Following the inexplicable manner in which the 2nd T20I between India and West Indies in Florida was handled, International Cricket Council (ICC) have decided to look into the situation during their annual workshop which will be held next month.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, an ICC spokesperson revealed, “At next month's annual workshop, the match officials will be discussing a wide range of topics including the second T20I in Florida.”
A 40-minute delay which was attributed to technical reasons had a major impact on the match after a brief rain shower left the outfield in a precarious state. Upon bowling out West Indies for 143, India were placed at a comfortable 15/0 from the first two overs when the heavens opened up and caused an abandonment.
In the end, innumerable spectators who had shelled out exorbitant amounts of money to gain entry into the stadium were frustrated with the decision. If the match had begun on time, the minimum five overs required to force a result would have been accomplished quite easily.
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Interestingly, ICC guidelines allow stoppages of play for only three reasons – rain, poor light and unfit outfield. However, the match referee and umpires delayed the proceedings as the broadcasters could not provide live feed to the television audience.
Despite the action going on in similar cases such as the 2012 Hobart ODI between India and Sri Lanka or the 2011 ODI between India and England in Hyderabad, the officials allowed the pre-match delay in Lauderhill.
ICC stated, “Taking into account the strategic considerations behind the staging of the two international matches in Florida, the match officials, on the request of the two competing members, agreed to tweak the playing hours to allow the host broadcaster to overcome the technical difficulties.”
While Ranjan Madugalle was the match referee, the umpiring team comprised of Joel Wilson, Leslie Riefer and Nigel Duguid. Incidentally, ICC had sanctioned the 2-match T20I series which was originally not part of the schedule in order to promote the game in USA.
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