he International Cricket Council has withdrawn its earlier decision to make Decision Review System as mandatory for bi-
lateral series.

The ICC decision was taken following a Executive Board meeting at its headquarters in Dubai.

The ICC has also had to have a rethink on DRS, following a series of matches in which the effectiveness of Hotspot - the thermal imaging technology to detect edges off the bat - has come into question.

 

The upshot is that, rather than pressing ahead with a policy to try to make the mandatory use of DRS universal, the ICC is to leave it up to boards to decide between themselves before bi-lateral series the extent of technological aids made available to help the umpires.

 

The ICC statement said: "Following recent experiences and the resultant concern about the effectiveness of Hotspot, the ICC executive board decided to revert to its previous position to allow the participating nations to decide bi-laterally whether they wished to use the DRS.

 

"The ICC executive board, however, supported the use of technology and its continued development and were encouraged by certain members - who were willing to use and work towards improving the technology."

 

Lorgat said: "Although the DRS improves correct umpire decisions by around five per cent and corrects any blatant errors, there are some who are not convinced by its reliability.

 

"We will continue to work with interested parties to improve the system while permitting the participating teams to decide whether they wish to use it or not."

 

DRS - not in use, for example, for the forthcoming one-day international series between India and England - will be used in all ICC global events.

 

In other business, the process by which four associate and affiliate nations - such as Ireland and Scotland - can qualify for future World Cups has been ratified.