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Summary ICC has okayed key changes in the way the game of cricket is played in both forms.
International Cricket Council’s chief executives committee met in Hong Kong and agreed to abolish runners in international cricket. There will be stricter sanctions too against captains for bowling slow over-rates. A captain will now be suspended 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 suspension.The committee recommended the use of technology in all test matches and one-day internationals. India softened its long-standing opposition to the Decision Review System. DRS in its current form, which has long been criticised by Indian officials who claim the ball-tracking system is not foolproof, is only deployed when the cricket boards of both teams agree to its use.The unanimous decision taken Monday by the executives committee, which includes the heads of the 10 test-playing nations and three ICC Associate member countries, backed the use of infrared cameras and audio-tracking device technology in all tests and ODIs subject to availability and commercial considerations.However, the committee also agreed that further independent and expert research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology and its accuracy and reliability. It recommended that elective powerplays should only be taken between the 16th and 40th overs in all ODIs from Oct. 1 and reduce the number of unsuccessful reviews in ODIs from two to one. All the recommendations will be put to the ICC executive board, which meets Tuesday and Wednesday.These innovations 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 requirement for close catchers; and a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle during non-powerplay overs.Other ICC cricket committee recommendations included the continued research into the use of different colour balls to facilitate day/night test matches and a directive that batsmen can be given out for obstructing the field if they change direction when running between the wicket to block a run-out chance.The CEC recommended a qualification process for the World Cup 2015 but did not make a proposal on the number of teams at the event to be held in Australia and New Zealand. The use of two separate balls from both ends was also cleared.
