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ICC Takes Precautionary Measures for WTC Final Amid Oil Protest Threats
In the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia concerns over potential disruptions due to oil protestors have prompted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take precautionary measures. The threat of field and pitch vandalism during the match has led to the implementation of additional security measures and the preparation of two pitches at the Kennington Oval cricket stadium. This article delves into the steps taken by the ICC to address the situation and outlines the protocols in place to ensure an uninterrupted and fair contest between the two teams.
Two Pitches for Enhanced Security
To mitigate the potential risks posed by oil protestors, the ICC has made the decision to prepare two pitches at the Oval. This proactive approach aims to safeguard the integrity of the match and maintain the safety of the players and officials involved. By modifying section 6.4 of the Playing Condition regulation, the ICC has implemented measures that allow for the utilization of an alternate pitch should the need arise. This decision showcases the ICC’s commitment to upholding the spirit of fair play and providing a conducive environment for the WTC Final.
Contingency Plans: Assessing Playability
In the event of any interference or damage to the field, a thorough assessment will be conducted to determine the playability of the pitch. If the field is obstructed or compromised, the on-field umpires will analyze the situation and decide whether it is feasible to continue playing on the affected pitch. Factors such as player safety and fairness will be taken into consideration during this evaluation process.
Collaborative Decision-Making
The captains of both teams, Pat Cummins and Rohit Sharma, have been actively involved in the decision-making process to ensure transparency and consensus. If it is agreed upon by both parties that play can continue even after the field is harmed, the match will proceed accordingly. However, in cases where the conditions are deemed unsafe or detrimental to the fairness of the game, the possibility of cancellation or abandonment will be deliberated.
Upholding Safety Regulations
The ICC has outlined a comprehensive set of guidelines to address potential disruptions during the WTC 2023 final. Under section 6.4.1 of the Playing Condition regulation, the on-field umpires are entrusted with notifying the ICC match referee if they believe it is unsafe or inappropriate to continue playing on the match pitch. The final decision on whether the current pitch can be rectified and play can resume will be made after consultation between the on-field umpires and the ICC match referee, as stated in section 6.4.4. In such situations, the ICC match referee must carefully consider whether the repair process would unduly favour either team, ensuring fairness prevails.
Transparent Communication
Open and transparent communication between the ICC match referee, team captains, and the head of the ground authority is crucial throughout the decision-making procedures outlined above. This ensures that all parties involved are well-informed about the situation at all times. The top ground authority official will be responsible for timely public announcements to keep spectators and stakeholders updated on the proceedings of the WTC Final.
With the backdrop of potential disruptions caused by oil protestors, the ICC has taken proactive measures to safeguard the WTC Final. The preparation of two pitches and the implementation of regulations and protocols demonstrate the commitment to ensuring the safety of players, maintaining the integrity of the game, and providing a suitable platform for both India and Australia. By prioritizing transparency and collaborative decision-making, the ICC aims to deliver an uninterrupted and memorable cricketing spectacle for fans around the world.
