ICC rejects player referral trial

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The International Cricket Council have abandoned plans to allow three appeals per innings to the TV umpire per innings at this year’s Champions Trophy.

The ICC’s board rejected the plans, which had been recommended by six votes to five by the body’s cricket committee, on the basis of fears it would compromise “the authority of the umpire” and the “spirit” of the sport.

Under the plans, players would have been allowed to contest the on-field umpires’ decisions, but ICC president Ehsan Mani said: “The board was concerned about the impact of the trial on the spirit of cricket and the effect it might have on the integrity of umpiring at all levels.

“It was also felt the ICC Champions Trophy was too high profile an event at which to undertake such a trial. As such, further discussions will now take place to see whether the concept can be tested at domestic level.”

The Champions Trophy takes place in India during October and November.