Umpires lose power

The ICC is believed to be about to take the right to terminate a cricket match away from the umpires, handing it to the match referees instead.

In a move which should avoid repetitions of the “Hairgate” debacle, ICC chief executives recommended the change during a two day meeting in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. ICC President Percy Sonn, CEO Malcolm Speed, and cricket comittee chairman Sunil Gavaskar were also in attendance.

A final decision will be made at a similar meeting in South Africa, in March.