The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has introduced a new amendment to the Decision Review System (DRS) in T20 cricket. Players can now use DRS for wides and no balls as well.
New DRS review norms for IPL and WPL: What is the change in DRS review norms?
This is the first time in the T20 league that players will be allowed to review wide and no ball decisions using DRS. The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) will also implement this amendment. Players can now request a review of any decision made by the on-field umpires whether a batsman has been dismissed except for a ‘time out’ (player review). Apart from this, they can now also review any decision made by the on-field umpires regarding wide or no-ball.
Previously, players could only review on-field decisions for dismissals. However, wides and no-balls will now be part of the two unsuccessful reviews each team is entitled to per innings. Note that leg-by decisions cannot still be reviewed using DRS.
Already been used in 2 matches of WPL 2023
The new facility has already been used in the first two games of the WPL. In the opening game of the WPL between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants, a delivery from Mumbai spinner Sayka Ishaq was adjudged wide by the on-field umpire. Mumbai reviewed the decision using DRS and the umpire’s decision was overturned as the ball had touched the batsman’s glove.
In another instance, Delhi Capitals batsman Jemimah Rodrigues also used the review when the on-field umpires did not signal a no-ball for height. However, this decision was not overturned as replays and ball-tracking showed that the ball was not landing above the batsman’s waist and that Rodrigues was too bent over.
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What did umpire Simon Taufel say about it?
Former ICC Elite Panel umpire Simon Taufel expressed his reservations about reviewing wide and height no-balls in T20 cricket. He raised concerns about turning the art of umpiring into a science, looking for perfection in decision making and allowing the third umpire to withdraw the decision. He also questioned what constitutes conclusive evidence for overturning a wide or pitched no-ball and the stress and pressure it puts on the umpires.
IPL Controversies in past regarding no ball
Controversies have arisen several times in the IPL in the past over controversial no-ball decisions regarding height. Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni once walked out of the dugout in a game against Rajasthan Royals in 2019 after Ben Stokes bowled a high full toss. Umpire Ulhas Gandhe first signaled a no-ball for height and associate umpire Bruce Oxenford, who was standing at square-leg, asked him to overrule. This led to a heated argument on the field, involving players Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner.
A similar incident happened last year in another last over involving Rajasthan Royals, where Roman Powell hit a full tossed ball from Obed McCoy for a six, but the umpires did not signal a no-ball despite the ball being above the waist. At this, Capitals captain Rishabh Pant asked assistant coach Pravin Amre to go inside and talk to the umpires, before the batsmen got involved in a discussion with the on-field umpires.
Conclusion
Changes in the rules of the DRS review system will see a lot of improvement. Where a bowler always lived in his senses, now he can use this opportunity to challenge the umpire’s decision. Also, as seen in the past, there was always a dispute between the bowler and the umpire in the event of a no ball, now there will be a reduction in such disputes.