0
ICC Media Release
The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meeting began the ICC Annual Conference week in Hong Kong and concluded today. The key recommendations it has made to the ICC Executive Board are:
Decision Review System
The CEC today unanimously recommended universal standards for the usage of technology in decision-making (Decision Review System) in all Test matches and One-Day Internationals subject to availability and commercial considerations. The agreed standards will include infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices.
The CEC also agreed that further independent and expert research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology and its accuracy and reliability. The continued use of ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on bilateral agreement between the participating Members.
CEC, which also approved the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to reduce the number of unsuccessful reviews in ODIs from two to one, believed that this was a step forward as the game embraces the principles of technology.
Format of ODI Cricket
CEC agreed with the ICC Cricket Committee’s recommendations for the further enhancement of international 50-over cricket with the restriction of the elective powerplays to between the 16th and 40th overs of each innings and also to the use of two new balls per innings – one from each end. This will come into effect from 1 October.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Even though the success of 50-over cricket played during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was universally acknowledged, the CEC rightly supported the enhancements recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee to strengthen the format further, including encouraging Members to trial some specific innovations in their domestic cricket.”
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.
Runners
CEC agreed with the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to abolish runners in international cricket.
Over-rates
The CEC, like the ICC Cricket Committee, was concerned at the slow over-rates in Test match cricket and agreed on stricter sanctions against captains for over-rate breaches. 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.
Other ICC Cricket Committee recommendations including the continued research into the use of different colour balls to facilitate day/night Test matches and the directive that batsmen can be given out for obstructing the field if they change their direction when running between the wicket to block a run-out chance, were also approved.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
The CEC recommended that there should be a qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 but did not make a recommendation to the ICC Executive Board on the number of teams that should compete in the event to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Reliance ICC Rankings
CEC gave its unanimous support to the present Reliance ICC Rankings system following a presentation by statistician David Kendix, who devised and operates the system for the ICC.
Mr Lorgat said: “There was agreement and a great deal of satisfaction that we have a robust and reliable rankings system that presents a true reflection of the quality and standing of the performances of international teams and that this system will be used for qualification and/or promotion and relegation purposes.
“It was also noted that the system is recognised by players, officials and supporters who are becoming more familiar and referring to the Reliance ICC Rankings to measure their teams’ progress.”
Context and Content for International Cricket
CEC agreed and recommended the Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2012-2020 to the ICC Executive Board for adoption.
The ICC Executive Board will meet in Hong Kong on 28 and 29 June 2011.
