The WTC 2023 final new rule could change how players engage international cricket in future tournaments. ICC officials have announced that the ‘soft signal’ rule will not apply to the WTC 2023 final scheduled for June 7 to 12 in London.
There has been much debate about the controversial rule for years, with commentators tagging it as a “confusing rule”. The soft signal rule could be abolished from cricket if its absence at the WTC Final 2023 doesn’t cause any controversy.
Both finalists – India and Australia – are aware of a WTC 2023 final new rule change after the surprise announcement in mid-May.
What Did the ICC Say About the New Rule?
A Cricbuzz report stated that the playing conditions expected at this year’s WTC Final will be different compared to previous tournaments:
“The change, understandably approved by Sourav Ganguly-headed cricket committee of the ICC; has been conveyed to the two WTC finalists — India and Australia. The new rule will be part of the PCs for the June 7-12 game at The Oval,” Cricbuzz added.
What is a Soft Signal?
The soft signal rule is a guideline that requires a field umpire to decide even without confirmation. This rule allows the umpire make the decision and refer to the third match official. The third match official is empowered to overturn a decision from an on-field umpire. Camera footage is relied upon to overturn decisions of an on-field umpire with this rule.
The ICC defines this rule as:
“a visual communication by the bowler’s end umpire to the third umpire of his/her initial on-field decision prior to initiating an Umpire Review.“
ICC’s definition of this rule also states further that:
“If both on-field umpires require assistance from the third umpire to make a decision, the bowler’s end umpire shall firstly take a decision on-field after consulting with the striker’s end umpire, before consulting by two-way radio with the third umpire.“
The ICC definition explains consultations further in another paragraph:
“Such consultation shall be initiated by the bowler’s end umpire to the third umpire by making the shape of a TV screen with his/her hands; followed by a Soft Signal of Out or Not out made with the hands close to the chest at chest height. If the third umpire advises that the replay evidence is inconclusive; the on-field decision communicated at the start of the consultation process shall stand.“
However, changes to the rule now gives third umpires enough authority to make final decisions to override an on-field official. All an on-field umpire needs to do is send a decision for review to the third official; rather than make an often-controversial decision.
Why Do International Cricket Teams Dislike the Soft Signal Rule?
The soft signal rule is just like football’s Video Assistant Referee, or VAR. These rules aim to improve accuracy of decisions in sport; however, fans, teams, and commentators see both innovations as unnecessary.
Interpretations of the soft signal rule could take too long to complete. Waiting too long for a decision after a soft signal rule could kill the fun of a highly-competitive cricket game. Building momentum after an unfavorable soft signal decision could be difficult for some teams.
In other cases, a delayed soft signal decision going to footage review could swing advantages in the game to an opposing team.
What Do Players Think About the Old Soft Signal Rule?
Cricketers like Ben Stokes believe the soft signal rule should have received major changes long ago. In his words, he believes that the ICC should:
“get rid of the soft signal and let the 3rd umpire; who has all the technology make the decision when the on-field umpires send it upstairs; all the controversy is always around the soft signal given.”
Stokes comments came after a highly-controversial soft signal decision in a South Africa – Australia Test match earlier in the year. Many players share Stokes’ opinion about the old soft signal rule; even if they don’t make public comments about the controversial guideline.
Some national cricket officials like the BCCI’s Jay Shah have also criticized the rule publicly, calling for its abolishment.
What Other Changes Should Fans Expect after the WTC 2023 Final New Rule Change?
The WTC 2023 Final new rule change also comes with another exciting add-on – floodlights. Lighting has always been a problem for some major international cricket tournaments. However, the new addition means teams can now rely on extra lighting if natural light isn’t sufficient to play competitive cricket.
