The MCC World Cricket committee is pressing to introduce ‘Red Card’ system in cricket to give umpires a right to send-off players who are going to commit serious disciplinary offences on the field which would be interesting to see in the foreseeable future.
We had witnessed the funny instances like Billy Bowden’s crooked finger on the field but no on-field punishment in cricket so far, this is going to be the new thing to be discussed after Decision Review System (DRS).
Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australian bowler has bowled an underarm delivery in a lighter moment against New Zealand batter which in response has seen a Red Card jokingly from umpire Billy Bowden in 2005 at Eden Park Auckland.
Cricket has seen a disciplinary problem before and some on-field heated exchange of words had gone out of hands. But soon after the game is over both the players are bound to shake hands and wish each other well for the same reason. Probably, this is why they call it [cricket] a gentleman’s game.
It was an interesting two-way discussion, which included many good questions from Anurag on the subject of the Laws of the game, which was timely given the nature of our agenda and decisions reached in Mumbai this week,” MCC World Cricket committee Chairman Mike Brearley said
While taking it into the consideration, the World Cricket committee has stood to the task – to act against the disciplinary breaches taking place during the games.
The committee has also recommended few limitations in the bat sizes (40mm and bat depths of 67mm) which include its edges and depth of a willow as per the Laws of Cricket to give some kind of leeway to bowlers as the game has been mostly titled toward batsman.
Anurag Thakur, BCCI President was also present during the meeting which has been held in Mumbai on 6-7 December between the members of the MCC World Cricket committee.
The MCC World Cricket has also held a discussion on introducing a trial of four-day Tests to make them more efficient during the calendar year.
“It was good for the committee to meet Anurag Thakur and discuss a range of subjects,” Brearley added.
A law subject to approval by MCC top brass can see a removing of a player from the field for threatening and physically assaulting an umpire and player including officials or the spectator at all levels of the game.
If the law gets approved, sending off a player would be introduced from 1st October 2017.
With so many changes expected to be coming at once, the new code of the Laws of Cricket will also see a change in ball striking a fielder’s worn helmet and ball tampering Law will remain as it is.
WCC had stressed that no changes should be made to Law 42.3(a) which states about changing conditions of a match ball.
“David’s input at these meetings is invaluable, and we are grateful for his time and valuable contributions,” Brearley said while thanking ICC CEO David Richardson.
To expand the game worldwide, Olympics is the best way to entertain and lure more crowds for which the committee has given the concept and discussed playing T20 in the Olympics.
The committee also urged the International Cricket Council to work for the possible way to see the cricket being introduced to the Olympics most probably in 2024.
The second meeting of MCC World Cricket committee will be held in Lord’s in July 2017, to debate and discuss the advancement and issues taking place in the game.