ICC Cricket Committee asks MCC to limit dimensions of bats

“MCC sought the committee’s guidance on the desirability of making changes in order to redress the balance between bat and ball. The Committee received a research paper from MCC citing a wealth of scientific and statistical evidence showing bats have become more powerful in recent years, primarily due to having larger ‘sweet-spots’,” an ICC press release stated, reported the Hindu.

“The committee’s view was that MCC should strongly consider limiting the dimensions of cricket bats to help achieve a better balance between bat and ball.”

The Cricket Committee, which is chaired by Anil Kumble, had recently added Rahul Dravid and Mahela Jayawardena to their ranks. MCC's Head of Cricket John Stephenson is also part of the committee. In their latest deliberations at the Lord’s, the committee has also discussed the safety issues in the game, including standard of helmets, and the need for a consistent concussion policy to be implemented in all countries.

“The committee considered the matter of helmet safety following a presentation on injury surveillance trends by ICC medical consultant Dr. Craig Ranson. The committee expressed concerns that there were still too many instances of international cricketers wearing helmets which did not meet the latest British Safety Standard (BSS). It recommended that the ICC should enforce the wearing of the latest BSS compliant helmets in all international cricket.

“The committee acknowledged the seriousness of the issue of concussion in cricket, and stressed the need for consistent concussion policy to be implemented in all countries, but its view was that the current laws and playing conditions allow players to receive the best possible medical treatment, and further change to the regulations in this area is not required at present,” the release stated, reported the Hindu.

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