Referral system to continue

The International Cricket Council hopes the controversial umpiring referral system will be implemented.

Dubai // The International Cricket Council (ICC) hope the controversial umpiring referral system will be implemented in every series between now and May - after which it may be a permanent fixture in the game. The system allows players to seek reviews, via the television official, of decisions by the on-field umpires on whether or not a batsman has been dismissed. Each team can make three unsuccessful requests per innings. India and Sri Lanka were the first sides to test the scheme during their recent series. Previously, England had rejected the idea for their series against South Africa.

Given the perceived success of the trial in Sri Lanka, the ICC plan to encourage every nation to adopt the system. Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said: "A lot of reports came in which indicated the real support for and the positive outcome of that trial system. "What the Chief Executive Committee have recommended is we extend that trial so we can get it over all the series coming up until, the Cricket Committee meet in May next year.

"At that point they will make a final decision on the future of the system. All the reports have been very positive and the anticipation is we will have as many of the umpires and match referees experiencing that trial system over the next four series. "There are four series that have been scheduled, and we will engage with each of those members to see if they will continue with the trial system in each of those series. It will involve all of the Test playing nations, and as far as possible we want to involve all of the umpires and match referees to get them exposed to the system. @Email:[e-mail]