The
first two ODI encounter between Pakistan and England in the UAE reveal that the
latest ongoing rule of two new balls – one from each end – in One day cricket
is not in favour of Pakistan cricket. Bowling has been Pakistan’ forte in
limited over cricket rather than batting, but the new development deprives them
from this edge on technical grounds.
Introducing
a set of radical changes to one-day internationals, the ICC stipulates the
usage of two new balls, one from each end, from the start of the game. This
would preclude the need for the 'compulsory ball change' after 34 overs, but at
the same time make it virtually impossible for old-ball specialists to benefit
from it.
The
most of the pitches in the subcontinent virtually have nothing for bowlers, so
usually Pakistani bowlers extract assistance from the cricketing circumstances
related to the condition of ball, which is getting-gradually-old and
evaporation of moisture from the surface. The way they command these
circumstances nobody can does, however, the new rule has nullified their
advantage.
Definitely
the ICC devised this rule keeping in mind the bowlers’ benefit but technically
the advantage goes to the new-ball bowlers only. Because bowlers now have to rely
on conventional swing of the ball. While
the pacers, who are creative and strategic, are now unable to get reverse swing
throughout the inning as both balls would be only 25 overs old at the end of
the match.
Similarly
the role of spinners is completely forgotten in this rule. They would also have
to content with orthodox spinning of ball. The balls now take a while to start
wearing out, putting spinners at a slight disadvantage too. Deliveries like “Doosra”
and “Googly” might not get that stinging away-turn, therefore will become
obsolete art in ODIs.
Most
importantly, bowlers now overall have to bank upon style of restricting runs for
their survival in ODIs. And, Pakistani bowlers are not conventional bowlers
they are globally famed as wicket-takers not run-restrictors.
It
is the ICC Cricket Committee which generally devises the rules and regulations
of the game, which are further ratified and approved by ICC’ Chief Executive Committee
and the ICC Board. No Pakistani is in the Cricket Committee. From Pakistan the Chief Operating Officer of
the PCB Mr. Subhan Ahmad and Chairman PCB Mr. Zaka Ashraf represent the country
in the CEC and Executive Board of the ICC respectively. These are the two
members alone in the Council and neither of them have any say in the policy
making of the game.
It
is irony that Pakistan doesn’t have proper representation in the International
Cricket Council. And, those fewer who represent Pakistan in the game’s global
body, neither have experience of the game nor have the know-how about the
structure and strength of Pakistan cricket.
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