ICC allows COVID-19 substitutes in Tests, rule not applicable for ODIs and T20Is

DATE

10 Jun 2020

ICC allows COVID-19 substitutes in Tests, rule not applicable for ODIs and T20Is

The International Cricket Committee (ICC) has approved the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball in international cricket. ICC has also introduced COVID-19 substitutes in Test cricket.ICC has introduced several new rules for cricket in times of COVID-19 ICC has approved the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball in international cricketICC has also approved the introduction of COVID-19 substitutes in Test cricketThe International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee's recommendation to ban the use of saliva to shine the ball in international cricket. ICC on Tuesday confirmed several interim changes and issued new guidelines for the resumption of cricket amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The international board has also approved COVID-19 substitutes in Test cricket.The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) mulled on the recommendations forwarded by the Kumble-led committee and decided to approve the changes to minimise the risk for players and match officials when cricket resumes. While COVID-19 replacements will be allowed for teams in Test cricket, the rule is not applicable in ODIs and T20Is. COVID-19 substitutes: Teams will be allowed to replace player showing COVID-19 symptoms with a like-to-like player during a Test match. There will be a medical officer appointed to supervise every game and ensure all safety measures are taken to minimise chances of infection. So far, only concussion substitutes were allowed in Test cricket. The new COVID-19 substitution rule will be in effect in the upcoming Test series between England and West Indies in July this year.Saliva ban:The Kumble-led Cricket Committee had earlier proposed a ban on saliva, which puts players at an increased risk of infection. However, players will now have to do away with using saliva to shine the ball. The teams will be issued a warnings on repeated violation of the ban. Each team will receive two warning on the use of saliva on the ball before being penalised 5 runs while batting. The umpires will keep a check on the ball and clean it before the start of play.Non-neutral umpires:The international governing body has also abolished the rule to keep neutral umpires in international matches. ICC stated that local umpires will be used in international games due to the current travelling restrictions across the world in the wake of the pandemic. The local umpires will be selected from Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials and the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials. DRS review:An extra DRS review will also be added into each team's kitty across all formats of the game to ensure both sides can appeal against the umpire's call as there will less experienced match officials in the games due to the logistical restrictions.

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