Haven`t been able to achieve uniformity on DRS: Lorgat

Dubai: The ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat on Saturday admitted that one of the disappointing aspects of year 2011 was not being able to reach a consensus regarding the use of Decision Review System (DRS) for international matches, despite majority of players in favour of technology.

DRS has been the topic debate ever since Australian batsmen Michael Hussey and Ed Cowan were given out by the on-field umpire despite TV replays showing otherwise. Even Zaheer Khan could have got Ricky Ponting leg before as television replays showed that the batsman was plumb in-front. "... We have not achieved uniformity or consistent application of the Decision Review System (DRS) even though a vast majority of the players would like to have it," Lorgat was quoted as saying in the ICC media release. Another major low according to Lorgat was Pakistan trio of Salman Butt, Mohammed Aamer and Mohammed Asif being found guilty of spot-fixing. "A major lowlight would be the sentencing of the three Pakistan players after having been found guilty of spot-fixing. "It was significant that the independent tribunal banned Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir from the game for 10, 7 and 5 years, respectively and then later the courts in the United Kingdom finding them guilty of criminal offences and sentencing them to jail terms." The chief executive was all praise for the World cup jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. "I think 2011 will be most noted for being the World Cup year that was spectacularly hosted in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka and for the host nation India winning it after some 28 years. I can clearly recall those magical scenes in Mumbai after India had won the World Cup." According to Lorgat, the year was an exceptional one for Test cricket also. "Notwithstanding, it has been an exceptional year with Test cricket coming to the fore very strongly. There has been a lot of speculation about its enduring attraction, but we have seen some fascinating Test matches and I think it has well and truly confirmed its place in the hearts and minds of players and fans who continue to enjoy it," the release stated. Another disappointment for him was not being able to organise the World Test Championship in 2013. "I referred briefly to the Test Championship and my disappointment that we did not agree to 2013 being the inaugural year and instead postponed it to 2017." PTI