Apex Cricket Council makes change in stumping rule to stop DRS misuse

The Apex Cricket Council has implemented substantial rule changes scheduled to be in effect in the forthcoming year, 2024. Specifically, the Cricket Governing Body has modified its stumping rule, responding to the perceived exploitation of this rule by fielding teams. According to the revised regulations, when a stumping review is initiated, the Decision Review System (DRS) will focus solely on the stumping aspect, eliminating the subsequent check for a caught behind.

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The rules took effect in December 2023. Traditionally, during a stumping review, attention was first given to the caught-out aspect before examining the side-on angles. Teams often exploited this rule to trigger caught-behind reviews. However, the rule has now been revised. In a stumping review, emphasis will solely be on the side-on angles, eliminating the additional advantage previously enjoyed by the fielding side. As a result, if a caught-behind review is sought, the fielding side must submit a separate appeal.

One notable incident involved Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who garnered attention for frequently using stumping reviews to initiate checks for caught-behind incidents. These incidents occurred during Australia's tour of India in February-March 2023, particularly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“The change confines a stumping review to only check for stumped, therefore preventing the fielding team a free review for other modes of dismissal (i.e, caught behind) without choosing a player review,” as per the new official rule

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Changes are done in the concession as well as on filed injury rules

The Apex Cricket Council has enhanced clarity in the concussion replacement rule. According to the updated regulations, if the player being replaced was suspended from bowling during the concussion, the substitute player will be prohibited from bowling. Similarly, the international governing body has set a four-minute limit for on-field injury assessment and treatment.

Alongside the rule modifications by the Cricket Governing Body, the Indian Cricket Board has chosen to uphold the 'Dead Ball' and two bouncers per over rules introduced in the previous year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. These regulations will continue to be in effect during the upcoming Ranji Trophy, starting this Friday.