PTI

Colombo, Jul 24: Dispelling fears about the umpire referral system, the International Cricket Council on Wednesday said the new technology is just an extension of appealing and the on-field match official would continue to have the final say.

Defending the referral system, which debuts with the first India-Sri Lanka Test starting today, Dave Richardson, ICC General Manager of cricket assured it would not affect umpires' status.

"The umpire's word is still final but this is an extension of appealing," Richardson told reporters here.

Richardson said the new technology will put to rest any allegations ofbiased officiating as the players will now be able to refer on-field decisions to a third umpire.

There will be 22 cameras for monitoring at the Sinhala Sports Club here to assist in facilitating the decision-making process and for first time 'Virtual Eye' systemwill be used for line decisions for reviewing leg before decisions.

"The way we look at it, is, what's better or what's worst for the game.

"The umpires making mistakes and being accused of cheating, teams threatening to leave the country and flying home and boards criticising the umpires? Or a system where the umpire is given an opportunity to review his own decision and make a final decision himself?" Richardson asked.

Under the new system each side will be allowed three challenges in each innings and the number of challenges remains intact if a decision is reversed using the system.