Published: May 18, 2015, 09:21 PM (IST)
Edited: May 18, 2015, 11:25 PM (IST)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) cricket committee meeting was held in Mumbai with many known figures from the game in attendance. The two-day meeting, which concluded on Saturday was chaired by former India captain Anil Kumble. The discussions of the meeting included possibility of Day/Night Tests, Use of Technology, bat sizes, One-Day International (ODI) playing conditions, illegal bowling actions and Helmet safety. Javed Miandad wants ICC to push for international teams to tour Pakistan
According to the ICC media release, there will be a strong recommendation from the Cricket Committee to Member countries that they should identify opportunities to play Test matches that extend into the evening hours. There was also discussion on the concept of 4-day Test cricket, and while the committee was not of the view that Tests should be shorter than 5-days, it acknowledged that the game will need to be open to considering proposals in the future that look to enhance the public appeal of cricket’s oldest format. ICC has reduced cricket to a sport that survives; not thrives
Regarding bat sizes
(i) The size of bats – the ICC will not introduce a regulation about the size of bats, but it will provide input on this issue to the MCC through the consultation process ahead of the re-drafting of the Laws of Cricket in 2017.
(ii) The committee reiterated its previous edict that boundaries at international venues needed to be set-up to the maximum size at each venue.
(iii) The ICC will consult with ball manufacturers to see whether the characteristics of the ball, particularly the size and durability of the white-ball seam, could be altered to shift the balance between bat and ball. Should there be room for human errors by umpires?
Regarding ODI rules
(i) The requirement to have two compulsory catchers in the first 10 overs be removed.
(ii) The batting powerplay be removed.
(iii) That 5 fieldsmen be allowed outside the circle from overs 41-50 (previously 4 fieldsmen outside the circle during this period).
Regarding calling of No balls
There was discussion on the calling of No balls, and particularly the delay caused and reviewing on the fall of a wicket. The committee asked ICC to investigate ways in which No balls can be reviewed quickly upon the fall of a wicket, to ensure there are no delays to the batsman leaving the field. The committee recommended that all “No balls” in ODI and T20I cricket should result in a free hit, rather than just “foot fault” No balls. SLC accuses ICC of disrupting cricket in Sri Lanka
Regarding players’ code of conduct
The committee supported the stronger stance being taken against inappropriate player behaviour, and was concerned at the increasing number of “send-offs”. It also encouraged referees to apply suspensions rather than fines, more specifically for repeat offenders and for the more serious offences, such as physical contact. There was also strong support for the current practice of suspending captains for over rate breaches, as there were again concerns expressed about the pace of play in international matches.
Regarding illegal bowling actions
The committee was very pleased with the progress made over the previous 12 months to reduce the number of bowlers in international cricket with suspect actions. Dr Craig Ranson presented on the results of the testing over the past 12 months, and that the network of five ICC – accredited testing centres saw over 100 bowlers tested in nine months, meaning Member countries are starting to deal with the issue more effectively at domestic level, before players reach the international level.ICC Board meeting: Sethi considered for post of president
Regarding helmet safety
Whilst the committee did not believe the wearing of helmets should be mandatory at international level, it did strongly recommend that all helmets worn by international players should be certified to this new British Standard.
After the meeting Anil Kumble said, ” “We have enjoyed two very productive days of meetings in which the committee discussed a wide range of issues affecting the global game through practical examples and illustrations.”
“Overall it was an extremely positive ‘think-tank’ in which each of the representatives contributed to some robust discussions across the board. I would like to thank all those who added their vast input and experience over the course of the meetings and in making recommendations for the next series of Board meetings in June,” he added. PCB plans to plead Salman Butt’s case with ICC
