ICC Amends Playing Conditions; Umpires Skip Caught-Behind Checks in Stumping Appeals
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented a change in playing conditions, effective from December 12, 2023. According to the modification, TV umpires will no longer assess caught-behind scenarios when on-field umpires refer stumping appeals.
Context of the Amendment
In the previous playing conditions, instances arose, notably in the series against India last year, where Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey would appeal for a stumping. During the referral process, the TV umpire would automatically check for a potential caught behind without an additional DRS (Decision Review System) request. The recent change ensures that stumping referrals will focus solely on images from the side-on camera, excluding checks for edges.
The adjustment emphasizes that if a team wishes to review a caught-behind scenario, particularly when the wicketkeeper has executed a stumping, they must initiate a separate review through the DRS. This modification prevents fielding teams from obtaining a free review for other modes of dismissal (e.g., caught behind) without explicitly opting for a player review.
Clarity in Concussion Substitution Rule
In addition to the alteration in stumping review procedures, the ICC has introduced greater clarity to the concussion substitution rule. The updated regulation specifies that if a replaced player was suspended from bowling at the time of the concussion, the substitute player will not be allowed to bowl during their involvement in the match.
Another noteworthy adjustment involves the time allocated for on-field injury assessment and treatment. The ICC has now limited this period to four minutes, streamlining the process and ensuring a more concise evaluation of injuries.
