BCCI has its way, ICC Board fails to ratify universal DRS

According to a report in 'ESPNcricinfo', the issue was discussed at the ICC's Executive Board meeting here last night, but was not put to a vote despite perceived support from most of the full member nations.

The BCCI had stuck to its stand by objecting to the technology after the ICC's Chief Executives Committee had recommended mandatory use of the DRS in Tests and one-dayers.

The issue was brought up but was not discussed at the meeting, which was chaired by outgoing ICC president Sharad Pawar.

The development effectively retained the DRS in its current form -- to be used in a mutually agreed arrangement in bilateral series.

The motion for the universal application of the DRS was put to the Executive Board by the CEC on Monday, also through a "unanimous" non-vote, with the BCCI's opposing stance being noted and the matter not being put to vote.

The CEC had said it was satisfied with the improvements in technology in the fourth year of the DRS, which included new Hot Spot cameras and independent ball-tracking research.

As far as other CEC recommendations were concerned, the ECB opposed the idea of cricket being included in the Olympic Games via the Twenty20 format.

The ICC Executive Board will also settle issues regarding a constitutional amendment, the fourth in 16 years, to the process of appointing the ICC president, making the presidency an annual ceremonial term and creating a parallel and more powerful post of chairman.

The meeting was attended by the Board presidents of the 10 Full Member nations and three representatives of Associate and Affiliate nations, besides ICC vice-president Alan Isaac, outgoing Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat and ICC's principal advisor I S Bindra and Pawar.