Twitter poll to replace toss\, double runs in night: ICC announces new rules for Test cricket on April Fools\' day

On the April Fools' day, international cricket controlling body, International Cricket Council (ICC), today announced few changes in Test cricket on Twitter including Twitter poll to replace game toss, double runs in day/night Test matches and commentators behind the slip fielders to make the game more 'exciting'.

To make the longer format of the game more exciting, ICC today announced on Twitter that it would be introducing multiple changes to game which will come into effect along with the start of World Test Championship, starting July this year.

"As part of our efforts to make the game more appealing to younger generations, the ICC will be applying both numbers and Instagram handles to kits from the beginning of the World Test Championship," ICC announced on its Twitter account with a hashtag #CricketNotAsYouKnowIt.


According to a series of tweets, the coin toss before the game will be replaces with the Twitter poll. Now fans will decide who will come to bat first and who will have to go for bowling by participating in a Twitter poll.

"In further changes ahead of the World Test Championship, the tradition of the coin toss will be replaced by a @Twitter poll, allowing fans at home to decide who bats and bowls!" ICC said.


It also announced that as part of ICC's updated playing conditions, the players would be allowed to wear shorts if the temperature rises above 35 degrees.


Howsoever bizzare it may sound, ICC also said: "In a move to bring fans even closer to the sport, broadcasters will have the option to position commentators on the field of play behind the slips cordon."


Further, after taking a catch, the fielding team will be permitted to complete a 'Double Wicket Play' by running out the other batsman.


No balls and dot balls to henceforth be known as 'Faults' and 'Aces'.


Runs scored in the evening session of day/night Tests will count double, creating a new and exciting strategic element.


The tweets on the April Fools day raises suspicion that the proposed changes may just be ICC's peculiar way to celebrate the day, however there is no official confirmation from the international body whether it is just a prank or not.