Xtra Time Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to allow soft signals for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021). As per reports, the updated playing conditions for this seasons IPL clearly states that the on-field officials would not be allowed to give soft signals when referring a decision to the third umpire.
As per Appendix D – Clause 2.2.2 of the playing conditions of IPL 2021, pertaining to the usage of the soft signal, the umpires will not be allowed to give any soft signals.
“Soft Signal: On-field Umpire giving Soft Signal while referring the decision to the 3rd Umpire will not be applicable,” states the updated playing conditions for IPL 2021.
The decision to remove the soft signal has been taken so that the third umpire can make the best possible decision without keeping the on-field call in mind. It is believed the decision might have been taken to avoid any confusion in making umpiring decisions.
During the ongoing white ball series between India and England there has been a few instances where the on field umpires have totally gone wrong with the soft signal. Suryakumar Yadav’s dismissal in the fourth T20I between India and England in Ahmedabad created a lot of controversy. Yadav was caught in deep by Dawid Malan off a Sam Curran delivery. While it was not clear whether it was a clean take by Malan, third umpire Virender Sharma upheld the on-field umpire’s ‘soft signal’ citing lack of conclusive evidence. Indian captain Virat Kohli was livid with the decision taken by the on field umpires.