ICC affirms Kumble Committee suggestions: 'COVID-19 Replacements' allowed, ban on saliva

As world of cricket nears resumption after being halted earlier due to Coronavirus outbreak, International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved interim changes recommended by Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee. changes include widely criticised ban on use of saliva to shine ball and table, 'COVID-19 Replacements' in Test matches. 

new changes introduced by ICC aimed at mitigating risks posed by COVID-19 virus and protect safety of players and match officials has completely banned that use of saliva to shine ball. During initial period of adjustment, umpires will be lenient on use, however, subsequent instances will result in team receiving a warning. 

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"A team can be issued up to two warnings per innings but repeated use of saliva on ball will result in a 5-run penalty to batting side. Whenever saliva is applied to ball, umpires will be instructed to clean ball before play recommences," ICC has stated. 

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COVID-19 Replacements

Secondly, ICC has introduced 'COVID-19 Replacements' in case a player shows symptoms of Coronavirus during a Test match. In line with concussion replacements, Match Referee will approve nearest 'like-for-like' replacement. se replacements will t be permitted in ODIs and T20s. 

Furrmore, ICC has barred requirement to appoint neutral match officials temporarily. " ICC will be able to appoint locally based match officials from Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials and Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials," it said. 

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Additional DRS review

Lastly, ICC has also introduced an additional unsuccessful DRS review for each team in each innings of a match highlighting that re may be less experienced umpires in matches at times. This shall increase number of unsuccessful appeals per innings for each team to three for Tests and two for white-ball formats.

Cricket set to resume

International cricket is set to resume with 3-match Test series between England and West Indies in July. West Indies team arrive in United Kingdom on Tuesday and has entered its 'bio-secure bubble.'  first test of series will commence on July 8 at as Bowl. second and third test will be played at Old Trafford subsequently dates for which are July 16 and July 24. ECB while anuncing proposed schedule had stated that decision on or scheduled matches for England Men and England Women this summer will be determined at a later date.

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