EDINBURGH, July 3: The ICC has approved change in rules in the LBW decisions of the umpires concerning the controversial Decision Review System, which is expected to benefit the bowlers, while deferring plans for a radical shake-up of international cricket, including on the proposed creation of two divisions in Test and a new one-day league.
The global governing body’s annual meeting concluded here last night with the ICC, IDI and IBC Board deliberating over several issues under the chairmanship of former BCCI chief Shashank Manohar. Few major decisions were also taken.
In a decision concerning calling of ‘no-balls’, the ICC said trials allowing the third umpire to call ‘no-balls’ instead of his on-field colleagues would take place over coming months to better understand whether the third umpire could use instant replays to call ‘no-balls’ more accurately.
Meanwhile, amid concerns from smaller nations like Bangladesh that they risked permanent exile to the ‘second division’, the ICC deferred a decision on a new landscape for the international game. Instead it will hold a workshop at its Dubai headquarters in early September.
About restructuring in the ICC, it said a draft of a new constitution will be prepared in the coming weeks for consideration by the ICC Board at its October meetings.
The ICC also agreed to support the inclusion of women’s cricket event in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban, following a presentation by the Commonwealth Games Federation. The ICC will submit an application for the same.
Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Unit, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, provided an annual update, including the progress made on the implementation of the Integrity Working Party recommendations, which were approved during last year’s ICC Annual Conference in Barbados.
The Board also approved the extension of the ICC Chief Executive’s contract, with Richardson agreeing to continue in the role through to the end of 2019 ICC Annual Conference.
Saudi Arabia was today unanimously elected as the International Cricket Council’s 39th Associate Member during its Full Council meeting in Edinburgh.
The 53-member Full Council unanimously ratified the suspensions of the USA Cricket Association (USACA) and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), which were suspended in June 2015 and April 2016, respectively.
However, Manohar announced that ICC delegations comprising Board Directors and senior management will visit the two countries to meet with the relevant stakeholders and provide an update during the October meetings. (PTI)
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