DRS will be more acceptable once players get the rules

Chennai (PTI) The mixed response it is generating
at the World Cup notwithstanding, the International Cricket
Council Saturday said the controversial Decision Review System
is here 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 told reporters here.
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.

SPORT-ICC-DRS 2 LAST
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.