Cricket chiefs back mandatory video umpires

Cricket chiefs have backed the mandatory use of video umpires in Tests and one-day internationals - a year after they were made optional. The International Cricket Council's (ICC) chief executives' committee said independent tests had proved the reliability of the Decision Review System (DRS), which incorporates ball-tracking and "hot spot" thermal imaging. "We have made good progress in independently testing ball-tracking and the new enhancements have resulted in the CEC unanimously supporting the ICC Cricket Committee's recommendation to universally apply the DRS in all Test matches and ODIs," said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat. The recommendation for compulsory DRS — provided host countries can afford the equipment — will now be considered by the ICC Board, which is meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur. Optional DRS has caused confusion and controversy over the past year, including complaints during India's tour of England, when the visitors refused to allow it. On Sunday, Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore complained about the absence of DRS in the first Test against Sri Lanka — reportedly due to cost issues — after a rash of umpiring errors.