Kuala Lumpur, June 25 (IBNS) The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) met in Kuala Lumpur on 24 and 25 June.
Among the decisions and recommendations made were:
Decision Review System (DRS)
CEC recommended to the Board the universal application of the DRS after being satisfied with the technology enhancements provided by new Hotspot cameras and the results of the independent research on ball tracking conducted by Dr Ed Rosten, an expert in computer vision technology. Dr Rosten had tested the accuracy and reliability of ball tracking in a recent Test series and concluded that the results were 100% in agreement with the outcomes produced from his assessments
CEC accordingly recommended to the ICC Board that, subject to the Members’ ability to finance and obtain the required technology, DRS should be mandatory for all Tests and ODIs. Furthermore,
o Hotspot cameras must be included in the minimum requirements (two cameras) alongside ball tracking technology;
o a minor amendment to the LBW protocols whereby the ‘margin of uncertainty’ regarding the point of impact with the batsman should be the same as that provided for the point of impact with the stumps.
The number of successful reviews will be retained at two per innings for a Test and one per innings for an ODI.
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC Chief Executive, said: “We have made good progress in independently testing ball tracking and the new enhancements has resulted in the CEC unanimously supporting the ICC Cricket Committee’s recommendation to universally apply the DRS in all Test matches and ODIs.”
Promotion of Cricket
After receiving a detailed match data and consumer research, the CEC agreed that there should be continued and consistent emphasis placed on the promotion of the three formats of international cricket. The CEC noted the enduring popularity of all three formats and recognised the importance of a coordinated marketing approach across all formats.
It was recommended that there should be further development of marketing inventory to assist Members in enhancing the consistency of messaging around the formats. At the same time it was agreed that, in conjunction with the change in playing regulations, there should be further consideration of the branding of ODI cricket, while being cognisant of the high level of interest in 50-over cricket in many countries.
When considering the appeal of the 50-over format, the CEC agreed with the ICC Cricket Committee recommended regulation changes including that powerplays be restricted to the first block of 10 overs and a batting Powerplay of five overs to be completed before the start of the 41st over; a maximum of four fielders to be allowed outside the 30-yard circle in the non-Powerplay overs and the number of permitted short pitched balls should increase from one per over to two.
The CEC supported the introduction of Day/Night Test cricket, with the approval of both participating teams and the provision of a suitable ball as recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee, and noted the extra context that will be granted to Test cricket by the introduction of an ICC World Test Championship in 2017 and to ODI cricket through the introduction of full qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup from 2015.
Integrity issues in domestic cricket
The CEC reconfirmed the necessity for all Member Boards to have in place and implement domestic anti-corruption codes. At the meeting, the CEC, after hearing that neither Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) nor Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have still not incorporated domestic anti-corruption codes, recommended that the ICC Board instruct these Boards to implement codes forthwith and, in the case of SLC, certainly before the start of the Sri Lanka Premier League Twenty20 which is planned for August 2012.
The CEC also recommended to the Board that the BCB be directed to deliver a comprehensive report on the allegations of corrupt activities during the recent Bangladesh Premier League.
The CEC also considered the importance of a uniform set of anti-corruption regulations across all Full Members in order to avoid any potential jurisdictional loopholes and/or inconsistences in the continued and ever-vigilant protection of cricket from corruption.
T20 schedule
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requested support for the flexibility to stage a six-match Twenty20 International series against Australia potentially in the United Arab Emirates in August. This request required a special dispensation from the CEC and then the ICC Board as the current regulation permits only three T20I in a series. Because of the extreme daytime heat in the UAE at that time of the year, the CEC raised no objections to the principle of a six-match T20I series replacing the scheduled series of three ODIs and three T20Is should the PCB elect to make that switch.
The CEC also continued the complex but important discussions on the protection and promotion of international cricket within a changed landscape that is showing a growing number of domestic professional T20 leagues.
The ICC Chief Executives’ Meeting forms part of the ICC Annual Conference week which this year is being held in Kuala Lumpur.
The ICC CEC recommendations now go forward to the ICC Board for consideration.
