Mike Hesson, the director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has expressed his approval of the recent provision that allows teams to contest umpire’s on-field calls for wides and no-balls. This rule has already been put into practice during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and has had a notable impact, resulting in the overturning of several decisions.
In the past, players and captains often had to accept the umpire’s decision regarding close calls on wides and no-balls, leaving them disappointed with the outcome. However, with the introduction of the ability to challenge such decisions through the Decision Review System (DRS), players now have the option to contest them. Mike Hesson has praised this decision, stating it is a positive step forward for the sport. He said:
“I think the decision to review wide and no-balls is a good rule. You don’t want an umpiring decision to be the highlight at the end of the game, I think this new rule removes that. I think as a player or as a spectator, you want to get as many decisions right as you can, and I also think it takes a little bit of pressure off the umpires as well.”
There have been multiple instances where a single debatable decision has determined the outcome of a game, leaving teams and supporters disappointed. However, implementing the rule allowing challenges against broad and no-ball decisions through DRS brings a sense of fairness to the game.
RCB Director predicts fewer discussions between the captain and bowler.
In the upcoming 2023 IPL season, teams will face on-field penalties for slow over-rates, with an extra fielder forced inside the circle, leaving only four in the deep. This change, also being introduced in international cricket, has been praised by RCB Director of Cricket Mike Hesson, who notes that it will increase the game’s pace and eliminate lengthy discussions between captain and bowler. Hesson believes that the rule change is positive as it will directly impact the team’s performance on the field rather than just a monetary fine. RCB will start their campaign against Mumbai Indians at Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2nd.
