Slow over rate has quietly become one of the most impactful aspects of modern Test cricket. In fact, it was one of the key reasons Australia missed out on the 2021 WTC Final. England themselves lost 22 points in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. And now, Ben Stokes has stirred the pot, suggesting that over-rate penalties should be calculated differently for different conditions.

Stokes argues that in Asian conditions, spinners often bowl 70% of the overs, finishing spells quickly. But in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia), fast bowlers dominate, naturally taking more time between deliveries. So why have the same over-rate expectations across formats and continents?

It’s a valid question, but not without risks.

On one hand, a dynamic system could make things fairer and more realistic, especially for seam-heavy sides. On the other hand, it opens the door to more complexity and potential manipulation, as teams could use relaxed rules to deliberately slow down play.

With the ICC already under scrutiny for too many confusing regulations, is this the change cricket needs? Or will it further muddy the waters?

The debate is on, and the ball is now in the ICC’s court.