Sonn to take charge as ICC chief on July 7

DUBAI: South African Percy Sonn takes over as  International Cricket Council (ICC) President on July 7 from present incumbent Ehsan Mani on the last day the ICC Annual  Conference in London.

Prior to Sonn's assuming office, the ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC) will have a series of meetings for world cricket's leading administrators at Lord's Cricket Ground beginning from July 2.

The two-day meeting will make decisions on a range of matters relating to the playing of cricket as well as recommendations on the business of cricket for consideration by the ICC Executive Board, which will meet on July 5.

The most important item on the agenda for CEC will be regarding the provision of appeals to the third umpire by players.

The ICC Cricket Committee has recommended that players be allowed three appeals per innings to the third umpire if they feel a decision made by the on-field umpire is incorrect.

The CEC and the Executive Board will debate the potential benefits of the recommendation set against what it might mean for the spirit of cricket and the role and authority of the on-field umpires.  

These recommendations will be put on trial at this year's ICC Champions Trophy in India and will be reviewed after that tournament.

Other items on the agenda of CEC include the use of technology as an aid to decision-making by umpires, preparations for the inaugural Twenty20 World Championships in South Africa next year and confirmation of guidelines relating to scheduling within the Future Tours Programme (FTP).