As cricket looks forward to resumption following the pandemic, the International Cricket Council has issued guidelines regarding the changes in a few rules. 

The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) approved recommendations from the Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee which focused on the protection and safety of the players and match officials. 

Right from ban on use of saliva to additional DRS reviews, here are some of the changes in regulations imposed by ICC. 

Replacements 

Similar to concussion substitutes, teams will now be allowed to have a replacement if a player is showing symptoms for the ongoing disease in a Test match. The substitution is subjected to a Match Referee’s approval. 

However, there is no provision for the same in limited-overs internationals. 

Ban on applying saliva 

Players wouldn't be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball. However, the rules pertaining to the same won't be quite stringent as cricketers try to get used to the new change. Umpires though may issue a warning after repeated instances. 

A maximum of two warnings can be issued every innings, following which the opposition will be rewarded a five-run penalty. Also every time there is a similar incident, the umpires have been cautioned to clear the ball before the game continues. 

Non-neutral umpires 

The rule of neutral umpires will be removed for the interim period, keeping in mind the restriction on international travel. At the same time, the ICC will be appointing locally based match officials from the ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials and the ICC International Panel of Match Officials. 

Additional DRS reviews 

The CEC has also increased the number of DRS reviews owing to inexperienced umpires officiating for matches during this period. The number of unsuccessful appeals per innings has been increased from 2 to 3 for a Test match and 1 to 2 for ODIs and T20Is. 

Additional logo allowance 

There have also been relaxations with regards to logo placements for the next one year. In the traditional format, teams have been allowed to place logos not exceeding 32 square inches on the chest of the Test jerseys and sweaters alongside the three other logos allowed as per regulations. Earlier, the logos on chests were only allowed in the shorter formats. 

Hearings on Conference 

If there is a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, a neutral Elite Panel match referee will be appointed to conduct the hearing through a video conference. The ICC Cricket Operations team will support the Match Referees for the same.