The International Cricket Council on Friday decided to take away the right to terminate matches from umpires and handed it instead to match referees.

Also read: Sonn's term extended to 3 years

The recommendation, suggested by the ICC chief executives' committee in January, was adopted at the two-day board meeting which ened in Cape Town on Friday. It takes immediate effect.

The move follows last year's row at the Oval in England after Pakistan became the first-ever team to forfeit a Test.

"The Board's decision reflects the fact that the match referee is the chief executive of the match, the person who has overall responsibility for the way the game is played and officiated," ICC chief executive officer Malcolm Speed said in a statement.

"This decision does not, however, detract from the on-field role of the umpires and they would, of course, still remain an integral part of the process of awarding a match in those circumstances."