The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made several rule modifications to improve the game in its most recent reshuffle.
The modifications were revealed after the Chief Executives’ Committee adopted the Men’s and Women’s Cricket Committees’ suggestions.
The ICC has dropped the “Soft Signal” rule, which is a positive improvement. The on-field umpires will no longer be asked to comment on the catch, with the decision determined through discussion between the umpires and the TV umpire.
Another modification has been made to the Free Hit rule.
A hitter can now run even if they are bowled off a free hit, with any runs scored counted as fair.
There was also a small change to the Free Hit rule, with any runs scored off a Free Hit when the ball strikes the stumps now being considered as runs scored, according to an ICC statement.
The final rule modifications proposed by the ICC are related to player safety during games.
Wearing a helmet is currently required for:
- Any hitter who is up against a fast bowler
- Any wicket-keeper who is stationed next to the stumps
- fielders in front of the wicket who are near to the batter
The modifications will take effect on June 1, 2023, when England plays Ireland in a four-day Test match.
Cricket rule revisions are nothing new. The ICC and MCC are always looking for ways to improve the game.