Aleem Dar supports use of controversial video referral system

Karachi, Nov.21 (ANI): International umpire of the year, Aleem Dar has backed the International Cricket Council's (ICC) controversial umpire referral system, saying it would help reduce pressure on the umpires on the field.

"I know some umpires don't agree with this system but I think it will help reduce the chances of mistakes made on the field," The Daily Times quoted Dar, as saying.

Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a function here, Dar said he had always supported the use of any technology that made the lives of umpires easier.

"It is a tough job out there nowadays, and the review system is helpful for the umpires if used properly," he said.

Despite the refusal of several countries, Australia has decided to go ahead with the new video review system for umpires in the coming season.

While both India and South Africa have rejected the ICC approved referral system, UDRS, Australia would use it in this summer during the Test series against Pakistan and West Indies.

According to the new system, players can ask on-field umpires to consult a colleague with access to ball-tracking technology before making the final decision.

In addition, either the fielding captain or dismissed batsman will be able to request a review of a decision.

The third umpire will need a 'high degree of confidence' that a decision is incorrect, otherwise the original decision will stand. Each team will be allowed two unsuccessful reviews per innings, down from three when the system was first used for trial.

The ICC, however, has backed the system saying it would help eliminate the 'glaring' errors.

"They are the ones that cause the most problems with player behaviour and media comments and they are the ones that are most embarrassing for umpires when they see them later," an ICC spokesperson had said earlier. (ANI)