Despite criticism, ICC to use Spidercam in T20 Cup

The controversial Spidercam, which has been criticised by India’s limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, would be used during the upcoming World Twenty20 Championship but it won’t disturb play, ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said on Thursday.

“Yes, we are going to use Spidercam during the World T20 championship. We will make sure it does not interfere with play. We have guidelines for its usage,” said Richardson at an event.

The spidercam had interfered with play during the fifth and final India-Australia ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 23 as well as during the previous Test series between the two countries Down Under. Test skipper Virat Kohli upper-cut Australia pacer John Hastings for a boundary in the 19th over of the Indian innings at the SCG, but it was declared a dead ball after hitting the camera. The visitors chased down a 331-run victory target to end their losing streak in the ODI series that they lost 1-4, but India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was of the view that such interference could affect the results of close matches.

Meanwhile, Richardson said the ICC was keen to make pitches during the World T20, to be hosted by India in March-April, in such a way that they will encourage attacking play. “As far as we are concerned about preparations of pitches, we want to make sure pitches are fast. We want to encourage attacking brand of cricket with the bat or the ball. We are very confident that in the World T20 championship we will witness attacking and entertaining brand of cricket of the highest quality,” he said.