ICC rolls out modifications in DRS protocols and concussion substitute rules

Effective from December 12, 2023, the changes aim to bring more clarity and fairness to the decision-making process.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made major amendments to playing conditions, specifically concerning the Decision Review System (DRS) for stumping scenarios. Effective from 12, 2023, umpires will solely review side-on replays for stumping situations. This means that for any caught-behind appeals related to a stumping, teams must separately utilise their DRS option.

During the previous series against India, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey frequently used the review for caught-behind following a stumping without exhausting the team’s DRS option.

Under the revised rule, the stumping review will solely rely on side-on camera images, eliminating considerations for a possible snick during the assessment.

“The change confines a stumping review to only check for stumped, therefore preventing the fielding team a free review for other modes of dismissal (i.e, caught behind) without choosing a player review,” read ICC’s new amendment.

Additionally, the ICC has given more clarity on the concussion replacement rule, barring the substitute player from bowling if the replaced player was suspended from bowling at the time of the concussion.

Moreover, the global governing body has enforced a time limit of four minutes for on-field injury assessments and treatment.

In tandem with these ICC rule changes, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to uphold the ‘Dead Ball’ and two bouncers per over rules introduced during the previous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, which will carry into the upcoming Ranji Trophy starting this Friday.

These alterations aim to bring more clarity and fairness to the decision-making process.