ICC approves vital change to 'Umpire's Call' ruling in LBW decisions involving DRS

In what could be seen as a significant overhaul to the Decision Review System (DRS), ICC have amended the contentious ‘Umpire’s Call’ ruling for leg-before by widening the hitting zone on both side of the stumps.

At an annual conference in Edinburgh, cricket's governing body decided to modify the existential system in which more than half the ball needed to hit a zone comprising of middle of the off and leg stumps.

Under the new regulations, the zone has been increased to the outside of both off and leg stumps though it will still be below the bottom of the bails. In essence, the difference would be an addition of half a stump width in either directions.

The altered rules which should give bowlers a sign of relief was announced by an ICC press release which stated, “This amendment will come into effect from 1 October (or from the start of any series using DRS that commences just prior to this date).”

Australia’s limited-overs tour to South Africa constituting an ODI against Ireland at Benoni apart from five matches versus the hosts might see the introduction of the revised playing conditions.

Another major debate related to providing umpires with the most efficient process to judge no-balls as accurately as possible has resulted in a proposal utilizing instant replays. A trial analyzing the feasibility of such a method will be on place quite soon.

The ICC release confirmed, “The trial is likely to be staged during one of the upcoming ODI series, and the third umpire will judge no balls within a few seconds of the ball being delivered and communicate this to the on-field umpire.”

Two-Tier Test system to be examined in September workshop

There was no conclusion on the formulation of a two-tier Test system, indicating that further discussions pertaining to the matter could be held at a workshop in Dubai during the month of September.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson insisted, “This is an unprecedented opportunity for our sport to introduce a package of bilateral international cricket structures, which are merit and performance based, have context, enhance the value of bilateral international cricket and create a highly competitive environment for cricketers so they can provide more entertainment to spectators.”

He added, “This is a complex issue on many levels but I am heartened by the progress that has been made to date and during these meetings and look forward to the next meeting in Dubai.“

Chairman Shashank Manohar also revealed that ICC would apply for the inclusion of women cricket’s at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban.