Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Umpiring & Referral System: How Far is the System Effective?

With the advent of latest technology umpiring in Cricket has indeed moved to the next level. There was time when the Umpire in the field had to take the hard decisions of certain situations like run out, catch out, no ball, lbw and others. But now in critical cases, the umpire in the field can make a gesture to the third umpire sitting with all the latest gadgets, technological and graphical improvements to make provide a decision in such matters. This is called Umpiring referral system. In this system the two umpires in the field can seek the help of third umpire in crucial situations. Off late the players too have been given the power to question or request an umpire to review a decision if he or she feels that it is wrong. But there have been lots of questions to this Umpiring & referral system.

There have been many instances when players didn’t find the umpire referral system full proof. Veteran batsman and legend Sachin Tendulkar didn’t find the system a full-proof system when he had encountered several areas where the system failed to give right decisions or has not been utilized to the level. But Haroon Lorgat, the ICC Chief Executive had different views. He said that this system had indeed improved the game and had helped making correct decision in crucial situations.

The main idea behind the umpiring & referral system is to provide adequate help to the umpires to take correct decisions and at the same time bring in more authentications to the game. According to ICC officials the correct decision percentage has been more than 90% with the introduction of this system. But with increasing questions and doubts by players like Vetori, Tendulkar, Sri Lankan players and other prominent figures, the ICC’s Cricket Committee would be taking further decisions on the subject in May when it would meet and set onward proposal to Executive Board in the month of June 2009.

The future of the umpiring referral system is still hanging and the discussion will take place when a group of experts and leading administrators will gather here Lords to take a better decision and make it more practical for correct decisions by umpires. The future of such controversial referral system will now be up for discussion and the two day’s meet of the ICC Cricket Committee will have a major say in the issue. They would look forward to adopt the system permanently in International matches and trails would be conducted in the four day test series in the coming months.

The system also gave players the opportunity to request a review by the third umpire on a decision taken by the on field umpire/umpires if the player believes that the decision is wrong. This is the first time that in occurred in the history of cricket where players are allowed to challenge a decision. On a player’s referral the third umpire would provide information back to the umpire on the field only to be decided by him whether or not to reverse his decision. In most cases the umpires were unable to go against the decision or advice given by third umpire. Everything will be clear about this referral system once the decision are taken by the committee and the rules would come into force from June.

Summary: There have been many instances when players didn’t find the umpire referral system full proof. Veteran batsman and legend Sachin Tendulkar didn’t find the system a full-proof system when he had encountered several areas where the system failed to give right decisions or has not been utilized to the level. But the ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat had different views.

An Overview on Umpiring & Modern Technology

The introduction of electronics and technology as third umpire or fourth umpire is thought as in invasion to the glory of cricket to some school of thought. But there is another school which feels that the use of technology especially in decisions taken by umpires is just a practical implement of the game to make correct decisions. There had been lots of instances in the past when umpire’s wrong decisions prevented players from making records, scoring good runs and teams losing games. Now with the blend of umpiring and modern technology there is little chance of such mistakes and there would more practical way to take decisions in crucial situations.

In cricket the umpire is actually a symbol of neutral and unbiased decisions that are taken in the game to judge situations. But in many instances the umpires fell from grace and the umpires simply started losing the confidence on the pitch. Therefore the ICC felt that there was need of enhanced role of an impartial electronic umpiring on cameras which would help the umpires take fair decision and also put a practical approach in the game. The ICC is looking forward to the referral system of umpiring in which the electronic umpiring would have more efficacy of electronic umpiring over human umpiring.

Will modern technology improve umpiring system of cricket?
To err is human! There are certain instances in the game when human minds and senses cannot work so quickly and effectively to make correct decisions. The cricket world is basically unhappy with caught behind appeals, LBW outs, close ground caught, run between wicket outs, and others. The modern technology with advanced software and innovative system can help umpires to have a better look at the situation and take correct decisions on the appeals. Therefore umpires must not feel that introduction of such umpiring and modern technology is a way to cut their roles. It is actually a helping hand to them to make the game more practical and fruitful. There won’t be any chances of people and players getting dejected from wrong decisions.

On a sudden appeal the umpire on the on field raises his hand and point the index finger top, indicating the batsman out. But the replay on TVs and other screens show that there is no touch of the ball to bat or handle. When the player sees the replay later on he feels dejected and losses the spirit of the game and the spectators too lose the rhythm of the sport. Wrong decisions have negative impacts on player and people. Therefore there needs to be a fair system where decisions taken are correct and practical. Armoring umpires with modern technology is actually a way to take the game to more spirited level. Thus, modern technology will definitely improve umpiring system.

Summary: The use of technology especially in decisions taken by umpires is just a practical implement of the game to make correct decisions. There had been lots of instances in the past when umpire’s wrong decisions prevented players from making records, scoring good runs and teams losing games. Modern technology will definitely improve umpiring system

Twenty/20 Trend in Cricket: Changing the Face of Cricket!

Cricket, the bat and ball game is one of the oldest sports in the world and has its origin in 16th century in England. By the 18th century the sport developed so much that it came to the point of becoming the National Sport of England. And the expansion of British Empire spread this once colonial recreational sport into a spirited game to all corners of its empire. Today Cricket seems to be virtual lifelines of many Commonwealth Nations.

Twenty20 Cricket Trend
After going through lots of phases and changes today cricket has reached another platform which is creating a lot of craze among cricket lovers. Twenty/20 Trend in Cricket changed the game forever and people now like this short period of game. The modern trend of cricket has been brought about by this mode of game where the cricketers get new things like free hits, stump hitting in case of ties and other measures to make this game more exciting and elating.

The Twenty20 cricket one day cricket was first introduced by England and Wales Cricket Board in the year 2003. And the first Twenty20 cricket match was played by Women’s cricket team in 2004. The Twenty20 cricket is all about 20 overs instead of 50 overs that are played in One Day International Cricket. The new form of game now can be completed in just three hours of time and this is very much enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

Popularity of Twenty20 Cricket
Most Twenty20 cricket games are played in the evening to attract family spectators and those who would like to have recreation after hard day work. There are groups called cheerleaders like in Basketball and Baseball games that dance and play musical instruments during exciting moments like hitting a six, crossing a boundary or fall of wicket. The new form of game has taken the world of cricket by storm and it is now ruling in countries like Australia, England and India. The high adrenaline action and appeal of the game could pull a younger crowd towards it.

There are various reasons for which the twenty20 cricket trend is popular among people. The game unlike One Day International doesn’t take whole day of yours to enjoy it. A match between two teams just hardly takes three hours to finish. It is more exciting and enthralling. There is less strategy and less thinking, only power play and quick decisions. The popularity of the game shot in very short periods that ICC organized Twenty20 World Cup Cricket Championships in 2007 and India beat Australia to become the reigning team of World in Twenty20 matches. The next ICC Twenty20 World Cup is scheduled in June 2009 at England. With this Twenty20 trend in Cricket, the Gentlemen’s Game is really going in a different direction. The popularity of the game can be judged from the fact that America is now going to hold APL in this year.

Summary: After going through lots of phases and changes today cricket has reached another platform which is creating a lot of craze among cricket lovers. Twenty/20 Trend in Cricket changed the game forever and people now like this short period of game. There is less strategy and less thinking, only power play and quick decisions. The popularity of the game shot in very short periods that ICC organized Twenty20 World Cup Cricket Championships in 2007.

How to Choose a Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin?

Do you have sensitive skin? Are you afraid of using any moisturizer on your skin? Do you know there are special moisturizers designed for sensitive skin and you do not have to use just any of moisturizer? Sensitive skin moisturizers are made of special ingredients that do more than just moisturizing your skin. Here are a few useful tips on how to choose a moisturizer for sensitive skin.

First of all, you should understand that because you have sensitive skin, you CANNOT use any good moisturizer. Sensitive skin moisturizers must contain special ingredients that help in the production of elastin and collagen. These two elements are essential skin proteins to give a healthy skin. However, you should not go for a collagen cream, as it will not work. The molecules of this kind of collagen are too big for your skin to absorb. You have to stimulate your body to produce natural collagen and this can be achieved by sensitive skin moisturizer that is designed to do so.

There are certain scientifically proven products that can help increasing the production of collagen and elastin in the body. These include Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 and Cynergy TK. These two products are very effective moisturizers, especially for the sensitive skin. They help in boosting collagen production in the skin and thus make it more beautiful than ever. Other properties of these two elements are that they are hypo-allergic and gentle on the skin. This makes them the best sensitive skin moisturizer. You should look for these two skin care ingredients when choosing the best moisturizer for sensitive skin.

Other ingredients that are beneficial for sensitive skin comprise Shea butter, Phytessence Wakame and Jojoba Oil. All these elements enhance the beauty of your sensitive by nourishing it in a proper way, without affecting its health. However, you should ensure that the sensitive skin moisturizer that you are buying does not have harmful chemicals or ingredients in it along with these natural ingredients. This may harm your delicate skin and make it irritable.

Besides this, there are certain things that MUST NOT be there in a moisturizer that you are buying for your sensitive skin. The sensitive skin moisturizer should not contain any kind of fragrance. This is because any perfume or fragrance can cause irritation to your skin. These fragrances are made of certain chemicals that could be harmful for your skin. They may cause not just irritation but hyperactivity and depression too. So, you should avoid such moisturizers. Moreover, any good sensitive skin moisturizer should not be made of mineral oils.

Keep these things in mind while choosing sensitive skin moisturizer for healthy and glowing skin. Do not forget to read the instructions on the moisturizer before using it regularly.

Summary: There are many brands available for sensitive skin moisturizer but there are certain ingredients that should be avoided. Most often, people look for some special ingredients in the moisturizer but do not the affects of the harmful ones that are also present. Knowing about those harmful ingredients that should not be present can make the task easier.

The Reasons behind Popularity of Cricket

The origins of cricket can be traced back to Tudor times in early 16th-century England. This one time colonial recreational activity is now the most popular form of sport in the Commonwealth Nations. Since the last few decades after the sport was televised it became the next popular entertainment to Football that could be enjoyed sitting at home. Today cricket is one of the most popular sports among youngsters, middle aged and even aged class of people. Cricket is hogging all the money and bandwidth and because of this other sports are often neglected is some countries like India. What are reasons of popularity of this game?

The first and foremost reason which critics point out is – media gives more attention to the game! The media gives a lot of preference to the players of the game and the game itself. Countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri-Lanka consider this sport as in their blood. So, the media takes the right opportunity to push it forward and create a kind of zeal among cricket lovers. But media is not the only reason to make this game popular. Simply media cannot be pushing forward a game to the zenith without the mass having some interest in it. Cricket is perhaps a sport which can be played the most casual way in any place. It is a game anybody can play without any prior requirements or special techniques for general recreation.

A long corridor of your home can be a place to play the game between two brothers. It is everywhere – in constricted spaces in apartment complexes, urban townships, and places which can be made the best use of space. Even an L shaped compound too can be a place to play this game without much trouble. Considering other sports they are not as flexible as cricket and cannot be played as freely as cricket.

The gentlemen’s game again requires minimum equipment to play it anywhere. You just need a ball, a pair of slippers for stumps, a bat and little equipment to start it anywhere and get the complete recreation of the game. But, if you ask why not football, basketball or something other then the simple answer you get is that you need specialized surfaces for it. Cricket is a game that survives in all mediums, platforms and climatic conditions to some extent too.

There have been many floating theories around which tell why cricket is the most popular sport in Commonwealth countries. Another popular theory that is put forward by experts is that Cricket tries to adapt to changing needs of people and that’s why the sport is very popular. There was a time when test matches were considered popular, then came 60 over matches; then there was an era of one-day internationals and now the Twenty20 cricket. These changes have been around with the changing lifestyle, needs, and time factor of people.

Summary: The first and foremost reason which critics point out to the popularity of cricket is – ‘media gives more attention to the game!’ There have been many floating theories around which tell why cricket is the most popular sport in Commonwealth countries. Cricket is perhaps a sport which can be played the most casual way in any place.