New ICC regulations to be implemented in South Africa-Bangladesh series

Bangladesh’s tour to South Africa will see the historic implementation of the new rules introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Starting from player send-offs to changes in umpiring referrals, a host of new rules and regulations have been introduced in world cricket. Apart from the series between the Proteas and Bangladesh, the extensive series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to be held in the UAE will also witness the new rules come into play.

The major changes enlisted under the new regime will include restrictions on the bat size as well as player send-offs in cases of unceremonious on-field attitude. Further, the Decision Review System (DRS) will be permitted henceforth in Twenty20 Internationals. There will also be changes in the umpiring referrals, particularly in Test Cricket.

ICC introduces new rules

ICC general manager, Geoff Allardyce said in a statement, “Most of the changes to the ICC playing conditions are being made as a result of changes to the laws of cricket that have been announced by the Maryleborne Cricket Club (MCC). We have just completed a workshop with the umpires to ensure they understand all of the changes and we are now ready to introduce the new playing conditions to international matches.” The ICC further confirmed that all changes “will be applicable across all (three) formats”.

As reported by the AFP, cricket will now have the provision of players being sent off from the field, much like in football. The cause of such an action would include unceremonious acts of violence such as threatening to assault an umpire, making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with an umpire, assaulting a player or any other person and any other act of violence.

The new restrictions on bat dimensions will seek to maintain the balance between bat and ball. Although the permitted length and width of bats will remain unchanged, the edges will be stipulated to be not more than 40mm thick and the overall depth will be limited to 67mm. The eligibility of bats according to these rules will be checked by umpires using a new gauge.

Lastly, when a team will choose to refer an umpire’s decision to the TV umpire leading to the on-field decision remaining unaffected because the DRS shows “umpire’s call”, the team in question will not lose the review as was the case earlier. However, teams will now have only two unsuccessful reviews for the entire innings of a Test. Previously the unsuccessful reviews were restored after the first 80 overs.