The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to scrap the widely-debated soft signal rule, Cricbuzz reported on Monday (May 15).
According to the report, the rule change has been approved by the Sourav Ganguly-led ICC cricket committee and it will come into effect from next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia at the Oval.
This rule has been under the scanner over the years, with many cricket greats calling for its abolition.
The soft signal rule involves the on-field umpires making their own decision known before asking the TV umpire to give a verdict. If the replay is not conclusive to take a decision then the third umpire goes with the on-field umpire's soft signal.
According to ICC rules, a "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."
The rule further states: "Should both on-field umpires require assistance from the third umpire to make a decision, the bowler's end umpire shall firstly take a decision on-field after consulting with the striker's end umpire, before consulting by two-way radio with the third umpire. Such consultation shall be initiated by the bowler's end umpire to the third umpire by making the shape of a TV screen with his/her hands, followed by a Soft Signal of Out or Not out made with the hands close to the chest at chest height. If the third umpire advises that the replay evidence is inconclusive, the on-field decision communicated at the start of the consultation process shall stand."
The alteration to the rule means that the third umpire will have a final say on doubtful catches.
As per the report, the other significant point is that floodlights can be used during the game in case of poor natural light. As was the case in the 2021 WTC final, there will be a reserve sixth day for the marquee clash this year as well. The reserve day ended up being used in the inaugural WTC final between India and New Zealand that was marred by rain in Southampton.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
