The fourth umpire’s position, responsibilities, and duties in IPL matches have been expanded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI made it very evident at the recent Captains’ Meeting at the Cricket Centre that teams should not bother or divert the fourth umpire, who is vital to the game. The BCCI has also explained the precise circumstances in which a batsman might disregard his captain’s call.
Among other duties, the fourth umpire, who primarily works from beyond the boundary line, has the authority to haphazardly measure bat sizes both during practice and on game days. The umpire will also keep an eye on players leaving the pitch after finishing their allotted number of overs, paying special attention to bowlers who do so.
“A vital team component, the fourth umpire serves as the PCT’s spokesperson at the boundary. It is requested that players refrain from addressing the fourth umpire with any complaints regarding a ruling. On game and practice days, the fourth umpire has the authority to check bats at any moment. A BCCI notation on the minutes of the Captains’ Meet stated that they will be keeping an eye on bowlers who had left the pitch after reaching their bowling quota and players who frequently leave the pitch to rest.
The fourth umpire will serve as the backup third umpire, among other duties. He will bring a package with at least six brand-new balls to the dressing room and oversee the ball picking process. Additionally, he will make sure that only authorised staff, IPL match officials, players, team coaches, and authorised television persons are permitted entry to the pitch area before play begins and during any breaks.
According to the minutes, the following are some other choices made during the meeting:
20th Over: Unlike ICC playing regulations, which only include the time until the 20th over starts, the full innings must be finished within the allotted time, which includes finishing the 20 overs.
Retired Out: Super Over & DLS: The retired batter will be regarded as a wicket down for DLS calculations in an interrupted match.
Concussion Replacement: One of the designated substitutes may be used in lieu of the original. If a wicketkeeper has a concussion, a replacement from the current squad may be used. If a team has started with four foreign players, they can use the designated Indian substitution players to replace any overseas players who suffer concussions.
Notification of Time Out: Only the captain or the batsman at the wicket may indicate that it is time for batting. Any advise from the batting captain off the pitch will be superseded if the batsmen at the wicket ask for a time out. If the captain is unavailable, coaches may also ask the fourth umpire to call a time out.
After the toss, team sheets will be handed. The captains of the bowling and batting teams each carry one sheet. The captains give the match referee the team sheet following the toss. The remaining ten copies will be given to the assistant venue manager once the two team managers trade them.
India
