GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
When may the ICC Match Referee shorten the interval between T20I innings after a delay?
The standard men’s T20I interval is 15 minutes. After a lengthy delay or interruption before the first innings is complete, the Match Referee may reduce it, but not below 10 minutes, and only after first determining adjusted overs per side using a 15-minute interval. If the shorter break makes the rescheduled finish earlier than the latest possible finish, those minutes are deducted from a later second-innings interruption before remaining overs are determined.
For T20I viewers trying to understand how a shortened interval affects the schedule after a first-innings delay · Updated
Start with the ordinary 15-minute interval
Clause 11.2.1 sets a 15-minute interval between T20I innings. A separate timing rule says that if the first innings finishes before the scheduled interval time, the interval begins immediately and the second innings starts correspondingly earlier. That early-finish rule is different from shortening the interval after a lengthy delay or interruption.
The Match Referee has limited discretion after a lengthy delay
If a lengthy delay or interruption occurs before the first innings is complete, the Match Referee may choose to reduce the interval from 15 minutes to no less than 10. The clause grants discretion; a delay does not automatically mean the interval will be shortened, and the break cannot be less than 10 minutes under this rule.
Before exercising that discretion, the Match Referee should determine the adjusted overs per side using a 15-minute interval. This keeps the sequence clear: establish the overs on the ordinary interval first, then consider whether the shorter interval is appropriate.
A resulting earlier finish can affect a later interruption
If shortening the interval makes the rescheduled match finish earlier than the latest possible finishing time, the corresponding minutes are deducted from the length of any interruption during the second innings before the overs remaining are determined. The rule adjusts the schedule and remaining-overs process; it does not give a target score or a DLS calculation.
Use the standard men’s T20I clause only. Do not infer the result of a real match, calculate a revised quota from a hypothetical delay or transfer this rule to a different format or event-specific document.
Check the applicable T20I edition
This guide describes only the ICC Men’s T20I Playing Conditions effective from October 2026, not MCC Laws, Tests, women’s, youth, domestic or franchise cricket. The ICC says the revised conditions apply to international series starting on or after 1 October 2026, while ongoing series continue under prior regulations. Event-specific conditions may differ; check the governing competition document.
A fictional delayed first innings
Imagine a fictional men’s T20I with a lengthy interruption before the first innings is complete. The Match Referee first determines the adjusted overs using a 15-minute interval, then considers whether to reduce the break to 10 minutes. If using the shorter interval makes the rescheduled finish earlier than the latest possible finish, the corresponding minutes are deducted from any later second-innings interruption before the remaining overs are determined. This example gives no target and performs no DLS calculation.
Related questions
Does every long delay mean the break will be 10 minutes?
No. After a lengthy delay or interruption before the first innings is complete, the Match Referee may reduce the interval, at their discretion, to a duration no shorter than 10 minutes.
Does shortening the interval calculate a DLS target?
No. This clause sets the order for the interval and overs schedule. It does not provide a target-score or DLS calculation.