DRS aside, ICC makes vital changes in ODI format

Monday was a busy day for the International Cricket Council (ICC). The body in it's chief executive meeting in Hong Kong made important changes to how the sport is being played which, apart from making a modified version of Decision Review System (DRS) mandatory, restricted the use of powerplays in ODIs to between the 16th and 40th over and chose to abolish runners.

The ICC announced in a media release that the changes like not allowing runners and the use of powerplay only in the specified period, were brought in to further enhance the sport and the 50-over format. "Even though the success of 50-over cricket played during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was universally acknowledged, the Chief Executive Committee (CEC) rightly supported the enhancements recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee," said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

In addition to the change in when a powerplay can be made use of in a match, the ICC also introduced the use of two new balls in an innings, one each from the two bowling ends. These decisions however will be implemented in matches that will be played from October 1, 2011.

It was also decided upon by the CEC that a review of the maximum number of overs that a bowler can bowl, number of short-balls allowed per over, players allowed outside the inner circle during non-powerplay overs will be made.

A decision recommending a qualifying process for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 was also made though the CEC did not make any suggestions to the Executive Comittee on the number of teams that should be allowed to take part in the event, scheduled to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

Test skippers would have to be extra cautious though as the CEC agreed on stricter sanctions against captains found guilty of breaching the over-rate.