ICC okays rule change in LBW calls, defers Test shake-up

The global governing body’s annual meeting concluded here on Saturday with the ICC, IDI and IBC Board deliberating over several issues under the chairmanship of former BCCI chief Shashank Manohar. Few major decisions were also taken. 

Regarding the DRS playing conditions relating to the LBW ‘umpire’s call’, the ICC said if the on-field lbw decisions are to be overturned, half of the ball would now need to hit a zone of the stumps that also borders the outside of off and leg stumps. Earlier, half of the ball would need to hit a zone between the centre of off and leg stumps.

“The size of the zone inside which half the ball needs to hit for a not out decision to be reversed to out will increase, changing to a zone bordered by the outside of off and leg stumps, and the bottom of the bails (formerly the centre of off and leg stumps, and the bottom of the bails),” the ICC said in a statement. 

This amendment will come into effect from October 1 or from the start of any series using DRS that commences just prior to this date, the world body said. The change will benefit bowlers and more batsmen will be given out once on-field decisions are referred as the “zone” the ball needs to hit for the decision to be overturned has increased.