Umpires stripped of the power, Match referee to decide on forfeiture

Cape Town, Mar 2 (UNI) In a far reaching move the International Cricket Council today stripped the on-field umpires of the powers to decide on forfeiture of a Test and vested it with the Match Referee.

The Executive Board of the ICC's governing body adopted the recommendation of the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) which at its January meeting had suggested an amendment to the ICC Playing Condition that relates to Law 21.3 - Umpires awarding a match.

The recommendation, which will take immediate effect, means that it will henceforth be the responsibility of the Match Referee to make the final decision on the termination of a match in the circumstances envisaged under that section of the Laws.

''The Board's decision reflects the fact that the Match Referee is the Chief Executive of the match, the person who has overall responsibility for the way the game is played and officiated,'' ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed said.

However, he maintained that role of the on-field umpires will continue to be crucial in the conduct of a match.

UNI