The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that there will be several changes coming in cricket amid COVID 19 pandemic. These changes are necessary for the safety of cricketers. Coronavirus impact – ICC bans saliva on ball, allows COVID 19 substitutes, among other changes in new rules. All these changes recommended by ICC’s cricket committee led by Anil Kumble.

Coronavirus Impact – ICC Bans Saliva On Ball, Allows COVID 19 Substitutes, Among Other Changes In New Rules

Additionally, the decision comes at the right time. West Indies team is already in England for a three-Test tour behind closed doors. Maybe, it could be helpful for the Test series between them. Moreover, these new rules approved by the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC).

The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) ratified recommendations from the Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee, aimed at mitigating the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus and protect the safety of players and match officials when cricket resumes.

ICC released a statement.

COVID 19 Replacements

Teams will be allowed to replace players with COVID 19 symptoms. But, it will be applicable in Test matches, not in ODIs or T20Is.

No More Saliva on Ball

Players will not be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball. But, if a player does that, the umpires will manage the situation with some leniency during an initial period of adjustment for the players. But, the following cases will be served as a warning. When saliva will be used, the umpires will instantly warn the player to remove the saliva before the game resume.

A team can be issued up to two warnings per innings. But repeated use of saliva on the ball will result in a 5-run penalty to the batting side.

ICC said.

Coronavirus Impact - ICC Bans Saliva On Ball, Allows COVID 19 Substitutes, Among Other Changes In New Rules
ICC brings new rules in cricket

Non-neutral umpires

The ICC will be able to appoint locally based match officials from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials and the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials.

Dress Up Rules

The ICC unwinds the rules regarding the placement of brand logos on a Test match jersey.

A logo, not exceeding 32 square inches in size, may be placed on the chest of the Test match shirt and sweater in addition to the three other logos allowed as per regulations. As of now, logos on chests are only allowed in ODIs and T20Is.

Other reports on this topic:

  • Interim regulation changes approved – ICC
  • Coronavirus: ICC Bans Use Of Saliva On Cricket Ball, Clears COVID Substitute Rule In Tests – NDTV

In addition, it was necessary to change the rules as COVID 19 pandemic is still at large in the many parts of the world. Now, it’s up to ICC to instigate those rules in a proper way. But, players and cricket staffs also have to help them in this process. After all, this is a matter of life and death.