The ICC Modifies a Rule to Stop Teams from Checking Other Dismissals Without Using DRS Through Stumping Review

A significant rule change apparently implemented by the International Cricket Council (ICC) would now prohibit a fielding side from taking advantage of a stumping review loophole.

Appeals for stumpings, which are referred by the on-field umpires, will no longer be used to assess the possibility of other types of dismissals (caught-behind), but rather just to verify the possibility of the dismissal in question.

A stumping review is a common tool used by teams to identify potential caught-behind decisions without resorting to their restricted number of Decision Review System (DRS) appeals.

The rule change reportedly went into effect on December 1, 2023, and stumping replays would now only provide side-on viewpoints, according to Cricbuzz.

According to the rule change, “the change confines a stumping review to only check for stumped, therefore preventing the fielding team from choosing a player review for other modes of dismissal (i.e., caught behind)”.

Changes to the Concussion Substitute Rule

A further modification to the regulation relates to the concussion substitution. If the player being replaced has been banned from bowling prior to the substitution, the replacement player will not be permitted to bowl.

“The rule ensures that a replacement player will not be allowed to bowl if the replaced player was suspended from bowling at the time of their concussion,” according to the statement that clarifies the restrictions.

The No-Ball Rule

Aside from overstepping, the TV umpire may inspect all types of foot faults.

The regulation states, “In addition to the front foot, the third umpire will have broader scope to automatically check all forms of foot fault no ball.”

Time Restriction for Injury Evaluation

There is now a time restriction on how long a team may evaluate or treat a player on the field if they are injured.

As per the regulation, it is made clear how long—a maximum of four minutes—can be spent on-field assessing or treating an injury.