Technology, one-day innovations and cricket bat issues to dominate agenda at ICC Cricket Committee

Issues relating to technology in the decision-making process, innovations in One-Day International cricket and the composition of cricket bats are expected to dominate the agenda of the ICC Cricket Committee (CC) meeting in Dubai on 16 and 17 May.

The CC does not have the authority to make final decisions on these issues. Instead it will be required to develop recommendations for the ICC Chief Executives' Committee which will deal with these issues at its next meeting on 26 and 26 June at Lord's.

The CC, which is chaired by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and comprises 12 other members with international playing experience, will consider a range of proposed innovations in One-Day International cricket. These include alternate approaches to applying fielding restrictions only in the first 15 overs, the separation of innings into two segments of 25 overs and the introduction of substitutes.

Also on the agenda are a range of issues relating to umpiring. The CC will receive an update on recent technology trials including umpire earpiece technology. It will also consider proposals for the increased use of television replays in official decision-making including whether to recommend a trial that would allow the batsman or fielding captain to appeal against a decision of the on-field umpire to the TV umpire.

The committee will also consider an application from the Pakistan Cricket Board for the introduction of two neutral umpires in ODI cricket. At present one umpire appointed by the home board generally stands with a neutral member of the Emirates Elite Panel in ODI matches.

Another major issue under review will be the specifications of bats used in international cricket. The members of the CC will consider submissions from the MCC and a range of manufacturers, discuss their own views on the composition, colour, size and cover of cricket bats and then formulate any necessary proposals for the international game.

The recent issues surrounding the use of carbon graphite in relation to one brand of bat will be considered as part of this discussion.

The CC comprises six members nominated by the players and six representatives nominated by Member boards. Of the 12-member committee, 10 representatives (five player-nominated and five board-nominated) come from Test-playing countries.

This is the third year that this meeting will contain representatives nominated directly by current international players. The ICC is committed to involving players in the decision-making process and this meeting is supplemented by annual meetings with the captains of the Test-playing nations.

In October 2003 the ICC Board also agreed to recognise all player associations that are recognised by their home boards, establishing a formal consultation process on a range of common player issues.

The outcomes of the meeting will be announced by media release on Tuesday 17 May.