The ICC ‘Soft-Signal’ rule has often been criticised by several players and experts. In the last T20I series between India and England, a huge controversy sparked when Dawid Malan claimed a catch and the umpires on the basis of that gave the signal of out. However, the replays clearly indicated that the ball has touched the grass and the decision should be overturned.
Eventually, it wasn’t because of the ‘soft signal rule of ICC which states that the decision can only be overturned if the evidence is conclusive. Post the match the captain of Team India Virat Kohli indirectly hinted that the ICC should scrap the ‘soft signal rule and the ‘umpires call’ as well as a wrong decision can completely change the outcome of the match.
ICC Set To Change The ‘Soft-Signal’ Rule Soon
“I don’t know why there can’t be an ‘I don’t know’ call with the umpires as well. These decisions can change the course of the game, especially in these big games. We were on the receiving side today, and tomorrow it could be some other team,” Kohli was quoted as saying after the match.
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Now if reports are to be considered, the apex cricket board has determined to change the rule before the WTC final between India and New Zealand which will be played between June 18-22 in Southampton. The report appended that the ICC’s Chief Executives’ Committee will take up the issue going forward.
Meanwhile in the second ODI between New Zealand and Bangladesh one on-field soft signal of ‘Out’ was overturned when the replay of the catch of Kyle Jamieson indicated that the ball made contact with the ground. The batsman Tamim Iqal got a life and scored another 30 runs more which however didn’t change the outcome of the match.