LONDON, July 9: International Cricket Council (ICC) has no plans to become the “guardian of the Laws of Cricket”, only aspect of the game that is not under the control of world body, its president Ehsan Mani said.

London-based Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has copyright on the Laws of Cricket though ICC regulates them and often makes changes in conjunction with the age-old club.

“The ICC and MCC work very closely together in reviewing the laws if this is required. This arrangement works very well,” Mani said. “Cricket is a game of rich traditions and ICC respects role of MCC as guardian of the Laws of Cricket.”

Mani’s comments came as Australia and England played first One-day International (ODI) at Headingley under altered playing conditions for ODIs.

According to new rules, applied by ICC, there will now be fielding restrictions for 20 overs instead of usual 15. While 10 of these overs will be bowled at a stretch at start of an innings, two blocks of five overs will be bowled at any time later in innings, on discretion of fielding side.

The other rule that came into effect is changed role of 12th man, whose work has so far been restricted to taking towels and drinks in field for his team-mates.

Now 12th man can also bat, bowl and field if his captain feels he will fare better than any of 11 players originally picked in team.

However, once 12th man replaces a player in XI, outgoing player can no longer take part in that match.

These changes were proposed by ICC cricket committee, headed by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and accepted by ICC board of directors recently.—Agencies