Cricket committee of the apex governing body recommended some changes to the game considering the safety and well-being of the players post COVID-19. The recommendations of the Cricket Committee will now be presented to the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee in early June for approval.
The committee led by Anil Kumble recommended the prohibition of saliva to shine ball while use of sweat is still allowed. The committee also suggested to use extra DRS per team and appointment of non-neutral umpires as an interim measure considering the global restrictions.
Sweat allowed but saliva to shine ball banned
The cricket committee led by Anil Kumble discussed with ICC medical advisor and on the basis of its suggestion, the committee has recommended banning use of saliva to shine ball.
However, the ICC cricket committee said that spread of the contagious disease due to use of sweat is highly unlikely and hence there’s no ground to prohibit the tradition.
Moreover, the committee stressed that enhanced hygiene measures will be implemented on and around the playing field.
Non-neutral match officials and extra DRS
Considering the current travel restriction and a compulsory quarantine time, ICC committee recommended appointment of host umpires and other match officials.
“The appointments will continue to be made via the ICC from local Elite and International Panel referees and umpires. Where there are no Elite Panel match officials in the country, the best local International Panel match officials will be appointed,” ICC said in the media release.
Moreover to support appointment of a wider pool of umpires across the world, the cricket committee has proposed an additional DRS review per team per innings be introduced in each format as an interim measure.
Measures to enable us to safely resume cricket
Commenting on the recommendations that the committee has proposed, the chairman Anil Kumble said that the recommendations are interim measure to preserve the essence of the game.
“We are living through extraordinary times and the recommendations the Committee have made today are interim measures to enable us to safely resume cricket in a way that preserves the essence of our game whilst protecting everyone involved.”
Follow us on facebook for more sports news & updates