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"I've been misquoted...": Dalmiya

International Cricket Council chief Jagmohan Dalmiya told Rediff On The Net that he had been misquoted on the subject of rule changes with respect to the third umpire's role.

"The press has been creating misunderstandings," Dalmiya said, interrupting a meeting to clarify the issue. "I've been misquoted, I did not say new rules would become effective on September 1 giving more powers to the third umpire."

The clarification lays to rest fears of an impending face off between the ICC president, and CEO David Richards.

Dalmiya said that he had issued an official statement to the press, which had been entirely misinterpreted. "HOw is it logically possible to have this rule implemented at such a short notice?" Dalmiya asked.

The ICC chief said that extending the scope of the third umpire's powers is an idea that cannot be implemented right away. "It has to go through the experimental phase and only then can it be implemented at the highest level," he pointed out.

"As of now, there are no plans to enhance the role of the third umpire. When and how the new rules might be implemented is yet to be decided," he added.

Dalmiya said that the ICC would take all necessary steps to enhance the game, and if increased use of technology was one of them, so be it.

The ICC chief said that contrary to the impression that he and Richards were speaking in different voices, the latter had actually voiced his support to Dalmiya's decision.

"I'll speak in depth on these matters in a couple of days," he promised, pleading important meetings to cut the telephonic interview short.

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