Batters can ‘now’ run after being bowled, ICC amends Free Hit rule

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday, made major tweaks to the Playing Conditions, including Free Hit rule, effective from June 1, 2023.

Following the Chief Executives’ Committee’s approval of the suggestions made by the Sourav Ganguly-led Men’s Cricket Committee and the Women’s Cricket Committee, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced modifications to the Playing Conditions.

The changes involved a minor yet prominent change to the Free Hit rule; allowing the batters to attempt for runs after being bowled.

“There was also a minor addition to the Free Hit rule with any runs scored off a Free Hit when the ball hits the stumps counted as runs scored from now,” said ICC in a statement.

“This would mean that batters can now be bowled off a Free Hit and attempt a run for the same,” the statement added.

A controversy sparked after crucial runs were awarded to India despite Virat Kohli being bowled out on a free-hit delivery in the nerve-wracking game against Pakistan in the last year’s T20 World Cup.

Furthermore, the cricket governing body scrapped the soft signal rule, with umpires no longer required to give a soft signal when referring decisions to the TV umpire.

“The on-field umpires will consult with the TV umpire before any decisions are taken,” the ICC confirmed.

“Soft signals have been discussed at previous cricket committee meetings over the last couple of years,” Ganguly said.

“The committee deliberated this at length and concluded that soft signals were unnecessary and at times confusing since referrals of catches may seem inconclusive in replays.”

Another major announcement saw the usage of helmets being made compulsory at high-risk positions by the ICC.

• when batters are facing fast bowlers
• when wicketkeepers are standing up to the stumps
• when fielders are close to the batter in front of the wicket.

“We also discussed player safety, which is very important for us.,” Ganguly said. “The committee decided that it was best to make the use of helmets mandatory in certain positions to ensure the safety of players.”

It is worth mentioning here the changes will come into effect on June 1, 2023 with the Lord’s Test between England and Ireland, a four-day one-off Test match.

The following World Test Championship final between India and Australia, starting June 7,  will also follow these new Playing Conditions.

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