The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has significantly expanded the role and responsibilities of the fourth umpire in IPL matches as per a report by Cricbuzz.
During a recent Captains’ Meeting at the Cricket Centre, the BCCI emphasized that the fourth umpire plays a vital role throughout the match and should not be disturbed or distracted by the teams. Additionally, BCCI clarified specific scenarios where a batsman can overrule the captain’s call.
The fourth umpire, primarily stationed beyond the boundary line, is now authorized to randomly check the size of bats not only on match days but also during practice sessions. Furthermore, they will closely monitor players returning to the dugout, particularly bowlers who leave the field after completing their bowling quota.
“The 4th Umpire is an important member of the team, the voice of the PCT at the boundary. Players are requested not to approach the 4th Umpire for any grievance against a decision. The 4th Umpire is empowered to check bats at any time on matchdays & practice days. They will be monitoring those bowlers who have left the field after finishing their bowling quota & those players who are habitual offenders of leaving the field to take rest,” a BCCI note, detailing the minutes of the Captains’ Meeting, stated as quoted by Cricbuzz.
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Key Decisions Finalized in Captains’ Meeting
Apart from expanding the fourth umpire’s duties, the BCCI outlined several new decisions for the upcoming IPL season:
Emergency Third Umpire: The fourth umpire will act as an emergency third umpire when required. They will also manage a box containing at least six new balls and supervise the selection of the ball. The umpire will ensure that only authorized staff, IPL match officials, players, team coaches, and authorized television personnel have access to the pitch area before play and during intervals.
20th Over Completion: The entire innings must be completed within the allocated time, which includes the completion of the 20th over. This deviates from ICC playing conditions, which only require the 20th over to begin within the stipulated time.
Retired Out, Super Over & DLS: In interrupted matches, a retired batter will be considered a wicket down for DLS calculations.
Concussion Replacement: Teams can replace a concussed player with a like-for-like substitute. If a wicketkeeper sustains a concussion, a replacement can be picked from the available squad. If an overseas player is concussed, the team can select a replacement from the nominated Indian substitutes, provided the team has already fielded four overseas players.
Notification for Time Out: A time-out request can be made only by the captain or the batsmen at the crease. If the batsmen at the wicket request a time-out, it will take precedence over any advice from the off-field captain. Coaches can also request a time-out through the fourth umpire if the captain is unavailable.
Team Sheets Distribution: Team sheets will be distributed after the toss. Captains will carry one sheet each of the batting and bowling sides. After the toss, captains will hand over the team sheet to the match referee, while the remaining copies will be exchanged between team managers and handed to the Assistant Venue Manager.
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