IPL 2021: Soft signal rule for umpires removed; third-umpire allowed to look at ‘short-runs’
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IPL Umpires
In what are major changes to the umpiring in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021), the ‘soft signal’ rule has been done away with while the third-umpire has been allowed now to examine ‘short-run’ calls by the on-field umpires similar to how he does with no-balls. These two changes come in the wake of controversy in both aspects which have arisen over the course of the year.
Recently in the India vs England T20I series, Suryakumar Yadav was deemed to be out by the third-umpire due to there being no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field umpire’s call of ‘out’. The same led to controversy as replays showed that it could have very well been ‘not out’. The short run rule caused controversy last year when there was a wrong decision made by the on-field umpire which cost Kings XI Punjab a game (which went to a super over).
Changes made to IPL 2021’s ‘playing conditions’
The IPL ‘playing conditions’ document accessed by ANI reflects on the two changes. “Soft Signal: Onfield Umpire giving Soft Signal while referring the decision to the 3rd Umpire will not be applicable,” the section concerning the same states now.
An IPL source spoke to ANI about the developments and reportedly said, “There have been cases wherein the soft signal has kind of created confusion rather than giving clarity to the third umpire and that is why it was felt that going back to the old method of referring decisions to the third umpire if the on-field umpires are not sure should be followed.”
These two changes would definitely be welcomed with open arms by both players and fans as it does away with two aspects which were greatly controversial and not agreed with by a majority of people.
IPL 2021 begins on April 9 with a match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai.
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Nevin Clinton
(2399 Articles Published)