Cricket is the most popular sport in India as well as globally. The International Cricket Council (ICC), a cricket governing body, recently announced 3 game changer new rules that will take effect on June 1st, 2023. These new rules are intended to address fundamental features of cricket while also assuring safety, and clarity for cricket players, umpires, and fans.
In this blog article, we’ll go through 3 new cricket rules and see how these new rules impact cricket.
1. Abolishing the Soft Signal –
ICC has removed the soft signal as the first new rule modification in Cricket. When the on-field umpire sends a decision to the third umpire, they traditionally give a “soft signal” expressing their original judgement on catches taken on the boundary. This mild indication frequently influenced the third umpire’s subsequent decision-making process. On the other hand, the ICC has decided to eliminate this element of subjectivity, allowing the third umpire to make an unbiased judgement based purely on the available replays. This rule adjustment intends to improve decision-making precision and impartiality, avoiding potential conflicts regarding catches near the cricket boundary.
The ICC acknowledges the limits of on-field umpires by abolishing the soft signal and empowering the third umpire, who has access to various camera angles and slow-motion replays. This modification aligns cricket with other sports that rely largely on camera technology to make critical decisions. ICC has decided to remove the soft signal is likely to increase confidence in decision accuracy and reduce potential team conflicts.
2. Mandatory Helmets for Batters and Wicketkeepers:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made helmets necessary for batsmen-facing pacers and wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps in a significant move to prioritise player safety. While batsmen have long worn helmets, the new rule requires both the batter and the wicketkeeper to wear one in certain instances where the risk of harm is higher.
Fast bowlers can be daunting, with the ball frequently exceeding 90 miles per hour. By mandating batters wear helmets, the ICC emphasises the significance of protecting players’ brains and lowering the danger of catastrophic head injuries. Similarly, wicketkeepers who stand up to the stumps are frequently subjected to ferocious deliveries and unexpected deflections, making helmets an essential safety measure for them as well.
This rule change aligns cricket with other sports that prioritise player safety, such as ice hockey and American football, where helmets are standard equipment. It also underlines the International Cricket Council’s commitment to improving player welfare and lowering the possible long-term health concerns linked with head injuries.
3. Free Hit Runs Counted When the Ball Hits Stumps:
The 3rd new rule published by the ICC concerns the free hit, which is a delivery handed to the batting side after the bowler commits a no-ball infringement. Previously, no runs were scored if the ball touched the stumps during a free hit delivery, and batsmen could not be removed by being bowled or hit wicket. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has changed this rule, declaring that any runs scored via a free hit shall be credited, even if the ball hits the stumps.
The ICC hopes to restore the balance between bat and ball by enabling runs to be recorded when the ball hits the stumps during a free hit. This rule change recognizes that despite the error committed by the bowler, the batting team should still have the opportunity to accumulate runs if the ball remains playable. It injects excitement and strategic considerations into free-hit situations, providing greater opportunities for teams to capitalize on these rare chances.
The cricket world sometimes saw some biased decisions from the third umpires. That’s why ICC has taken the decision. We hope this will create a good environment on the cricket field.