ICC Cricket Committee introduces changes to DRS and 3rd Umpire protocols, umpire’s call to stay
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Following widespread discussion around the umpire’s call and DRS protocols lately, ICC Cricket Committee met to review the existing rules. The topic which was at the fore of the discussion was the umpire’s call. The committee has decided to stick with the umpire’s call but has approved a revision for the rule. The committee approved two other changes around the DRS and 3rd Umpire protocols.
The revisions as mentioned in an ICC press release are:
- For LBW reviews, the height margin of the Wicket Zone will be lifted to the top of the stumps to ensure the same Umpire’s Call margin around the stumps for both height and width.
- A player will be able to ask the umpire whether a genuine attempt has been made to play the ball before deciding to review an LBW decision.
- The 3rd Umpire will check a replay of any short run that has been called and correct any error prior to the next ball being bowled.
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Anil Kumble, chairman of the Cricket Committee shares that the umpires’ call will remain in effect. He explains that the rule was brought in to preserve the role of the umpires. Kumble adds that the rule also helps in negating the shortcomings of technology.
“The Cricket Committee had an excellent discussion around Umpire’s Call and analysed its use extensively. The principle underpinning DRS was to correct clear errors in the game whilst ensuring the role of the umpire as the decision-maker on the field of play was preserved, bearing in mind the element of prediction involved with the technology. Umpire’s Call allows that to happen, which is why it is important it remains,” Kumble said.
Definition of a First-Class Match will be changed
Off late, the rules around replacing players during a match have changed. replacement players for both concussion and COVID-19 led the committee to ponder on the more general use of replacement players in the international game. But before going ahead, the Cricket Committee is wary of its misuse. Hence, the definition of a First-class match will be modified to keep a check on any misuse of the rule.
The global body further decided that the special provisions which were brought into effect to resume the game during the pandemic will remain in effect. Following the pandemic, home umpires have been allowed to officiate games. While the committee is impressed by the good work of the umpires, it insisted on the “appointment of neutral Elite Panel umpires whenever circumstances allow.”
ICC also approved two crucial changes for women’s cricket. “Firstly, the discretionary 5-over batting powerplay has been removed and secondly, all tied matches will be decided by a Super Over.” The global body also decided that all the games “at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games be classified as women’s T20 Internationals”.
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Anshuman Mahapatra
(1496 Articles Published)