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ICC Brings A Game-Changer Rule To Stop Exploitation Of Umpire Stumping Referrals

image-lqysmk2wAlex Carey Stumping (X.com)

Owing to the constantly evolving dynamics of modern-day cricket, the International Cricket Board (ICC) has been forced to modify a certain set of rules to disallow teams from exploiting the DRS technology.

As per a report from Cricbuzz, ICC has decided to restrict umpire referrals for stumping to the side on replays only. Previously, the stumping referrals also included a DRS check for those caught behind, which encouraged players to exploit the loophole.

In a very recent incident, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey appealed for a stumping, which led to a caught-behind review that turned in Australia’s favour. This way, the fielding team often gets away without burning their DRS referrals.


ICC Tightens DRS Loopholes!

Thus, starting from December 2023, the rule has been tweaked, and now, for stumping referrals, only side-on replays will be displayed on the big screens. To appeal for caught behind, a fielding team must use DRS referrals available at their helm.

"The change confines a stumping review to only check for stumped, therefore preventing the fielding team a free review for other modes of dismissal (i.e, caught behind) without choosing a player review," says the rule as per Cricbuzz.

The decision to omit caught-behind checks for stumping referrals aligns with the broader objective of refining and optimizing the use of technology in cricket. The ICC continually reviews and updates its playing conditions to strike a balance between maintaining the spirit of the game and leveraging technology to achieve accurate and timely decision-making.

Besides, ICC has addressed the lack of clarity over concussion substitutes. As per the clarity provided by the board, a concussion substitute will not be allowed to bowl if the player he replaced has been suspended from bowling at the time of substitution. 

"(It) provides clarity in the regulations to ensure that a replacement player will not be permitted to bowl if the replaced player was suspended from bowling at the time of their concussion," the report further read.

In another modification of cricket laws, the third umpire has been given complete authority to check all kinds of no-balls that exist in the sport besides overstepping. The third umpire can now step in to check height no-balls as well.

"The third umpire will have a broader scope to automatically check all forms of foot fault no ball in addition to the front foot."

Undoubtedly, the fresh altercations will further even the playing field for both sides and ICC intends to tighten loose ends to avoid exploitation of technology introduced to make the sport more impartial and impeccable.