ICC tweaks game rules to tackle Covid
Tweaks game rules to tackle Covid
Dubai, June 9: The ICC on Tuesday approved Covid-19 replacements in Test cricket, banned the use of saliva to shine the ball and re-introduced non-neutral umpires for bilateral series as part of its interim playing regulations to tackle the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the five new regulations, recommended by the Anil Kumble-chaired Cricket Committee, and ratified by the Chief Executives Committee (CEC), the teams will also be allowed an additional DRS call as home umpires will now be officiating in bilateral Test series.
Also, a 32-inch additional logo would be permitted on the players’ jerseys, which will help teams make commercial gains as Boards battle the pandemic’s financial blow.
The CEC predictably ratified the ban on use of saliva, which is considered to be a transmitter of novel Coronavirus.
“Teams will be allowed to replace players displaying symptoms of Covid-19 during a Test match. In line with concussion replacements, the Match Referee will approve the nearest like-for-like replacement,” the ICC stated in a press release.
“Players will not be permitted to use saliva to shine the ball. If a player does apply saliva to the ball, the umpires will manage the situation with some leniency during an initial period of adjustment for the players, but subsequent instances will result in the team receiving a warning,” the ICC said.
“A team can be issued up to two warnings per innings but repeated use of saliva on the balls will result in a 5-run penalty to the batting side. Whenever saliva is applied to the ball, the umpires will be instructed to clean the ball before play recommences,” the parent body stated.
As part of its interim playing regulations to tackle the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, ICC has approved Covid-19 replacements in Test cricket, banned the use of saliva to shine the ball, re-introduced non-neutral umpires for bilateral series and has given teams an additional DRS review among other changes.