Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar recently spoke out against the two-ball rule in One-day International cricket that, he believes, tilted the scales heavily in the batters' favour and taken the sheen off the game.
In late 2011, the ICC changed the new ball rule, allowing the use of two balls alternatively from either end. This means that a single white-ball will only be used for 25 overs in an ODI match.
MORE: Cricket World Cup 2023 full match schedule | Bet on Cricket World Cup matches here!
This move was made to modernise the ODI format, paving a way for more run-scoring opportunities for batters. But it proved to be a bane for the fast-bowlers, making the concept of reverse swing no longer relevant in ODI cricket. For the spinners too, a less scruffed-up ball doesn't grip the surface as well.
'Today’s cricket is fraud' - Shoaib Akhtar comes down hard at the two-ball rule
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar tore apart the two-ball rule as he called today's cricket as 'fraud', reasoning that there is less competition between bat and ball in the ODI format now.
"Today’s cricket is fraud. Batters are scoring 30,000 runs with the introduction of two new balls. Where are Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shane Warne, Saqlain? I respect Sachin Tendulkar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf and Jacques Kallis because they scored runs with soft balls in 50 overs. Only one ball was used. I am with anyone, who is scoring runs," Akhtar said on ProPakistani YouTube channel.
Further, Akhtar clarified that he is not taking credit from those who are scoring runs. But at the same time, he looked down upon the modern-day batters, stating that they would have gotten the idea of how hard it is to bat had they played in pre two-ball era.
"I am happy for those who are scoring runs. I am not that kind of guy who would get jealous. But, you would have got to know if you had played in that era."
Ready to make your predictions and win on the Cricket World Cup? To find all the latest odds, betting and cricket scores and fixtures from India click here
You can also play Dafabet's CWC 2023 predictor game, and win the latest Apple gadget and big INR prizes, by clicking here
