Run out ruled changed or ICC saving time?:Third umpire not being referred to for every appeal

A significant change related to umpiring on run outs is being seen in the T20 World Cup 2026. This time, the third umpire’s help is not being taken for every run-out appeal. In cases where the run-out is clear and obvious, the field umpire himself has given a decision, whether a particular appeal is out or not out. While this might seem that there has been a rule change, the International Cricket Council seemed to have implemented this change with the objective of maintaining the pace of the match and making the umpiring process more practical. Understanding this with 2 examples 1. Decision given immediately on Usman Khan’s run out Two consecutive run-outs were witnessed in the last over of Pakistan’s innings against America. At 19.4 overs, Saurabh Netravalkar bowled a full-length delivery outside the off-stump. Usman Khan couldn’t connect with the bat, and the ball went straight to the wicketkeeper. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi called for a quick single. Usman didn’t respond, and both batsmen ended up at the same end and Netravalkar took out the stumps at the bowlers’ end. The situation was absolutely clear; the batsmen were out of the crease. The field umpire immediately gave a run out without any referral. 2. Risk of the third run, Abrar out Exactly two balls later, at 19.6 overs, Pakistan suffered another blow. This time, Shaheen Afridi slogged a full delivery towards deep mid-wicket. Two runs were completed easily, but the attempt for the third run proved costly. A fast throw from deep came directly to the keeper’s end. Shaheen could not reach the crease. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed, who was at the non-striker’s end, had left the crease, so he was run out. Here too, the matter was clear, so the field umpire gave the decision himself. Earlier, almost every run out appeal went to the third umpire In the old system, almost every run-out appeal, no matter how simple the case, was referred to the third umpire. Field umpires directly sought the help of the TV umpire, and the final decision was given after watching the replay. This often stopped play even in cases where the outcome was already clear. On-field umpires taking more responsibility in T20 World Cup In the new system, responsibility has been divided between the on-field umpires and third umpire based on circumstances. If the batsman is well out of the crease, the bat has not reached behind the line, and the situation is clear at the time of the throw, then the field umpire can give a decision without referral. However, if the matter is close, whether the bat was in the air or on the ground, when the bails fell, and a frame-to-frame investigation is required, then the decision is sent to the third umpire. Impact on the pace of the match The biggest impact of this change has been on the pace of the match. Unnecessary referrals are reduced, saving time and maintaining the natural tempo of the match. ICC believes that on-field decisions in clear cases keep the game flowing more, while the use of technology in close decisions maintains balance. However, the debate over this experiment continues. Some experts believe that in the age of technology, watching every run-out on screen could be a safer approach, as it reduces the possibility of human error.