India-England series result likely to be discussed at ICC meet

The Test series between India and England came to an abrupt conclusion last month when India dropped out of the fifth and final Test in Manchester due to concerns over Covid-19. The ICC has now established a separate panel to discuss issues pertaining to the series’ ultimate decision.

India now holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) took the case to the International Cricket Council (ICC), claiming that the match should be regarded as a forfeit rather than a no-result. Acting CEO Geoff Allardice has this to say about it:

“The World Test Championship’s regulations indicate that if the series cannot be finished with matches remaining to be played for any reason, the first step is to reschedule those matches within the tournament window. As for teams pulling out on the morning of matches in the T20 World Cup, unlike bilateral series, we have our own team to analyse the issue. We’ve set aside a day during the ICC board and CEC meeting to discuss the future directions of the FTP [Future Tours Programme].”

The Decision Review System (DRS) will be employed for the first time in the history of the T20 World Cup as per innings of each team will be able to use two referrals. When neutral umpires were unable to travel due to pandemics last year, the ICC increased the fee, forcing the boards to utilise home umpires instead. When it comes to neutral umpires, the apex council has stated that the neutral umpires will be reinstated for the 2021 T20 World Cup. The UAE’s limitations are less stringent than those in other nations, allowing elite ICC umpires to travel freely.