The Marylebone Cricket Club’s World Cricket Committee, the game’s legislators, met recently. The following are the key points discussed.
Decision on goalkeeper in December
A decision on the future of short ball will be made in December this year, the MCC’s World Cricket Committee said in a statement. The committee was unanimous that shortstop bowling “is a fundamental part of the game,” the statement said. While the balance between bat and ball was deemed important, the committee is also consulting whether more protection is needed under the rules for youth cricket and lower-order hitters.
Uniform technology for DRS
Committee members debated maintaining or eliminating the call for arbitrators for low birth weight decisions made through the Decision Review System (DRS) and both views would be sent to the ICC. When it comes to receptions outside the 30-yard circle, closer to the boundary, the television referee would be the judge and the field referee would give a “no-see” signal instead of the “soft signal.” The committee also wanted the ICC to provide uniform technology for the DRS, rather than relying on the host broadcaster.
Saliva ban
The committee decided that it was too premature to allow the use of saliva on the ball. The opinion of current players would be taken before deciding whether the rule should be changed in the future. “The committee debated banning the use of saliva on the ball permanently and, while there was a significant level of support for such a recommendation, some members felt that eliminating the use of saliva permanently is premature … ‘
Host country referees
The pandemic prompted host country referees to act and the committee felt this could continue, but a balance could be found. A neutral referee and a referee from the host country is what has been recommended. The Committee was of the opinion that this combination would help umpires to travel and gain experience and would also allow umpires from the host nation to officiate at home.
Central group of TV referees
While the neutrality of the television referee and match referee was considered important, cricket could move away from having a television referee in place. Instead, as in the English Premier League and the National Football League in the United States, the television referees could be in a central location for all games.
Disproportionate women’s games
“There are a number of countries that have yet to play any international cricket since the outbreak of Covid-19,” the committee statement said. The higher costs of organizing parties and tours were the reasons. However, the committee decided to discuss the future of women’s cricket in more detail at the next meeting.
World Test C’ship For the next cycle spanning 2021-2023, a simplified point system, a clear window, and better marketing were suggested.
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