Ireland at the Sabina Park in Jamaica. The three-match T20I series between South Africa and West Indies, at Centurion on 18 January, will also implement the same.