ICC to take greater control of DRS, confirms Richardson

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief David Richardson has said that the world's cricket governing body would take greater control of the Decision Review System (DRS) so that it is applied accurately by all countries.

The ICC discussed a number of issues in the recently held annual conference in Edinburgh, including the umpire's call, incorrectly called no-balls and helmet safety, inclusion of a women's cricket event in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and greater control of DRS among other things.

Countries like Zimbabwe don't make use of DRS because it is expensive in nature while India refuses to follow the technique considering it is as 'flawed' and 'inaccurate'.

Reflecting on the issue, the former South Africa wicketkeeper said the ICC would try to make sure that all countries have access to the DRS system and that all boards are ready to use it, Sport24 reported.

The ICC chief said that the governing body would look after the implications of DRS, adding that they might have to buy new technologies for improvement in the technique.

Richardson said that the ICC would hopefully implement down the line a much consistent and a more understandable form of DRS.

During its meetings, the ICC approved a change to the DRS playing condition relating to the LBW 'Umpire's Call'.

"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 had earlier confirmed.

This amendment will come into effect from October 1 or from the start of any series using DRS that commences just prior to the date.