ICC tweaks boundary count rule in Super Over, to apply in major events

Following a nerve-wracking 2019 Cricket World Cup final, the International Cricket Council on Monday (October 14) scrapped the boundary count rule in super over for all its major events.

The decision was taken during the world governing body’s board meeting held in Dubai in the wake of the uproar the summer event had created.

The ICC faced the wrath of fans and former players after England were declared winners against New Zealand on account of superior boundary count.

Both the teams tied the men’s World Cup final in July at 241 runs and according to the ICC rules, the game advanced into the super over.

The Super Over ended in another tie where both the teams registered 15 runs, however, the hosts England were declared winners on the basis of more numbers of boundaries.

Now the changes have finally come to place and in case if a similar situation arises where both teams are tied even after a super over in finals or semifinals, the super over will be repeated until there is a clear winner.

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“Following on from a recommendation from the ICC Cricket Committee, the Chief Executives’ Committee agreed that use of the Super Over as a way to decide results at ICC events will be retained. Both the Cricket Committee and CEC agreed it was an exciting and engaging conclusion to the game and will remain in place covering all games at both ODI and T20I World Cups,” the ICC said after its board meeting here.

“In group stages, if the Super Over is tied the match will be tied. In Semi-Finals and Finals, there is one change to the Super Over regulation in keeping with the basic principle of scoring more runs than the opponent to win, the Super Over will be repeated until one team has more runs than the other.”

The board also decided that the eight-year cycle commencing in 2023 will comprise eight men’s events, eight women’s events, four men’s U19 events and four women’s U19 events.

“In examining a whole range of options, the Board felt a major men’s and women’s event each year will bring consistency to our calendar whilst complementing bilateral cricket, giving our sport a strong future foundation,” said ICC chairman Shashank Manohar.

“It will provide clear structure and context to enable the growth of the sport and greater engagement opportunities for all of our stakeholders. The move towards a bidding model will give equal opportunities to all members to host ICC events post 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)