Cricket's Shocking Rule Changes! You Won't Believe What's Happening on the Field!

Insightdo

25 Sept, 2023

ICC announces changes to Playing Conditions

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled updates to its Playing Conditions following the approval of recommendations by the Men's Cricket Committee, led by Sourav Ganguly, and endorsed by the Women's Cricket Committee.

The significant changes to the playing conditions, effective from June 1, 2023, commencing with the Lord’s Test match between England and Ireland, are as follows:

Soft Signal: Umpires will no longer be obligated to issue a soft signal when referring decisions to TV umpires. Instead, on-field umpires will collaborate with the TV umpire before reaching a verdict.

Helmet Requirement: The use of helmets will become mandatory in international cricket for positions with a high risk of injury. This includes situations when batters are facing fast bowlers, wicketkeepers are standing up to the stumps, and fielders are stationed close to the batter in front of the wicket.

Runs off a Free Hit: Any runs scored off a Free Hit when the ball hits the stumps will now be considered as team runs, in accordance with the rules governing other runs scored from a free hit.

Sourav Ganguly commented on these changes, stating, “The topic of soft signals has been a subject of discussion in previous cricket committee meetings over the past few years.

After thorough deliberation, the committee has determined that soft signals are not needed and can be confusing, especially when catch referrals seem inconclusive in replays.”

He added, “Player safety is a top priority for us. Therefore, the committee has decided to mandate the use of helmets in specific positions to enhance player safety.”