BRIDGETOWN: ICC took a major step in trying to re­store some balance bet­w­e­en bat and ball in ODIs when on Friday they announced the scrapping of batting powerplay and allowing five fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last ten overs.

The requirement to have two fielders in catching positions in the first ten overs in ODIs was also done away with, but only two fielders can man the boundaries for the first ten overs, while overs 11 to 40 would have four fielders outside the circle.

It was also decided at the ICC annual conference in Barbados that there would be free hits for all no-balls.

The pros and cons of the DRS as well as the possibility of implementing it in all international matches were also discussed, but there was no change in the stance on the part of the ICC: the decision to use or not use DRS in bilateral series would still be up to the host board.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2015

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