Cricket rules: ICC to replace coin toss with Twitter poll, allow double-wicket play?

Cricket fans were taken by surprise on Monday when the sport's governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) recommended a few changes to the way cricket is being played currently. The ICC took to Twitter on Monday to inform fans the new changes it proposes to bring in place, including replacing coin toss with Twitter poll to decide who gets to bat first. 

Another interesting change is the that the ICC would now allow what is known as a "double wicket play". "After taking a catch, the fielding team will be permitted to complete a 'Double Wicket Play' by running out the other batsman," the ICC tweeted. 

Other proposals include allowing test players to wear shorts in scorching temperature and positioning of commentators on the field, and replacing the terms 'no balls' and 'dot balls' with 'faults' and 'aces'.

Another important recommendation that stood out was that in Tests, runs scored in the evening session of day/night of the match will now be counted as double.

In addition, the ICC is also mulling to introduce "away runs" as a criteria for breaking ties in Tests. "And finally, should teams be level on the World Test Championship table, the first tie-breaking criteria will be 'Away Runs.'"

The proposals will change the current dynamics of cricket, a sport that is gaining popularity across the world. 

Happy April Fools' day, to all our readers, especially cricket fans!