The upcoming tournament will adopt a T20 format, where each team competes for 20 overs unless they are bowled out earlier or the chasing team meets its target before the over limit. The matches are structured to ensure excitement and efficiency, with each innings starting with a six-over powerplay that imposes specific fielding restrictions.
The duration of each match is expected to be around three hours and 10 minutes, with each innings allotted one hour and 25 minutes, interspersed with a 20-minute break. Notably, the “stop-clock” rule in limited-overs cricket will apply, requiring the bowling side to start each over within 60 seconds of the previous over’s conclusion. Each team will also have the opportunity for two unsuccessful reviews per innings to challenge umpire decisions.
In the event of a tie after the initial 20 overs, the match will proceed to a super over, where each team will have six balls to outscore the other. If the super over ends in a tie, additional super overs will continue until a victor emerges.
During the group phases, at least five overs must be completed by each side for a valid result, which extends to a minimum of ten overs in the semi-finals and final. Should poor weather disrupt play, the DLS (Duckworth Lewis Stern) method will be utilized to determine the winner, although specific rules regarding reserve days and additional time for knockout matches are still pending from the ICC.
In an interesting development, if Pakistan advances to the semi-finals, the venue for the first semi-final will shift from Kolkata to Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, and the final venue may also change if Pakistan proceeds further. Conversely, if India reaches the last four and encounters any opponent other than Pakistan, their match will occur in the second semi-final in Mumbai on March 5.
This structured format and the excitement surrounding potential matchups create a thrilling atmosphere for cricket fans, enhancing the anticipation ahead of the tournament.