ICC clarifies protocol on boundary catches and run outs to Emirates Elite Panel Umpires

The International Cricket Council has clarified the protocol regarding situations where a boundary decision and a catch decision or a boundary decision and a run out are components of the same incident

Brian Murgatroyd

13-Jun-2006

It has issued this protocol to all members of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.

The protocol will apply as follows:

Where a batsman hits the ball in the air to a fielder near the boundary and the on-field umpires are uncertain whether a catch has been completed or a boundary scored, the on-field umpires are entitled to refer the boundary decision to the TV umpire in accordance with Clause 3.2.4 of the ICC Playing Conditions.

Once the boundary decision request has been referred to him, the TV umpire has the responsibility to make a decision solely on whether a boundary has been scored.

If the TV replay evidence is inconclusive, the TV umpire must still make a boundary decision. His decision must be made using the existing convention in cricket which dictates that the status quo prevails - i.e. because no evidence exists of a boundary being scored, no boundary is awarded.

This decision is conveyed back to the on-field umpires. In these circumstances, as no boundary has been scored, the only decision left is for the on-field umpire at the bowler's end to give the batsman out - caught.

The same protocol would apply to a run out decision in circumstances where it is questionable whether a boundary has been scored. In such circumstances, the TV umpire must first make a decision on that boundary. Once this decision has been made the on-field umpires can then decide whether or not to refer the run out appeal to the TV umpire. The decision on the boundary must be made using the existing convention in cricket. (as outlined above in point 3) and the boundary and run out issues should be dealt with as separate considerations.

The verification of this protocol follows an incident concerning the validity of a boundary catch during the first Test match between West Indies and India in Antigua when Mahendra Singh Dhoni was batting in the second innings. It will be applied with immediate effect.

ICC General Manager - Cricket David Richardson said: "The confusion in Antigua arose over what the third umpire was required to adjudicate on - a boundary or a dismissal.

"That confusion created understandable frustration among players and spectators and the clarification of this protocol should ensure a similar situation does not arise in the future."