ISLAMABAD: Cricket chiefs said on Monday that the controversial “soft signal” rule would no longer apply, and wicketkeepers who stand close to the stumps will now be required to wear helmets.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executives’ committee approved the changes, and they will take effect on June 1 with England vs. Ireland Lord’s Test.
Umpires will no longer be needed to provide a soft signal when referring decisions to the TV umpires, according to a statement from the ICC. Before making any decisions, the on-field umpires would consult with the TV umpire.
What is Soft Signal in Cricket?
A soft signal is the “visual communication” of an on-field umpire’s initial decision before the third umpire’s input, who has access to video replays. One concern has been that the soft signal could affect the third umpire’s final decision.
Earlier this year, England captain Ben Stokes stood for the removal of soft signals. He tweeted that the cricket governing body should get rid of the soft signal and let the third umpire, who has access to all of the technology, to make the decision when the on-field umpires send it upstairs. He said the entire controversy revolves around the soft signal given.
Helmets will be required in international cricket for high-risk positions such as batters facing quick bowlers and wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps under the new ICC rules.
According to Sourav Ganguly, chairperson of the ICC cricket committee, soft signals have been considered at previous cricket committee meetings over the last few years. The committee deliberated for a long time and decided that soft signals were unneeded and, at times, confusing.
The former India captain went on to say that they also talked about player safety, which is very important to them. To ensure the safety of players, the committee concluded that helmets should be made mandatory for certain positions.
