ICC Cricket Committee proposes ODI changes

The two-day meeting took place in Mumbai to review the World Cup.

KARACHI: The ICC Cricket Committee has proposed changes in the ODI playing conditions after a two-day meeting in Mumbai, and the recommendations will be put on the table for the Chief Executives Committee’s approval next month.

The committee comprises representatives of many stakeholder groups involved in the modern game, including players, umpires and the media, and is chaired by former India captain Anil Kumble.

The committee reviewed the ODI playing conditions as it usually does immediately after each ICC Cricket World Cup, acknowledging the attractive and attacking brand of cricket that was played during the tournament.

It was noted that there were times towards the end of an ODI innings that bowlers and fielding captains appeared to have limited defensive options available to them. The committee was also conscious that the playing regulations should be kept as simple as possible, and changes kept to a minimum.

Three changes were proposed: the requirement to have two compulsory catchers in the first 10 overs be removed, the batting powerplay be removed and five fieldsmen be allowed outside the circle from overs 41-50 (previously, four fieldsmen were allowed outside the circle during this period).

This means that for the first 10 overs, there will be two fielders outside the circle, for the next 30 overs there will be four fielders out and for the last 10 overs, there will be five outside the circle.

Meanwhile, there was discussion on the calling of No balls, and particularly the delay caused and reviewing on the fall of a wicket. The committee asked the ICC to investigate ways in which No balls can be reviewed quickly upon the fall of a wicket, to ensure there are no delays to the batsman leaving the field.

The committee recommended that all No balls in ODI and T20I cricket should result in a free hit, rather than just for “front foot” No balls.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th,  2015.

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