The
ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) conference in Hong Kong has announced vital changes in the way the game is being conduct. Here are the key recommendations.
Decision Review System
The CEC today generally recommended universal standards for the usage of technology in decision-making (Decision Review System) in all Test matches and One-Day Internationals subject to accessibility and commercial considerations. The agreed principles will include infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices.
The CEC also agreed that further self-governing and specialist research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology and its correctness and dependability. The continued use of ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on two-sided agreement between the participating Members.
CEC, which also approved the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to decrease the number of ineffective reviews in ODIs from two to one, believed that this was a step forward as the game embraces the main beliefs of technology.
Format of ODI Cricket
CEC granted with the
ICC Cricket Committee’s recommendation for the further improvement of international 50-over cricket with the restriction of the elective power plays to between the 16th and 40th over’s of each innings and also to the use of two new balls per innings – one from each end. This will come into effect from 1 October.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Even though the achievement of 50-over cricket played during the
ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was generally acknowledged, the CEC rightly support the enhancements recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee to strengthen the format further, including hopeful Members to trial some specific innovation in their domestic cricket.”
These innovation include a review of the maximum number of overs that a bowler can bowl; an increase from one to two for the number of short balls permitted per over; no compulsory condition for close catchers; and a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle during non-powerplay overs.
Runners
CEC approved with the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to eliminate runners in international cricket.
Over-rates
The CEC, like the ICC Cricket Committee, was anxious at the slow over-rates in Test match cricket and settled on stricter sanctions against captains for over-rate breaches. A captain will now be balanced for two over-rate breaches in a 12-month period in any one format of the game rather than the current position which is three breaches prior to delay.
Other
ICC Cricket Committee recommendations including the sustained research into the use of different color balls to facilitate day/night Test matches and the directive that batsmen can be given out for obstruct the field if they change their way when running between the wickets to block a run-out chance, were also approved.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
The CEC recommended that there should be a qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 but did not make a reference to the ICC Executive Board on the number of teams that should struggle in the event to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Reliance ICC Rankings
CEC gave its common support to the present Reliance ICC Rankings system following an appearance by statistician David Kendix, who devise and operate the system for the ICC.
Mr Lorgat said: “There was accord and a great deal of approval that we have a robust and dependable rankings system that presents a true reflection of the quality and standing of the performances of international teams and that this system will be used for necessity and/or promotion and demotion purposes.
“It was also noted that the system is recognized by players, officials and supporters who are flattering more familiar and referring to the Reliance
ICC Rankings to gauge their teams’ progress.”
Context and Content for International Cricket
CEC approved and suggested the Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2012-2020 to the ICC Executive Board for acceptance.
The ICC Executive Board will get together in Hong Kong on 28 and 29 June 2011.
Gaji
