Trials of umpire review system continue

The ICC have decided on the four series in which they will extend their trial of the umpire review system, beginning with New Zealand's two-Test battle against West Indies in December.

The system has caused debate and controversy since it was first trialled in England in 2007, and it received mixed reactions on its international debut between Sri Lanka and India earlier this year.

The idea to extend the trial was agreed upon by the ICC on the first day of their board meeting in Dubai, subject to agreement by the relevant chief executives of the participating country boards. After the series between New Zealand and West Indies, the system will be tried on India versus Pakistan, England's four Tests against West Indies, and the three-match series between South Africa and Australia.

"The idea of further trials would be to provide exposure to the system for as many match referees, umpires and players as possible ahead of a decision on whether it should be implemented permanently," the ICC said in a release on Tuesday. "That would be something to be debated by the ICC's cricket committee in April and May next year."

Another decision taken at the meeting was South Africa's nomination as hosts of the World Cup qualifier tournament in 2009, pending agreement from the South African board, after the original hosts UAE stated they can't stage the event because their stadiums won't be ready in time.

Alternatives to bilateral tours once current FTP runs out in May 2012 were also discussed, including the possibility of an enhanced Test championship which the ICC's chief executives committee will again look at in December.

The possibility of cricket being a part of future Olympics Games was brought to the table. ICC will have to apply to the International Olympic Council before 2013 if it is to be part of the 2020 Games.