Cricket as we see and enjoy today was not always the same. It has transformed! ICC’s innovative and creative Ideas, among others have had a major role in transformation of cricket over the years.
Today on the occasion of World Creativity and Innovation Day, we look at the ICC’s innovative and creative ideas, as put forth by ICC, that have helped transform and enhance the game over the years.
Here’s a list of 5 ICC’s innovative and creative ideas that have shaped the modern game.
1. 1992 Coloured Kits at Cricket World Cup
The 1992 ICC Men’s World Cup was the first time when colored kits were featured along with white balls and black sight screens. The 1992 edition of the World Cup was won by Pakistan, the colored kits were a mega hit and gained immense popularity. The jerseys from the tournament have become iconic and colored kits have become a major part of the sport since then.
2. Third Umpire
The third umpire was used in a Test match between South Africa and India at Kingsmead in 1992. During the second day of the Test match, on field umpire Cyril Mitchley referred a run out decision to Karl Liebenberg, who was the third umpire of the match. Sachin Tendulkar eventually became the first ever player to be dismissed by a use of TV replay footage.
3. Hawk Eye
(Image Credits: BBC)
Hawk eye technology was first used by Channel 4 in 2001 during a Test match between Pakistan and England at Lord’s. The technology was used to track the trajectory of the delivery depending upon its flight, swing and turn.
It was used as an assist in figuring out whether the batsman was out LBW or not. It was used as a trial by ICC in 2008 and eventually was used as a part of decision reviewing system that is a huge part of the game today.
4. Super Over
(Image Credits: hindustantimes)
The Super Overs were chosen as a mode of deciding the match after a tie. It replaced the bowl out method which was used as a decider for tied T20I matches. The Super Overs were first used in an International match between West Indies and New Zealand in 2008.
Super Overs have since become one of the most exciting ways of deciding the winner in case of a tie. The 2019 ICC Men’s World Cup final was considered as one of the most exciting finals, thanks to the exciting Super Over.
5. LED Stumps and Bails
(Image Credits: Rediff)
The LED stumps and bails first grabbed international attention when they were introduced in the 2012 KFC Big Bash League. The zing bails and flashing stumps make it easy to recognize when the bails were exactly dislodged, this in turns allows a more precise run-out and stumping decisions.
The semi-finals and the finals of the 2014 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup marked its first use at an ICC event. Today, it makes a regular appearance in international matches. On the other hand, players are not allowed to take the stump after they win the match anymore!
Besides these major innovative and creative ideas by ICC, there have been other changes, especially since 2010 that have helped cricket evolve over a period. (read about those changes)