ICC to end Soft Signal ahead of World Test Championship trophy clash in June – Reports
Finally, the soft signal by field umpires in the cricketing world will cease. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to implement the much-contested and anticipated rule change to the international games’ playing conditions (PCs). The World Test Championship Final 2023 (WTC) final in London will mark the start of the change’s implementation beginning next month.
The soft signal rule currently states the following according to the ICC guidelines:
“Soft Signal is the visual communication by the bowler’s end umpire to the third umpire (accompanied by additional information via two-way radio where necessary) of his/her initial on-field decision prior to initiating an Umpire Review.”
It was earlier mandatory for the on-field umpires to provide a soft signal. Apparently, the officials were forced to make a decision even if they were not sure, before referring. The third umpire could only overturn the decision if there was conclusive evidence in the video footage. The on-field umpire’s decision was upheld if the third umpire was even slightly in two minds.
ICC to abolish soft signal beginning WTC final
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the change was approved by the Sourav Ganguly-led cricket committee of the ICC. The participants of the second WTC final – India and Australia – have been informed of the particular change in playing conditions among others.
The soft signal rule was under heavy scrutiny following its impact in significant matches in the recent past. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam had blamed the rule for his side’s defeat against England in the second Test. Saud Shakeel was caught down the leg side by Ollie Pope, leading the on-field umpire Aleem Dar to give the soft signal as out, and third umpire Joel Wilson urged him to stay with his decision.
The dismissal of the well-settled Saud Shakeel triggered a collapse as England recorded a memorable 26-run victory to seal the series.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said following the match:
“The Shakeel dismissal cost us. It looked to us as if the ball had touched the ground. As a professional, you have to respect the umpire’s decision, but we felt the ball had been grounded.”
Henceforth, decisions will be adjudged by the third umpires without any input from the on-field umpire. As a result, there will be no need to find overwhelming evidence to rule out the soft signal. The third umpire can make an informed decision based on his sole judgment.
Thank you for reading.
