- NEW DELHI — The
International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering altering the rules with the
use of two new balls in ODI cricket in a bit to balance the game for bowlers.
- While this isn't a complete reversal of the current Playing
Conditions (PCs), the potential change is designed to give bowlers an edge by
reintroducing the possibility of reverse swing. Additionally, the ICC is
exploring the introduction of in-game clocks for Test matches to help regulate
over rates and is also evaluating the idea of transitioning the men’s Under-19
World Cup to a T20 format, Cricbuzz reported.
-
- The recommendation is set to be reviewed during the ongoing
ICC meetings in Zimbabwe.
Also read: Wins for Niuland, Kohima in Late G Rio inter-district cricket tournament
-
- The proposal to phase out the second new ball in ODIs
reportedly stems from the ICC Cricket Committee. As per the suggested change,
teams would start with two new balls but would have to choose one to continue
with from the 25-over mark onward. This means that while the rule isn't being
entirely scrapped, it would help reintroduce reverse swing - a feature that's
been missing due to the prolonged shine on two newer balls.
-
- The two-ball rule has faced significant criticism, with
legends like Sachin Tendulkar labelling it detrimental to the game. Tendulkar
argued that using two new balls prevents them from ageing enough to allow
reverse swing, a crucial skill especially during the final overs. He has long
advocated for a better balance between bat and ball in ODIs.
-
-
- "Having two new balls in one day cricket is a perfect
recipe for disaster as each ball is not given the time to get old enough to
reverse. We haven't seen reverse swing, an integral part of the death overs,
for a long time," Tendulkar had famously said in a social media comment
some years ago.
-
- Former fast bowler Brett Lee has also publicly backed
Tendulkar’s stance on the matter.
-
- Led by Sourav Ganguly, the Cricket Committee seems to have
conducted a thorough evaluation. In the past, the white ball would often
deteriorate or lose its colour by the 35th over, prompting umpires to replace
it. Under the proposed system, a single ball could be used for up to 37-38
overs by the end of an innings, as opposed to the current setup where each of
the two balls is used for only 25 overs.
