After years of controversy, ICC has finally decided to remove the decision of soft signal. Soft signal is a decision taken by the on-field umpires who saw the act in straight. If no confirmed evidence is available in the camera. The soft signal decision made by on-field umpires stands. The third umpire shares the same decision. This rule will be removed from the international cricket with the start of the World Test Championship Final 2023.
England test cricket skipper Ben Stokes said that
‘ICC should get rid of the soft signal. And let the 3rd umpire who has all the technology make the decision when the on-field umpires send it upstairs. This isn’t a comment on the decision FYI,”. England’s red-ball skipper Ben Stokes However, it took ICC these many days to remove this rule.
ICC on soft signal rule
According to ICC rules, a “Soft Signal is the visual communication by the bowler’s end umpire to the third umpire. Accompanied by additional information via two-way radio where necessary. To third umpire of his/her initial on-field decision prior to initiating an Umpire Review”
The rule further states that
“Should both on-field umpires require assistance from the third umpire to make a decision. The bowler’s end umpire shall firstly take a decision on-field after consulting with the striker’s end umpire. Before consulting by two-way radio with the third umpire. Followed by a Soft Signal of Out or Not out made with the hands close to the chest at chest height. If the third umpire advises that the replay evidence is inconclusive. The on-field decision communicated at the start of the consultation process shall stand.”
