Sourav Ganguly Gives His Take On Player Send-Off Rule

While the latest change introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) which states that a player can be sent-off in case of serious incidents of misconduct  is bound to create a debate, former India skipper and member of world cricket committee Sourav Ganguly feels the change in the law was necessary.

Ganguly said that the change was necessary considering the incidents that have taken place in lower level cricket in countries like South Africa and England.

“The changes in the law was necessary. It’s a good thing. It may not be prevalent in India but there have been many incidents at lower level cricket in countries like South Africa and England. You won’t know the importance unless you see the video footage,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI.

The rule states that any player will now have to leave the field for the remainder of the match if he commits any serious misconduct, meaning it will apply to Level 4 offences while the Level 1 to 3 offences will continue to be dealt with under the ICC Code of Conduct. Level 4 offences include threatening to assault an umpire, making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with an umpire, physically assaulting a player or any other person.

“It’s passed by our committee at the MCC for such incidents,” Ganguly said.

The players send-off is one of the many changes introduced by the governing body which earlier this week. The new rules will come into effect from September 28. Few of the big changes in addition to the send-off rule are the restrictions on bat sizes, changes to the existing run-out rule and modification of the Decision Review System.

Meanwhile, the ongoing series between India and Australia will be played according to the new rules and regulations.