DRS more acceptable once players get the rules: ICC

The mixed response it is generating at the World Cup not withstanding, ICC on Saturday said the controversial Decision Review System is to stay and would be more acceptable once players get a grip of the rules.

Chennai: The mixed response it is generating at the World Cup not withstanding, the International Cricket Council on Saturday said the controversial Decision Review System is to stay and would be more acceptable once players get a grip of the rules.

The DRS has been a much talked-about subject at the World Cup with Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni being one of its most vocal critics. The system has its followers as well, among them being Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and Ricky Ponting. ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said its all about understanding of rules and once the players become accustomed to that, the system would run smoothly. "It is fair to say that the DRS is pioneering. It is a technology that we certainly support to aid umpires in making correct decisions. But it is one that is developing. I can say that all of us can get a grip better with the rules when it is totally in place," Lorgat said.Dhoni`s criticism of the system was criticised by ICC General Manager Dave Richardson. Richardson`s comments, in turn, prompted the BCCI to react angrily and the Indian Board shot off a letter to Lorgat saying that the South African`s comments amounted to pressurising a player. Lorgat said the entire episode was a misunderstanding created by a TV report. "I was quite disappointed by the news channel that portrayed the report which was completely inaccurate. That was my response to the BCCI to point out that it was unfortunate that it was based on a channel report that was not factually correct. Richardson has not criticised in the manner it has been portrayed," Lorgat said. Lorgat also refuted suggestions that the differences over the DRS are adversely affecting the ICC`s ties with the BCCI. "We share an excellent relationship with the BCCI. We have to accept that there will be difference of opinions from time to time but we are mature enough to work through this," he said. Reacting to Dhoni`s criticism of DRS, Lorgat said all players should respect the umpire`s verdict. "I think it is a pretty obvious scenario that whether the umpire gives you out with or without DRS, it is a judgement call by the umpire. All players always accept the decision of the umpire," he said."As for bilateral events, the two nations agree on the use of DRS and that is the position that currently stands.” On whether it will be made mandatory for the nations to follow the DRS, it is something we are discussing for the future depending on how we progress and the availability of the technology. "The fundamental purpose of the DRS is to avoid a clear mistake. I think, nobody disagrees with the purpose with which it is in operation. We have got to respect the umpire`s decision," he added. ICC plans to cut the number of teams at the World Cup to 10 from the 2015 edition and Lorgat said the governing body was working out the qualification process. "The decision to go around with 10 teams was very well thought through. We are discussing the merits and the process for qualification to the World Cup. We will consider that in ICC`s next executive council meeting. The qualification process that we want is robust enough." “It is no doubt that any team that qualifies goes through," he said. "World Twenty20 Championship will be played every alternate year. In my view there will be more opportunity for them to get to the global stage. Every two years we should see six more developing nations coming to the global stage. We still discuss the possibility of qualification process.We want the best 10 teams to figure in the World Cup," he added. PTI