Cricket is a sport steeped in tradition, yet constantly reshaped by innovation, controversy, and evolving safety standards. Over the decades, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has stepped in several times to ban rules, tactics, and equipment that threatened fairness, sportsmanship, or player safety.

At CricFables, we believe every banned rule carries a deeper story—one filled with drama, debate, and defining moments that changed world cricket forever.

1. Underarm Bowling – The Most Famous ICC Ban in Cricket History

The underarm bowling ban remains the most iconic cricket rule removal ever. The incident occurred in 1981 when Australia’s Trevor Chappell rolled the final ball along the pitch to stop New Zealand from hitting a six.

Why ICC Banned Underarm Bowling

• It violated the spirit of cricket
• It removed any chance for the batter to score
• It was viewed globally as unsportsmanlike
• It created massive controversy, damaging cricket’s reputation

Impact on Modern Cricket

• The ICC formally outlawed underarm deliveries
• It strengthened the “fair play” philosophy
• Became a landmark moment for code-of-conduct regulations

2. Metal / Aluminum Bats – When Technology Crossed the Line

The metal bat saga began in 1979 when Dennis Lillee walked out with an aluminum cricket bat. The ball was getting damaged, sound was odd, and bowlers were frustrated.

Why ICC Banned Metal Bats

• Metal bats dented and damaged cricket balls
• They didn’t meet traditional “willow only” standards
• They created unpredictable ball response
• They threatened the balance between bat and ball

Modern Impact

Today, all cricket bats must be made from natural wood, ensuring a level playing field.

3. Back-Foot No-Ball Rule – Replaced for Accuracy and Technology

Before the 1990s, umpires judged no-balls using a bowler’s back foot, which caused confusion and human error.

Why ICC Abandoned the Back-Foot No-Ball Rule

• TV replays exposed too many umpiring mistakes
• Back-foot judgments were inconsistent
• Front-foot rule allowed better alignment with modern tech

How It Improved Cricket

• Enabled automatic no-ball technology used today
• Strengthened fairness for batters
• Reduced debate around illegal deliveries

4. Bodyline Bowling Tactics – The First True Cricket Safety Crisis

In 1932–33, England used a dangerous tactic known as bodyline bowling, aiming fast short balls directly at batters’ bodies with packed leg-side fields.

Why ICC Banned Bodyline Tactics

• It caused injuries and fear
• It was clearly meant to intimidate, not dismiss
• It sparked an international dispute between England & Australia

Modern Restrictions Influenced

• Limit on bouncers per over
• Strict rules on field placements
• Clear definition of dangerous bowling

5. Old-Style Mankading – Banned as “Deceptive Play”

Although Mankading is now legal under run-out rules, the old version, where bowlers used it deceptively without any clarity, was restricted.

Why ICC Banned the Old Mankad Style

• Caused heated arguments and controversy
• Considered ambiguous under old Laws of Cricket
• Many bowlers misused it without warning

Today’s Rules

• It is now a regular run-out, not unfair play
• Batters must stay inside the crease
• No stigma or “spirit” debate under new law

6. Illegal Bowling Actions – The 15-Degree Elbow Flex Rule

Some bowlers used questionable bowling actions, creating unfair speed or spin advantages.

Why ICC Banned These Actions

• Anything above 15 degree elbow extension gives unfair pace
• Technology exposed several illegal actions
• Needed fairness for batters

Outcome

• Modern biomechanics testing
• Several famous bowlers had to remodel their actions
• Consistent global standard

7. Dangerous Close-In Fielding – When Protection Didn’t Exist

Earlier, fielders stood extremely close—sometimes a meter from the batter—without helmets or guards.

Why ICC Banned Certain Close-In Positions

• Risk of instant concussion or impact injuries
• Harder for fielders to react to edged shots
• Lack of proper safety equipment

New Safety Standards

• Mandatory protective gear
• Limits on how close a fielder can stand in junior cricket
• Enhanced concussion protocols

8. The “Super Sub” Rule – A Failed Experiment

Introduced in 2005, the Super Sub rule allowed teams to substitute one player mid-match.

Why ICC Banned the Super Sub Rule

• Gave unfair advantage to teams winning the toss
• Conditions changed drastically during matches
• Substitutions became tactical abuse, not injury-related

Aftermath

• ICC returned to traditional 11-player system
• Concussion substitutes introduced later as a safer alternative

9. Ball Tampering With Artificial Substances – A Zero-Tolerance Ban

Cricket witnessed scandals where players used sandpaper, lip balm, mint saliva, bottle caps, or dirt to artificially shine or roughen the ball.

Why ICC Banned Ball Tampering

• Artificial enhancement altered natural swing
• It became a major point of cheating controversies
• Cameras exposed illegal methods frequently

Current Rules

• Only sweat is allowed
• Saliva is permanently banned
• Harsh penalties for deliberate tampering

10. Runners for Batters – Misuse Led to a Complete Ban

In earlier cricket, an injured batter could request a runner. However, many teams misused it.

Why ICC Banned Runners

• Multiple confusion incidents
• Runners often took advantage by running faster
• Too many controversial appeals and mix-ups

Current Rule

• Batter must continue alone or retire hurt
• Encourages fitness and reduces chaos

Final Thoughts — Cricket Continues to Evolve

Every banned ICC rule has shaped cricket’s evolution—from equipment to safety, tactics, and fair play. These bans didn’t just correct the game; they protected its soul, maintaining balance between bat and ball while adapting to the modern era.

At CricFables, we celebrate these stories because cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a living fable shaped by every era and every law change.

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