The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given conditional approval to the controversial and contentious Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS). At a meeting of the chief executives committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Hong Kong on Monday, the BCCI said it was ready to embrace the technology, but made it clear that it is opposed to the ball-tracking technology.
Conversely, it implies that the BCCI’s opposition for a review of LBW dismissal in the UDRS stays. The board made it clear that it will accept the system only if there are infra-red cameras and audio-tracking technology. It effectively means, the board has endorsed Sachin Tendulkar’s argument that UDRS should have Hot-Spot and Snickometer but objected to the ball-tracker (for LBW), which hitherto has been mandatory for the system.
Following BCCI’s nod, the ICC has made UDRS mandatory for all Tests and ODIs with Hot Spot and Snicko. “The CEC unanimously recommended universal standards for the usage of technology in UDRS in all Test matches and ODIs, subject to availability and commercial considerations. The agreed standards will include infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices,” the ICC said in a statement.
The immediate implication is that the system will be in place for India’s forthcoming tour of England. “The BCCI has always expressed its willingness to embrace technology, for the betterment of the game,” board secretary N Srinivasan said.
The ICC further said that research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology, its accuracy and reliability. “The continued use of ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on bilateral agreement between the participating members,” the ICC said indicating that ball-tracker will be there for all series except in those in which India is involved.
India’s turnaround comes after intense pressure from the international community and former players, who have been vocal in their criticism for India’s steadfast opposition to the system. Monday’s CEC decisions, however, need the approval for the ICC executive board, which meets on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Hope for Ireland: The CEC recommended that there should be a qualification process for the World Cup 2015 but did not make a recommendation to the Executive Board on the number of teams that should compete in the event to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Over-rates: The ICC has agreed on stricter sanctions against captains for over-rate breaches. A captain will now be suspended for two over-rate breaches in a 12-month period in any one format of the game rather than the current position which is three breaches prior to suspension. It was agreed to abolish runners in international cricket.
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