ICC scraps controversial ‘soft signals’

Cricket Chiefs of International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced they are scrapping the contentious “soft signal” rule and making helmets mandatory for wicketkeepers standing close to the stumps. The changes, ratified by the International Cricket Council chief executives’ committee, will come into effect on 1 June with the Lord’s Test between England and Ireland. “Umpires will no longer be required to give a soft signal while referring decisions to the TV umpires,” the ICC said in a statement. “The on-field umpires will consult with the TV umpire before any decisions are taken.” A soft signal is the “visual communication” by an on-field umpire of his or her initial verdict before the input of the third umpire, who has access to video replays.