Review of umpire's decision to enhance game says ICC's CEO

Dubai, Jun 17 (UNI) While various cricket personalites have voiced their support for the proposed umpire decision review system, the ICC's acting Chief Executive Officer David Richardson today said it is an attempt by the governing body to enhance still further the game at international level.

The system will be implemented in the three-Test series between India and Sri Lanka next month and Richrdson said, ''Our umpires already ensure the vast majority of decisions made in any Test or ODI are correct but we want to see if we can enhance the game further by reducing or removing the few clearly incorrect ones.

''By seeking to reduce these potentially contentious decisions we believe we can help remove a source of tension and frustration among players and spectators as well as any resultant pressure on umpires,'' he added.

The former South African wicketkeeper added that since each side is allowed only three unsuccessful requests to review in each innings, it would mean that players will not make frivolous challenges and, instead, only seek a referral to decisions that, it is quickly clear, are highly likely to be incorrect.

''At the same time we have sought to ensure the continued primacy of the on-field umpire. The man on the field's role is to consult with his colleague, not to refer the decision away, and he still decides whether or not to change his original decision.

Once the series is over, the ICC will conduct a thorough review of the process before deciding whether the trial was successful and worth persevering with.

UNI XC RAR RN2029