JOHANNESBURG, July 14: South Africa may become the 'guinea pig' for International Cricket Council's proposed new-look one-day matches. The ICC recently indicated that it was keen to experiment with new rules.
They include, among others, that the ball will still be considered live after a wicket has been taken - both batsmen could be dismissed with same delivery. If, for example, first batsman has been caught, the second can be run out.
Another rule to be tested is that a team can appoint 12 players, but only 11 may bat and field. If a player bats, he doesn't necessarily have to field. The third new rule to be tested is that batting side can decide when to implement 15 overs during which fielding limitations are imposed.
The present rules say limitations are within first 15 overs, but batting side may decide to implement them later in innings. Sunil Gavaskar, chairperson of ICC's players' committee, was quoted as saying new rules will be tested initially in local cricket, before being implemented in One-day Internationals. He said South Africa has volunteered to implement rules in its local series.
Head of South Africa's United Cricket Board, Gerald Majola, said players' committee must still discuss the matter, but it will be done before new season starts. If suggestions are accepted, they could be implemented locally this season.
"Errol Stewart represented South Africa at ICC's meeting where the changes were discussed and he's keen they be implemented here as soon as possible," Majola said. UCBSA's annual meeting is to be held at Johannesburg on Saturday next week.
A new treasurer will be elected, as John Blair, in the post for many years, has decided to retire. The representatives of six franchises of UCBSA's council, two independent directors as well as players' representative will also be appointed. Majola acknowledged that differences between UCBSA and SA Players' Association have been solved and there is good relationship between them. -Agencies
