Soft Signal in Cricket: Understanding the Role of Umpires’ Calls
In cricket, the soft signal plays an important role when on-field umpires make close decisions, particularly for catches and boundary calls. The soft signal is a preliminary decision made by the on-field umpire before referring the decision to the third umpire for further review. While the third umpire uses technology to review the incident, the soft signal provides a guiding point and can influence the final decision. In this guide, we’ll explore what the soft signal is, how it works, and why it has become a subject of controversy in modern cricket.
What Is a Soft Signal in Cricket?
A soft signal is an on-field umpire’s initial decision about an incident, such as a catch or boundary, when they are uncertain about the outcome. Before referring the decision to the third umpire, the on-field umpire makes a call based on their observation. This call is communicated to the third umpire, who then reviews the incident using available technology (e.g., replays, ball-tracking, or edge detection).
For example, in the case of a disputed catch, if the on-field umpire is unsure whether the catch was clean, they may signal “out” or “not out” as a soft signal before referring the decision to the third umpire. The third umpire’s review then begins with this soft signal as a reference point.
How Does the Soft Signal Work?
When an on-field umpire makes a soft signal, they base their decision on what they observed in real-time. The soft signal can be either "out" or "not out." Once the soft signal is given, the third umpire uses technology to review the footage and decide whether there is conclusive evidence to overturn the soft signal.
If the third umpire finds clear evidence that the soft signal was incorrect (e.g., the ball touched the ground before a catch was completed), they can overturn the decision. However, if the available technology does not provide conclusive evidence, the third umpire will uphold the original soft signal.
1. Conclusive vs. Inconclusive Evidence
The key factor in the soft signal process is whether the third umpire finds conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field umpire’s decision. If the evidence is inconclusive—meaning that the replays or technology do not provide a definitive answer—the third umpire must stick with the soft signal.
2. Examples of Soft Signal Decisions
Soft signals are often used in the following situations:
- Contested Catches: When a fielder claims a catch near the ground, and the umpire is unsure whether the ball was cleanly caught or grounded.
- Boundary Decisions: When the ball is close to the boundary, and the umpire is uncertain if it touched the boundary rope or fielder.
The Role of the Third Umpire
The third umpire plays a crucial role in reviewing decisions that are referred from the field. While the soft signal provides a starting point for the review, the third umpire uses various technologies, including:
- TV Replays: Multiple camera angles provide different perspectives of the incident.
- Ball Tracking: Used to review LBW decisions and assess the ball’s trajectory.
- Snickometer/UltraEdge: Used to detect faint edges off the bat in disputed catches or LBW reviews.
The third umpire’s task is to use the available technology to determine whether the soft signal was correct. If the evidence is clear, the decision can be overturned. If not, the soft signal remains.
Why Is the Soft Signal Controversial?
While the soft signal aims to provide clarity in tight situations, it has become a topic of controversy in recent years. Critics argue that the soft signal often limits the third umpire’s ability to make the correct call, especially when the technology available does not provide conclusive evidence. Here are some of the key concerns:
1. Limited Camera Angles
In some cases, the camera angles available to the third umpire may not provide a definitive view of the incident. For example, a catch near the boundary might be obscured by a fielder’s body or the boundary rope. In such situations, if the technology is inconclusive, the soft signal may remain the final decision, even if it appears questionable.
2. Reliance on Umpires’ View
The soft signal places a significant amount of trust in the on-field umpire’s initial decision, which is made in real-time and under pressure. Umpires may not always have the best view of the incident, leading to soft signals that are difficult to overturn due to lack of evidence.
3. High-Stakes Matches
In high-stakes matches, such as World Cup games or Test series deciders, a soft signal decision can have a significant impact on the outcome. Players, coaches, and fans have expressed frustration when crucial moments in these matches are decided by inconclusive reviews where the soft signal stands.
Famous Soft Signal Incidents
Several high-profile matches have featured controversial soft signal decisions that sparked debate among players and fans. Here are two famous examples:
1. Virat Kohli’s Catch (2019 India vs. West Indies)
In a 2019 ODI between India and the West Indies, Indian captain Virat Kohli was given out following a soft signal for a contentious catch. Replays suggested that the ball may have touched the ground, but the third umpire could not find conclusive evidence to overturn the soft signal. Kohli’s dismissal became a major talking point, with many questioning the fairness of the soft signal rule.
2. Dawid Malan’s Catch (2021 Ashes)
During the 2021 Ashes series, England’s Dawid Malan took a low catch that was referred to the third umpire. The soft signal was “out,” but replays were inconclusive as to whether the ball had touched the ground. The third umpire upheld the soft signal, leading to heated discussions about the fairness of relying on an umpire’s initial view in such a close call.
Is the Soft Signal Still Relevant?
With advances in cricket technology, including high-definition replays and tools like UltraEdge, some have questioned whether the soft signal is still necessary. Critics argue that the soft signal undermines the third umpire’s ability to make fully informed decisions and that technology alone should determine the outcome of reviews.
However, supporters of the soft signal point out that it provides an important safety net for the third umpire, especially in cases where the available evidence is inconclusive. The soft signal allows the on-field umpire’s judgment to stand in such situations, maintaining the flow of the game and ensuring that decisions are not delayed indefinitely.
Conclusion
The soft signal remains a key aspect of the Decision Review System (DRS) in cricket, helping umpires make close calls in situations where technology may not provide conclusive evidence. While it has sparked controversy, the soft signal ensures that the on-field umpire’s judgment is respected, even when reviews are referred to the third umpire. As technology continues to improve, the future of the soft signal may evolve, but for now, it plays a crucial role in how cricket matches are officiated. For more on how DRS decisions and soft signals impact match outcomes, check out our DRS Decision Impact Calculator to analyze how reviews affect the course of a match.