A dash of novelty to add to excitement

A dash of novelty would mark the exciting Champions Trophy. The tournament will feature new technology trials which could have far-reaching ...

A dash of novelty would mark the exciting Champions Trophy. The tournament will feature new technology trials which could have far-reaching effects on the game.

Umpires at the tournament will be fitted with earpieces which will be connected to stump microphone, designed to help them detect whether or not the ball has touched the bat. This will be the first test of earpieces at elite level, following trials in South Africa’s domestic cricket in March this year.

It is also planned for the third umpires to rule on no-balls, using dedicated cameras. This initiative was trialled during the recent triseries in Holland between India, Australia and Pakistan.

Story continues below this ad

Special filming of slow bowlers’ action will take place too during the tournament, as a further aid to research being carried out by ICC in the wake of the controversy involving Sri Lankan record-breaking spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

The ICC has also recently confirmed stringent anti-drug controls to be put in place for the event. ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed believes while cricket is regarded as a low-risk sport in terms of drug abuse, it is important the game complies with the rigorous anti-doping standards recognised by other leading sports authorities.

Two players from each participating team will be randomly chosen for drug testing at every game and any player who tests positive will be immediately suspended and will also incur a hefty fine.