MCC Tells ICC To Speed Up Game, Streamline DRS Process

Concerned over the issue of slow over rates plaguing the game, custodians of the laws of cricket, MCC on Friday called for streamlining of the Decision Review System protocols and cut down on time-wasting tactics. The MCC's 12-member World Cricket Committee, which is headed by Mike Gatting and also has BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, made the observations following a research into how much time was lost on each day's play during New Zealand's three Tests in England in June.

Making their suggestions to the ICC, the MCC on Friday said in a statement: "In general, ICC playing regulations be reviewed to tighten the parameters around when substitutes are permitted onto the field of play i.e. with gloves, drinks etc.

Going into details, it said: "the fielding team should immediately return to their positions, ready to bowl the next delivery" when a decision is reviewed.

"Batters should also remain in the proximity and prepare to recommence play. No drinks should be brought onto the field. If the decision is overturned to Out, the fielding side will still have time to celebrate," it said.

It further urged the umpires and match referees to be "more proactive at speeding up play and enforcing Laws 41.9 and 41.10, which provide a warning for the first offence, followed by the award of Penalty runs for deliberate slow play."

One of the "key findings" of the research during the New Zealand Test was approximately "64 minutes" were lost during the series to the DRS.

Giving a break-up, it says: "Player discussions where no review was taken - 6 minutes; Player reviews - 47 minutes; and Umpire reviews - 11 minutes."

"It took an average of 25 seconds for the fielding side to be ready to bowl the next ball after the DRS had confirmed an