IPL 2021: BCCI revises on-field soft signal rule for upcoming season, says report

The upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will see revised playing conditions with focus on two key elements – the on-field soft signal and playing time for each innings.

According to Cricbuzz, BCCI have removed the soft signal rule and also said teams should finish the 20th over in 90 minutes as a measure to control the duration of the matches. Earlier, the rule was that the 20th over was supposed to start by the 90th minute.

The report quoted a circular which has been sent to all the teams informing them about the changes.

"As a measure to control the match timings, the 20th over in each innings is now included in 90 minutes, earlier the 20th over was to start on or before the 90th minute," BCCI said in the circular.

With regard to the soft signal rule, BCCI said the on-field umpire's signal will not have any bearing on the decision of the third umpire.

IPL Trophy. Image: Sportzpics for BCCI

"The third umpire shall determine whether the batsman has been caught, whether the delivery was a bump ball, or if the batsman willfully obstructed the field. In case of a fair catch, the third umpire will use all the technological support available to him/her. The third umpire shall communicate his/her decision," the circular read.

During the T20I series against England, Team India captain Virat Kohli questioned the logic of on-field soft signal and wanted the authorities to take a look at the concept.

“There was an instance during the Test series when I was next to Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) and he clearly caught the ball but he wasn’t sure so we went upstairs. If it is a half and half effort and the fielder is in doubt, there is no way the umpire from square leg can see it clearly.

“The soft signal becomes that important and it becomes tricky. Where there should be conclusive proof? I don’t know why there can’t be an ‘I don’t know’ call with the umpires as well. It is similar to umpire’s call as well," Kohli said after the conclusion of fourth T20I.

Apart from the above changes, the BCCI also amended the short run rule. Now third umpire can check on-field umpire's call on short run and can overturn the original decision.