BCCI wants ICC to discuss ‘Soft Signal’, Covid-19 protocols to remain intact until July

BCCI wants ICC to discuss ‘Soft Signal’, Covid-19 protocols to remain intact until July

The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday has asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reopen the discussion regarding the ‘Soft Signal’ call by Umpires. The issue took the limelight after a recent controversy in India vs England T20I series. 

According to the reports, there have been several members who are in complete favour of removing it from the rule book and let the TV Umpire decide it. However, ESPNcrickinfo reports suggest that many are not in the favour of removing it including former Indian spinner Anil Kumble.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Committee headed by Anil Kumble arranged a meet in early March to give light to various undisturbed issues. However, in the recent video meeting of the members, the recommendations regarding the ‘Soft Signals’ have been approved and are sent to ICC for final approval.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli earlier in the post-match conference said that there should be an ‘I don’t know’ call for the on-field umpires in case there is a close call or when they do not find any conclusive evidence. It is learnt that BCCI secretary Jay Shah has urgent to re-consider the ‘Soft Signal’ call with CEC members.

Covid-19 protocols to remain in force until July:

The ICC has decided to extend the covid-19 protocols for the international games until July this year. According to the protocols, players are restricted to use saliva to shine the ball, like-for-like replacement of players.

According to ESPNcricinfo, only sweat will be allowed to shine the ball and home umpires to continue officiating the International fixtures until July 2021.

Earlier, the ICC Cricket Committee suggested having one neutral umpire and three home umpires in a bilateral series however this decision is only feasible to those nations that do not have any quarantine restrictions.

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