Reasons Why ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal is The Right Move, As per a report on Cricbuzz, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to eliminate the controversial rule of soft signal in international cricket. This decision marks the end of an era for the soft signal in the sport.
The change is anticipated to be implemented from the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia, scheduled to be held at The Oval from June 7 to 12.
According to the report, the Sourav Ganguly-led cricket committee of the ICC has approved the change and ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal, and the same has been communicated to the two WTC finalists, India and Australia.
The use of the soft signal in international cricket matches has sparked a massive debate, with several cricketers and experts expressing mixed opinions on the matter.
3 Reasons Why ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal is The Right Move
With reports suggesting that the ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal rule, we examine three reasons why this decision is the correct one.
1) There Is Too Much Ambiguity Surrounding The Rule
As per Reasons Why ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal, The most significant issue with the soft signal is that it hinders the third umpire instead of assisting them in making decisions on disputed catches.
As per Reasons Why ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal, According to the rule, when a decision is referred to the TV umpire, the on-field umpire must make a soft signal. If the third umpire does not have “conclusive evidence” to make a decision, the soft signal remains the final verdict.
It seems that there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the rule, which has led to some controversy. If the third umpire is unable to come to a decision, the on-field umpire will have to make the final call.
It’s quite strange because the reason for referring to the decision in the first place was because there was some uncertainty about it.
Under the new rule, the third umpire will have the ultimate authority on questionable catches.
2) Big Names Have Expressed Dissatisfaction Over The Soft Signal Rule
According to Reasons Why ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal, Several prominent figures have openly expressed concerns about the soft signal rule.
In 2021, former India captain Virat Kohli expressed his thoughts on the soft signal rule after a decision went in favor of the opposing team (England), despite replays suggesting that the catch may not have been taken cleanly.
“I don’t know why there cannot be a sort of “I don’t know” call for the umpire as well. As per Reasons Why ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal, Why does it have to be a conclusive one? Because then that [dictates] the whole decision completely. Similar to the argument we have about umpire’s call as well.”
“I think these are some things that can really, really change the whole course of the game, especially in a big game. So you want these things ironed out as much as possible, keep this game simple, keep it linear, have one set of rules which are not grey areas which we don’t understand sometimes, and sometimes we do.”
“So it’s not ideal, especially in a high-pressure game which has a lot of things riding on it, a lot at stake. It’s important to have a lot of clarity on the field.”
Earlier this year, when a controversial decision was made regarding Marnus Labuschagne during the Australia-South Africa Test series, someone shared their thoughts on the matter, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes tweeted:
“ICC should get rid of the soft signal and let the 3rd umpire who has all the technology make the decision when the on-field umpires send it upstairs, all the controversy is always around the soft signal given. This isn’t a comment on the decision FYI (sic).”
If some of the biggest stars in the game have so many trust issues with a rule, it may be best to eliminate it altogether.
3) The Purpose Of Any Rule Is To Try And Ensure The Correct Decision Is Made
As per Reasons Why ICC Abolishment of Soft Signal, Whether it’s related to cricket or everyday life, rules are put in place to ensure that what is right is implemented. However, the soft signal rule didn’t seem to serve any significant purpose. As previously stated, the one-field umpires were required to make the final decision in situations where there was “inconclusive evidence.”
In recent years, there have been several instances where it was evident that questionable decisions were made due to the existence of the soft signal rule.
To sum it up, there are several factors that work against the soft signal rule. Therefore, it would be beneficial for cricket to eliminate it.
Starting from 1st June 2023, the new Playing Conditions will be implemented, beginning with the four-day one-off Test match between England and Ireland at Lord’s. The upcoming World Test Championship final between India and Australia, which commences on June 7, will also adhere to these new rules.
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