As per the new BCCI guidelines, the fourth umpire is set to play a bigger role. © BCCI/IPL The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has broadened the role, duties, and responsibilities of the fourth umpire in the IPL matches. During the recent Captains’ Meeting at the Cricket Centre, the BCCI clearly emphasized that the fourth umpire should not be disturbed or distracted by teams, as they play a crucial role throughout the match. Additionally, the BCCI has clarified specific instances when a batsman can overrule his captain’s call. Among other responsibilities, the fourth umpire – who majorly operates from outside the boundary line – is authorized to randomly check the size of bats, not just on match days but also during practice sessions. Further, the umpire will monitor players retiring to the dugout, with particular attention to bowlers who leave the field after completing their quota of overs. “The 4th Umpire is an important member of the team, the voice of the PCT at the boundary. Players are requested not to approach the 4th Umpire for any grievance against a decision. The 4th Umpire is empowered to check bats at any time on matchdays & practice days. They will be monitoring those bowlers who have left the field after finishing their bowling quota & those players who are habitual offenders of leaving the field to take rest,” a BCCI note, on the minutes of the Captains’ Meet, specified. Among other things, the fourth umpire shall also act as the emergency third umpire. He shall take a box containing at least six new balls to the dressing room, supervise the selection of the ball. He shall also ensure that, prior to the start of play and during any intervals, only authorised staff, the IPL match officials, players, team coaches and authorised television personnel shall be allowed access to the pitch area. Following are some of the other decisions taken at the meeting (as stated in the minutes): 20th Over: The entire innings has to be completed within the allocated time which will include the completion of 20 overs, this is different from ICC playing conditions which only takes into account the time till the 20th over begins. Retired Out: Super Over & DLS: In an interrupted match the retired batter will be considered as a wicket down for DLS calculations. Concussion Replacement: A like-for-like replacement may be taken from the nominated substitutes. In case of wicketkeeper getting concussion, replacement will be permissible from the available squad. In case of an overseas player getting a concussion, the team can get a replacement from the nominated Indian substitute players, if a team has already started with four overseas players. Notification for Time Out: The notification only to be given by either Captain or the batsmen at the wicket (for the batting time out). Should the batsmen at the wicket request the time out, this will take precedence over any advice from the batting Captain off the field. Coaches can also request a Time Out to the fourth umpire in the event the captain is not available. Team Sheets: Team sheets to be distributed after the toss. Captains carry one sheet each of the batting & bowling playing side. After the outcome of the toss, captains hand over the team sheet to the match referee. Both the team managers will exchange with each other and hand over the remaining 10 copies to the Assistant Venue Manager.
