Twitter poll instead of toss, shorts in hot weather: Is ICC pulling an April Fools’ prank?
April 01, 2019
The International Cricket Council has kicked off Monday morning with a series of bizarre announcements that has us wondering if they are indeed celebrating April Fools’ Day in all its might.
"As part of our efforts to make the game more appealing to younger generations, the ICC will be applying both numbers and Instagram handles to kits from the beginning of the World Test Championship," the ICC posted a thread on Twitter.
"In further changes ahead of the World Test Championship, the tradition of the coin toss will be replaced by a @Twitter poll, allowing fans at home to decide who bats and bowls!"
"Should the temperature reach 35°C, the ICC's updated playing conditions will allow all Test players the option to wear shorts."
"In a move to bring fans even closer to the sport, broadcasters will have the option to position commentators on the field of play behind the slips cordon."
"After taking a catch, the fielding team will be permitted to complete a 'Double Wicket Play' by running out the other batsman."
"Two minor changes will be made to cricket terminology with no balls and dot balls to henceforth be known as 'Faults' and 'Aces'."
"Runs scored in the evening session of day/night Tests will count double, creating a new and exciting strategic element."
"And finally, should teams be level on the World Test Championship table, the first tie-breaking criteria will be 'Away Runs.'
So which of these initiatives are you most looking forward to? #CricketNotAsYouKnowIt," the ICC ended its bewildering thread with a question to the fans.
Quite a lot to take in, isn't it! But today is April Fools' Day, so the ICC may just have pulled the biggest prank ever on the fans.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan is actually liking some of the suggestions.
"Please don’t disappoint me and say this is an April Fool ... Social media handles on the back of Test Shirts is exactly what should happen ... Love the idea ... #OnOn," he posted on Instagram.
